Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I know the Weber smokey mountain is the way to go, but does anyone own a Brinkman smoker? Looking for reviews/opinions?

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

FWIW one of my good buddies does and he loves it, I have never used it but the food he has prepared has been tasty.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I picked up the electric model for $70 at home depot about 2 weeks ago and so far I have only had the chance to use it once. I did like it and I figured it was a really cheap way to get into smoking and see if I like it before taking the plunge to get something bigger.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

There is an awful lot of good Q made on Brinkmans. They need a little modification to help with the air flow and they have a lot of air leaks so temp control is a little less precise, but the can certainly do the job.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I too started with a Brinkmann electric. Then I learned what they mean by low and slow, wasn't sure about what the temps were then, and bought a Chargriller with side firebox. Now I'm hooked. I followed Smokin Gator's links over to BBQ Brethren for even more learning.

Back to the subject in hand, I used it but decided I wanted lower temps and more cooking space and temp control so I went with the Chargriller. Last weekend I needed to do a pork butt for my gf's graduation party and thought about getting it out just because it played nicer in the 40 degree temps I would be working in. Just my opinions. Worth absolutely nothing towards a cup of coffee or anything else of value.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

This is why I was thinking about getting one. Not sure I want the electric model though.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I had the std charcoal one for years. It's great if you don't want to do lots of meat. Smoked many a chicken on that sucker :tu

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I love my Brinkmann. I got it on sale for $140. I have used several other models and after the mods I cheaply did, I wouldn't trade it for anything (well a rotisserie trailer mounted smoker maybe)

Here is what mine looks like:

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...1234/grill.jpg

I can easily put a few racks, shoulders and a couple chickens on it at the same time.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I have been running my top loader brinkman for about 10 years now. And it has the resin coating to prove it :)
It is electric so I get low temps from it. it does leak smoke from around the lid but I just wrap foil around the rim and let her rip.
I would love to have something w/ more capacity and a front loader but for smaller jobs it is great. It can handle a couple of pork shoulders no problem.
Its not always how good the smoker is but who is behind the wheel.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

i have one and i can't say anything bad about it.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I also picked up the electric Brinkman smoker at Home Depot a couple of weeks ago. It sure is an easy, fool-proof way to get into smoking. I've already smoked some spareribs and just yesterday smoked a Boston Butt for 10 hours on it. My very first Boston Butt pulled pork and it came out pretty tasty.
At least with the electric model you can pretty much turn it on and leave it unattended for many hours as the temp remains pretty constant at around 230 degrees......as long as you keep enough water in the pan which generally should last an entire smoking session.

I looked at the WSM (Weber Smokey Mountain) and they were very pricey. I would probably make my own UDS (ugly drum smoker) if I were to ever go to charcoal smoking. They're supposed to be very efficient as far as heat retention and in charcoal usage. Very little charcoal is needed to keep it fired up for several hours without any replenishment.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Mine has a 1/4" gap all the way around between the lid and the body, and my understanding is that it's there for venting smoke out as the lid itself does not have a vent.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

If you have too much smoke escaping, your temp will not stay constant and the heating element will constantly be coming on and burning up your wood chips too fast. It will also let alot of your moisture out.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Good point about too much smoke escaping. I guess under cold, windy conditions this could be a major factor....as far as keeping the temp constant.
I plan on installing a small temp gauge on the lid.

But as far as the heating element is concerned, my unit remains 'on' as long as it's plugged in. I place a cast iron chip box with a mixture of chips and chunks over the heating element. It produces smoke for about 3 hours.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

The internal temperature of the meat at which it stops absorbing flavor from the smoke is a whole nuther can of worms... but it you put 3 hours of quality smoke on most pieces of meat that should give you what you need.:2

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

My thermostat has low-med-high settings. Once it hits a certain temp it will shut off until it needs to come back on again. I stopped using the Cast iron plate. It needed too high of a temp to get the chips smoldering. I, now put handfulls of the damp chips directly on the heating element. Smokes at a much lower temp. I usually run it around 195-200 deg.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

On that note I'm smoking some Tri-Tip this weekend on the Brinkmann. This is going to be good! :D

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I'll be smoking tomorrow and was wondering what temps u guys use. Ive heard 150-180. Any input? I'll be using propane and mesquite.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I am guessing that the elements with a thermostat we older models? I would be interested to see if any knows where a replacement element could be found that has one.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

My Brinkmann Gourmet smoker currently keeps a steady 230 degrees with a full water pan but I guess under cooler outdoor temps that can somewhat vary.

If you want lower temps, one easy way to achieve that is to use a long heavy duty extension cord. The heating element won't burn as hot.

The water in the pan is to keep the temps at a constant level, not to keep the meat moist.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

What he said. I still have one in my harem, but it rarely gets used anymore.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Today Im trying to make jerky for the first time! Im using mesquite and a whole bottom round. Im be keepin the temp at ~150. How long does it usually take to get the chips smoking?

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

You probably aren't going to get any smoke at 150. I would but the temp up until you get some clean smoke. That will probably be around 190.

When I do jerky I put it in the smoker for about an hour and then in the dehydrator for the rest of the time. If you don't have a dehydrator you can use your oven. If you try to do it in the smoker the whole time you will probably end up with shoe leather.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Well i made my first newb mistake. I didnt realise the smoker had a different compartment for the chips i just kinda assumed the bowl sittin on top was the wood bowl. Nope its the catch thing. So i loaded it back up with chips where they are supposed to be and now have alot more smoke lol. Should be interesting lol

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

It is really easy to overdo the mesquite. Just be careful.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Easy to over do it as in too much smoke flavor?

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Yep. That is why I only smoke it for an hour.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Well its all still smoking and gettin pretty done. I think I'll pull it off around 5:30. I just think the stuff I marinated it in could have been better

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

One good thing about making jerky is you get to eat the mistakes!!!

BTW... I use eye of the round. I look for the whole select cryovac ones on sale for $1.99. The lower fat content works great for jerky and they are easy to slice pretty uniformly.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

My dad and uncles are all butchers so they told me to use a whole choice bottom round. Its staying pretty tender and the flavors are finally coming out.

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I know that's the best part of BBQ'n, just keep going to ya get it right :tu

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Just FYI, the bowl is probably your water bowl. to keep the meat from drying out. It creates steam. I usually put in a mixture of 25% applejuice and the rest is the water I used to soak the wood chips.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

The jerky sucks :(. Its way too done and doesnt taste too good. I gotta try it again

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I also use playground sand in mine. Instead of a moist heat it creats a dry heat (duh) that is similar to my offsets.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Some even fill the water pan with concrete.


FWIW, I picked this up from the Weber Smokey Mountain tips and mods site:

Purpose Of The Water Pan

The water pan used inside the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker serves the following purposes:

* Allows For Indirect Cooking
Many people feel that cooking over indirect heat is essential when making barbecue. The water pan acts as a physical barrier between the meat and the direct heat of the hot coals. It also catches the meat drippings that would otherwise hit the coals and flare up, a taste which many people associate with grilled, not smoked, foods.

To cook over indirect heat in the Weber Bullet, put the water pan inside the cooker, suspended by the four grill straps at the bottom of the middle cooking section.

To cook over direct heat, leave the water pan out the cooker. Some would say this is not "real" barbecue, but I believe it is--as long you're cooking "low and slow" in the 225-275°F range. Above these temps, you're getting into roasting and grilling.

* Helps Control Cooker Temperature
Water in the pan makes temperature control easier. If the cooker starts to run too hot, more water will evaporate, consuming extra heat energy and bringing the cooker temperature down. If the cooker starts to run too cool, the thermal water mass can give a little bit of heat back to the cooker. Either way, water moderates cooker temperature and makes vent settings, and thus temperature control, easier.

Water can help you maintain 225-250°F with ease, but it's almost impossible to achieve temperatures like 325-350°F with water in the pan. So, if you want to cook a turkey at 325°F, go with an empty water pan.

* Provides A Moist Cooking Environment
As water in the pan evaporates, water vapor fills the cooking chamber and surrounds the meat before exhausting through the top vent or condensing on the interior walls of the cooker.

There is some debate among barbecuers as to the value of this moisture. Some people believe that it keeps meat moist during cooking, even going so far as to say that it "bastes" the meat. They also point out that water vapor is more efficient at bringing heat to meat than is dry air.

Others say that they cook with a dry water pan and produce barbecue that is very moist, thank you very much.

Still others believe that it depends on what's being smoked. Meats that tend to dry out, like ribs or brisket, benefit from the moisture, while fattier cuts, like pork butt, do not.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

My thoughts exactly :tu

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Besides the tri-tips I'm also going to throw some chicken wings into the smoker.
I've never smoked wings before. Should I crisp them on the grill or in the oven once they've been smoked?

I will be serving these tomorrow night at PDB&G. :D

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Good question, but the answer probably won't come until you pull them off and determine how slimy or not they still are.

I am firing up the pork butt and a couple of whole chickens tomorrow morning. Should be a great day for smoking here.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

PDB&G produced some of the best wings to date last night. I immediately threw them in the oven for just a few minutes to crisp them up, then tossed them in wing sauce.

:D

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I've had a charcoal one for about 20 years. That says it all. Comes with me on every fishing trip.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I would think you would want to smoke the wings first for a short while to get the flavor and then grill them to finish them and prevent a slimy wing.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I did not realize how hot these electric smokers can turn the electrical wiring in your home. Now I'm afraid it can eventually melt the insulation off the copper wiring.
Anyone else notice this?

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

My brick works great!

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Have a WSM for a couple of months. Works like charm. Too easy...

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

I've got one of these and only use it for the rare have to do long term jobs. When I last fired it up I plugged it in to an extension cord that soon became way to hot to touch. I found my heavier duty cord and it runs fine. I just finished up 16 lbs (post cook and pull) of pork shoulder on it but still don't list it on my favorite cooking platforms.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Gator,

Could you please point me towards a good link on that if you have one?

I want a WSM, but I can't afford $400 for a 22.5" WSM right now, so the $39 Brinkmann Smoke n' Grill (natural fuel, vertical smoker) at home depot is rather tempting...

TIA.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

there is a BBQ forum that I have been part of for quite a while, thesmokering.com

I have used it for ideas, mods for my char-griller w/sfb Never steered me wrong :2

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Sorry brother... I don't have a link. Basically though, the SNG has air leaks in the wrong places. You need to seal up the seams and drill some air intake holes in the bottom. There is some info out there... I just don't have it.

BTW... unless you really need the acreage, the 18 inch WSM is a great cooker.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Just short of a dedicated smoker, lots of folks use their 22" Weber kettles for smoking. It can hold low temps reasonably steady for several hours.

Re: Anyone own a Brinkmann smoker
 

Yep... did that for years. It takes a little getting used to for smoking, like any other cooker, but a Weber kettle is a great all around cooker.