Ask the Pack: Smoker Shopping

[RingN2012]

I couldn't find a thread on this so I thought I would create one.
I am in the market for a new charcoal smoker that I can also use as a grill. I would like to keep it at $500 or less, which puts the BGE out of range.
I've seen a lot of mentions about kettle smokers but they don't seem big enough to cook for a big group.
I've been looking at the Old Country BBQ pits but just read that those big offset smokers are tough to maintain the temp. I want one I can get started in the evening and leave going overnight with little to worry.
I also want to be able to use it as a grill.
Any input would be much appreciated. Here is the one I am considering:
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/old-country-bbq-pits-pecos-smoker

Thanks in advance.

 

[57stratdawg]

I have a Backwoods Chubby and love it. It was running $799 when I got mine, but no tax or freight.

It’s dual chambered, water pan included. It’s a little more stable than my BGE. Gets a better smoke ring too.

ETA: Looks like they dropped the price to $749, and it’s out of stock for a couple weeks. I’m not surprised. They make a really nice product.

https://shop.backwoods-smoker.com/collections/frontpage/products/chubby-3400

 

[TrueMaroonGrind]

I have a Backwoods Chubby and love it.

This statement out of context...

 

[dickiedawg]

If you think you'd like a BGE but don't want to spend that kind of money, take a look at the Char-Griller Akorn kamado. It looks like they've crept up in cost a bit but still well under your budget.
I don't really use mine for anything but grilling, but other folks do and you can find tips and all online. When I bought the thing I intended to, I did a couple of shoulders but it's been a while.
It's not a huge cooking surface, but you can cook 12 burgers on it without any trouble.

 

[mstateglfr]

Weber Smokey Mountain 22"
726sqin of cooking surface which is more than the Old Country you linked. Its a vertical water smoker so it is more effective and efficient compared to those massive offset ones. And it easily converts to a grill(low one, if that matters). The water bowl is huge compared to the typical tiny water trays in most smokers.

Obviously just my opinion- buying a grill that is a smoker is a compromise on the smoking side. And buying a smoker that is a grill is a compromise on the grilling side. Whichever way you go- its a compromise. Having a grill and a smoker is way better.
Gas grill to allow for easy prep and use during the weeknights. Charcoal smoker to allow for the great experience of smoking during the weekends.

Charcoal(or wood) fire vertical smokers take more tending than pellet or electric. They are also more fun(again, to me) because of that tending. You can adjust the water and heat source all sorts of ways to get the temp you want.

My view- if you are going to get a charcoal smoker, might as well get one that is efficient. All of them take tending to that depends on the outside weather(rain, wind, temp) during the smoking time. The whole ignoring it overnight thing is great for an electric. Fire should be checked on and adjusted- simple as that.