I have been looking for a new smoker and had decided on a Memphis Pellet Smoker Grill until someone mentioned that I should look at a vertical style smoker such as a Stumps or others. Can someone comment on any advantages/disadvantages of a vertical type smoker (brand is irrelevant for the question) versus a large capacity pellet smoker. Thanks so much.
Vertical Style Versus Pellet Smokers
- Thread starter dms3554
- Start date
TentHunter
Moderator
It depends on what type of cooking you want to do: BBQ-Smoking, Grilling, or something in between.
A vertical smoker is exactly that; a smoker. They are designed for low & slow BBQ'ing, not for grilling (unless you have a penchant for sticking your head in an oven
). This will give you a more predominant smoke profile.
If you tend to do a lot of grilling, and occasional smoking, then the Memphis pellet grill is the way to go. They're known to for their grilling capabilities and are very well insulated so they trap the heat very well. The trade-off is a much lighter smoke profile.
If you want something more in the middle (i.e. more smoke, but be able to do some grilling), then look at the MAK's. They tend to give a better smoke profile (not as heavy as the vertical), but they don't get as hot as the Memphis for grilling.
Hope this helps!
Cliff
A vertical smoker is exactly that; a smoker. They are designed for low & slow BBQ'ing, not for grilling (unless you have a penchant for sticking your head in an oven
). This will give you a more predominant smoke profile.If you tend to do a lot of grilling, and occasional smoking, then the Memphis pellet grill is the way to go. They're known to for their grilling capabilities and are very well insulated so they trap the heat very well. The trade-off is a much lighter smoke profile.
If you want something more in the middle (i.e. more smoke, but be able to do some grilling), then look at the MAK's. They tend to give a better smoke profile (not as heavy as the vertical), but they don't get as hot as the Memphis for grilling.
Hope this helps!
Cliff
TentHunter
Moderator
There you go. The Memphis is probably not the grill for you.
Both the MAK and a vertical will do low & slow very well. So, your choice becomes, which is most important to you; a more pronounced smoke profile, or ease of use.
If the smoke profile is more important, and you don't mind the extra time & work involved in setting up & using a vertical smoker (including the cool-down), then look at those brands that Big Poppa suggested (he knows his stuff).
If ease of use, and time savings is more important, then I suggest looking at the MAK line.
Again, it's really up to want you want from the cooker. Give Big Poppa Smokers a call, they can answer any questions you have, so you can decide which way is best for you!