sounds like gas then maybe so I'm not limited by the weather. Is the temp easy to hold on gas models?
I started with a cheap vertical brinkman charcoal smoker w/ a water bowl. Not the best but not alot of money either. After alot of use and helping me understand how to keep temps in check, right amount of smoke, etc through trial and error, I know exactly what I am looking for when it is time for an upgrade. Another thing I like is that it travels very easily. I can store all the grates, charcoal, wood chunks even water inside the unit. I can set up shop anywhere and start cooking.
Yeah, for smoking I think charcoal is the way to go. It also adds some flavor along with the smoke.
you can find those cheap brinkman charcoal types in garage sales and craigs list for practicly nothing, paid 3$ for my last one. the propane ones are convenient , easy/fast start and can run a long time on a bbq tank. depends how seriously you want to get into it. a good cold smoker (smokehouse) is time consuming and expensive. all can produce some good tasting food if you do your part.
i use my gas grill as a smoker all the time. i got a cast iron pan i will put my wood chips or chunks in, and i put that over the heat and my meat on the other side. this results in tasting the meat and smoke. i do however have a good ole brinkman smoker that on occasion i will bust out charcoal for. depends on my mood and the amount of time i have to cook. eventually i plan to build a small smokehouse....eventually.
