New and Looking For Suggestions

Kevin

New member
Hi All

Kevin from the Inland Northwest here. I'm in the process of smoking 2 racks of ribs as I type this. But....the ribs are in my 20+ year old Bradley smoker, which my kids got me as a Christmas gift. And it is suffering. The bottom plastic panel, where the heat slider is, was broken in a recent move. It still works, but I have to fiddle with it. I usually smoke in my garage, as I have a nice setup there (see picture) with a heavy duty exhaust fan, sink, and stainless steel counter.

IMG_20250809_171029.jpg

But I need a replacement for the ol' Bradley. It's not built that sturdy, even tho it was build 20 years ago, and build quality has done nothing but go downhill since then, on pretty much everything these days. When I read online reviews of many popular smokers, they have plenty of horror stories. The ones that bother me the most are the ones that discuss shoddy workmanship, poor warranties and bad service. So I'm looking for something reliable, which is how I ended up here.

The Bradley has about 570 sq inches of rack space in 4 racks. I seldom fill these up, but like having the flexibility. As you can see the smoker is sitting on the counter, under the exhaust hood, which is about 30" above the table top. The sink is just to the right. I like having the smoker sitting on the counter, it's much easier to access. After it cools off, I move it under the table. So my new one needs to be light enough that I can pick it up and move it a short distance.

I'm considering the #1, #2 or if I splurge the #2D. What do you recommend? Thanks!
 
Welcome Kevin from SE Arizona. As you say, you seldom fill up your old smoker but like the flexibility (of the extra space). I would get the largest you can afford that will fit beneath your hood and enjoy the 'extra flexibility'.
 
Thank you old sarge. After doing some reading here, I'm leaning toward the #2 with the cold smoker. Can always add the fancy digital stuff later.
 
The #2 will be heavier than the bradley but it is moveable. I have the #1 that I take camping and it is easy to move and weighs about the same as a masterbuilt I use to have. My #3 is on a dedicated moveable stand so I don't have to pick it up.
Get the #2, you will be smoking so much you won't have time to move it.
 
I would go with the #2. I have a #2 analog (about 11 years old now) and I got the rib rack that fits in the smoker. With the rib rack, I can smoke 3.5 racks of BB ribs (cut in half) and get rave reviews!
 
I would go with the #2. I have a #2 analog (about 11 years old now) and I got the rib rack that fits in the smoker. With the rib rack, I can smoke 3.5 racks of BB ribs (cut in half) and get rave reviews!
Thank you, Lonzinomaker and swthorpe. I do a fair amount of ribs, so that rib rack sounds like a good idea. As far as moving, I'll just be lifting it 36" to the tabletop, and then back under the table when done. Will be good exercise!
 
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