What is best smoker for someone who knows nothing about smokers?

[crapshooter]

Boy, what an open ended question.  Sorry I'm late; at my daughter's house today.

I'd have to go with the OBS and PID for a basic smoker.  Some say the pucks cost a lot but you get some of the most and best quality smoke from 'em.  There are many times I'll smoke in the OBS and then transfer to another cooker if I want to.  I've had company that don't like a heavy smoke taste.  I think some of that comes from creosote and too low a wood smoking temp.  The OBSW does it just right and stuff, even with 3 hours of mesquite went over quite well.

The Bradley smoker is probably one of the easiest machines to use.  I have a gasser, pellet cooker, Big Easy and some other stuff.  My wife says the deck looks like it belongs to a redneck.  I said "Thanks".  (I have the OBS with old single probe PID.  And, yes, get the hanging probe if you go with it.)

If you want really good quality smoke, go with the Bradley.  You get less smoke out of a pellet machine but nevertheless a good cooker and nice wood-cooked flavor.  A pizza can be awesome.

BTW, each puck burns for 20 minutes.  The digital smoker goes for a maximum time of 9:40.  Someone was too cheap to add an extra digit to the display for 10 + hours.

You really smoke pizza?

[ArnieM]

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You really smoke pizza?
[/quote]

Actually - no.  I was referring to doing the pizza on a pellet machine at 400-450^oF, usually on a baking stone that can handle the temp.  It makes for a great wood baked flavor.

The pizza can of course be loaded up with smoked cheese from the Bradley, sausage, peppers, onions or what have you. 

I apologize if my comment was misleading  :-\

[crapshooter]

Now, I have another question.  Where I will be using this smoker most of the time has no outside power outlet. Is it okay to use a heavy extension cord and power strip?

[squirtthecat]

Now, I have another question.  Where I will be using this smoker most of the time has no outside power outlet. Is it okay to use a heavy extension cord and power strip?

I have a heavy 'contractor grade' drop cord running out to mine.  Works like a charm.

[crapshooter]

Thanks for everyone's help.  Finally going to order the smoker and the precision temperature control.  Had some family problems and got sidetracked for a while. Going with the Bradley Original, ordering it from Cabelas. Seemed like the best price ($233) and the dual probe heat controller.
What type pellets do you recommend? I was considering a box of pecan and a box of hickory to start with.

[Sailor]

You just can't go wrong with Hickory.  Hickory is my main smoke.  I just bought a box of Pecan for my cheese and can't comment on it yet as the cheese is still in the fridge aging.  I bought a 120 box of the Whisky Oak and smoked some snack stix and was pleased with the results.

[crapshooter]

If I bought a Bradley electric smoker it IS the Bradley Original isn't it?  I'm thinking they only make the Original and the Digital.  No where on the site did it call it the Original.

[Sailor]

If it is black and has 4 racks it is the Original.