[vanhoogy]

I am new to the site and yet need lots of help getting starting being a good barbeque-er!  I want to either buy a decent grill or smoker and start really getting into it... can someone give me advice on how they started and what kind of equipment, etc. would be good for a novice?  Thanks,  Scott VH  Mesa,  AZ

[Jaybird]

Hi Scott and welcome. My advice for a smoker is a Weber Smokey Mountain...what we call a WSM. You can get one for about $200-$250 and for the money it is the best smoker you can buy. I have been competing with them for almost 8 years now and still love em. You will also get lots of help to get ya goin. Lot of us use them. Hope this helps.

[Mike (AZBarbeque)]

Scott,

Welcome to the site, great to have you on here.  Hope to meet you soon at some of our events.

Lots of great choices in Smokers, but as Jay said, you can't go wrong with a WSM.  Lots of cooks on here have them and are always willing to provide help, ideas and suggestions.  Now, if you are looking for that big Trailer BBQ Smoker, then the Diamondplates are great as well. 

If you don't see something on here, start a topic and you will get lots of responses.  We do have a lot of great people on here.

We also LOVE pictures over here, so if you have any of your BBQing, post them up.

Welcome again...

[Thom Emery]

For the entry level the WSM or the new Pro Q is a great way to start
we still use the WSM in the RV both a smoker and a small grill

[The Hog Squad]

Heres another vote for the WSM, I wish I would have had one when I started out. They are on sale at Amazon for $199.00 and should be elgible for free shipping.....here is a link.

http://www.amazon.com/Weber-2820-Smokey-Mountain-Cooker/dp/B00004U9VA/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1218590868&sr=8-1

You can lterally be cooking in 30 minutes after it arrives.

The Hog Squad

[VisionQuest220]

Thom used the term "entry level" but don't be fooled by that.  It is the single most popular smoker on the market and many a Grand Championship has been won by teams that use them, including Ol' Jaybird.  My team uses four of them when we compete and we don't have any plans to change our gear.

Buy a WSM.  It will be the best money you'll ever spend to get yourself off on the right foot.

[AzQer]

First off welcome to the site. Next I have to agree with Jay and Vince. I am fairly new to this and I can tell you from my little bit of experience. I stated with an offset then went to a drum then bought a WSM and I have to say I really like the WSM with a little practice you can turn out some really good Meat, and with a lot of practice you can become grand champion.

[Thom Emery]

Entry Level as in cooking for the family and  friends
Amazon has em for $169 now
Catering may lead one to try something bigger

[Jaybird]

Entry Level as in cooking for the family and  friends
Amazon has em for $169 now
Catering may lead one to try something bigger

You need glasses!

[The Hog Squad]

the $169 is if you apply for an Amazon Visa you get the $30.00 off.

The Hog Squad.....

[Thom Emery]

Got glasses yea thats fine print
Heck $199 still is very reasonable

[Jaybird]

I need glasses.

[TOPS BBQ]

Entry Level as in cooking for the family and  friends
Amazon has em for $169 now
Catering may lead one to try something bigger

What's going on Thom - No Spicewine ad?

I never owned a WSM, but I have seen them in action.  Great cookers.  I have Diamond Plat FAT 50 & love the versatility of it.  Depending on what you want do and how you want to cook your food (pellets, wood, coals..etc), will ultimately decide what you will get.  Just remember, when you have something in mind, go the next size bigger.

[VisionQuest220]

I never owned a WSM, but I have seen them in action. 

You'll get to see at least four of them in action this weekend!!!

See you in Fairfield, Robert!!!

[BBQCZAR]

Welcome Scott,lots of graet people and lots of great help here.I agree with Vince and others,start out with a WSM(I have 2 ),you can't go wrong with them,fantastic cookers for begineers or pro's