Time for the big Chief to go.

I will be buying a new smoker. What do you think of the Barbeque/Smoker combos, with access through the top as compared to the standup side entry smokers? I have been checking the Cabela's gas ones out.

I want one that I can control the heat and will work well when it is cold outside.

Thanks.

Mike,
I think the Big Chief is the way to go price wise they are relatively cheap, hold a bunch of fillets an if you buy a water heater jacket (really cheap) they hold the head very well.
Next time you are over take a look at mine. I can do a full load of fish, and smoke it really hard in about 6 hours.

Or you can go with one of the propane fired ones as is found in Cabelas. They'll hold a little more, the heat is adjustable and they'll finish the job a little quicker than the Big Chief.

Luhr Jensen makes an insulated cover specfically for the Big/Little Chiefs. That would help in cool/cold weather.

Personally, I would stay away from the top load. Much easier coming in from the side to check on things and make adjustments as needed.

Propane puts electrics to shame.

I have tried most of them- and the Smokey Mtn. smoker (propane) I bought a few years ago at Costco is far and away the best.

Good heat, good capacity and it gets hot enough to properly smoke chickens, Turkey, etc.

PUSSIES!

Get a Char-grill, with the side-box.
Use REAL WOOD off your wood pile, like Alder, mixed in with a bit of Madrona.. You can do 5 sq feet of smoked salmon fillets in about an hour.

Or you can take the grates off fill it up with charcoal, and whip up a batch of burgers, brats & steaks.

Why settle for that Hank Hill crap?

You can regulate the heat on a Big Chief with newspaper. If it's cold out just layer newspaper (trial and error for amount) hanging down on all sides and plunk a rock on top to hold it in place.

I've got a Bradley........love it. Spendy, but lots of temperature control.

I use a big chief inside an old fridge. Fits perfect.....even the pan handle. I use alder limbs that I cut on the power miter. The oufit cuts time in half and does a perfect job.

I don't care for top loaders as the fillets drag on the sides, which can be an issue.

But then if I had more money and time, I'd probably have more fish, a high end smoker, a bigger boat, a better rod/reel, etc.

I'm not a fan of walmart but I've heard good things about this one:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3342508

I've got the big Smokey Mountain, too...I can do a lot of fish at once, a lot. Once you use a propane smoker, especially in the winter, you'll never go back to electric, that's for sure.

Fish on...

Todd

With my Big Chief, I just put a big cardboard box over it when it's cold outside. Costs nothing, works fine.

Thanks for the help. I think I will go with that Great Smokey Mountain model. I really like the idea of controlling that heat and having the option of smoking other things besides fish and the price is right.

All of the advice is much appreciated.

Mike

I have the same one and couldnt agree with you more Todd. Its awesome works great for chicken and ribs too.