Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => The Fish Kitchen => Topic started by: vancook on February 02, 2011, 01:12:59 PM
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I've been wanted to buy a smoker for my fish and other applications and have been looking at buying a big or little chief. would love a bradley but I can't justify spending that much right now.
Any people who own a big or little chief smoker how do you like them? How do you control temperature and monitor temp? Is there an area to place a thermometer? I know the heat is constant and cannot be turned up or down..so do you spritz water to cool down the chips or what? Any info would be greatly appreciated
Also have you ever smoked anything other than fish in this brand of smoker and did the product turn out well?
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How do you control temperature and monitor temp?
You can't unless you consider unplugging them controlling the temperature. If you want a drier fish it might take days if the fillet is thick. I use to add some glowing charcoals in a can to decrease the drying time. Now I have to other smokers.
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Did you find it did a decent job of smoking fish though?
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We used to use one way back when I was a teenager the fish always turned out okay, but after having a bradley this past season I will recommend you save your pennies for one
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I have both a Big Chief and Little Chief. Both does a good job of smoking my fish.
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Don't throw out the box!
It can be handy to regulate temperature.
Either Chief will be fine and as always your results will largely depend on how good a cook you are the smoker only does part of the job.
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Check this out first; http://www.wellscan.ca/Bradley-Portable-Propane-Smoker.html
According to the specs it is the same size of cooking area as the normal sized bradly but at a much better price AND you can take it camping.... Don't think the little chief can do that.
I've never seen or tried it but worth checking out... goes to 250f so you can do more than smoking fish... Pork, chicken, the list goes on....
Berrys price... $200
The above price... $85!!! :o :o :o :o
Aside that have used the little chief and it works, not in the cold or wind well but the box might help...
Have also built one that was much bigger with just a portable cooking stove element plus some wood that worked well. Although I'd probably use metal for a longer lasting unit and a temp control(easy adjust to whether) but the cost goes up... still cheaper than a bradly though and custom.
And now have a BBQ (7 in 1 functions) that also smokes (can go pretty low temp wise, 120~ easy mid summer) amongst other things.... I like not having to buy pucks as I hear there not cheap....
One advantage to my BBQ style and the little chief is the rack can sit in the fridge to dry properly for best results. The best result I got were from this batch, scroll down a few posts; http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=25148.msg237022#msg237022
I let it sit in the fridge till the pellicle formed properly and I believe it took a min 24hrs and you don't want it sitting out at room temp when it is warm out!!!
Keep this in mind when buying a unit as I'd imagine (have not used) the normal bradly units would have to have something made to put the racks in the fridge... not a big deal... just don't knock it over, lol.
Also check out nog's method... that is where I leaned from.... the master.... I'll NEVER do a slab again!!!!.... unless it is for cooking or something other then eating plain.
Hope this helps,
Doja
PS I've heard that these guys have the best price on pucks too ;)
Planing on putting a steel-head in???..... ;D
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We used to use one way back when I was a teenager the fish always turned out okay, but after having a bradley this past season I will recommend you save your pennies for one
Why don't you recommend he build one with ceder....LOL ;) :D
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Check this out first; http://www.wellscan.ca/Bradley-Portable-Propane-Smoker.html
According to the specs it is the same size of cooking area as the normal sized bradly but at a much better price AND you can take it camping.... Don't think the little chief can do that.
I've never seen or tried it but worth checking out... goes to 250f so you can do more than smoking fish... Pork, chicken, the list goes on....
Berrys price... $200
The above price... $85!!! :o :o :o :o
Aside that have used the little chief and it works, not in the cold or wind well but the box might help...
Have also built one that was much bigger with just a portable cooking stove element plus some wood that worked well. Although I'd probably use metal for a longer lasting unit and a temp control(easy adjust to whether) but the cost goes up... still cheaper than a bradly though and custom.
And now have a BBQ (7 in 1 functions) that also smokes (can go pretty low temp wise, 120~ easy mid summer) amongst other things.... I like not having to buy pucks as I hear there not cheap....
One advantage to my BBQ style and the little chief is the rack can sit in the fridge to dry properly for best results. The best result I got were from this batch, scroll down a few posts; http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=25148.msg237022#msg237022
I let it sit in the fridge till the pellicle formed properly and I believe it took a min 24hrs and you don't want it sitting out at room temp when it is warm out!!!
Keep this in mind when buying a unit as I'd imagine (have not used) the normal bradly units would have to have something made to put the racks in the fridge... not a big deal... just don't knock it over, lol.
Also check out nog's method... that is where I leaned from.... the master.... I'll NEVER do a slab again!!!!.... unless it is for cooking or something other then eating plain.
Hope this helps,
Doja
PS I've heard that these guys have the best price on pucks too ;)
Planing on putting a steel-head in???..... ;D
That smoker looks good but not entirely sure if I want a propane run smoker..perhaps its easier than running an extension cord from my garage. I'll definately do some research on it. I would like the ability to smoke meats as well but if I can only do fish thats ok too. I'm guessing the Big/little chiefs are not capable of smoking meat properly?
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That smoker looks good but not entirely sure if I want a propane run smoker..perhaps its easier than running an extension cord from my garage. I'll definately do some research on it. I would like the ability to smoke meats as well but if I can only do fish thats ok too. I'm guessing the Big/little chiefs are not capable of smoking meat properly?
What are your concerns with propane? If you have a yard just place it away from the house and off the ground so cats can get at it, lol. The same "should" be applied with a little chief too if left unattested.... but I doubt most people do.
Also, looking at it the adapter will fit a larger tank but if you are worried about fire then the smaller tank will have less potential than a larger one. I'd also place the tank away from the unit instead of on top with an extension.
Not much different than a gas fire place... and it should have some safety's built into it...I'd check that fore sure!!! If not then make sure to keep animals out!!!
I use a BBQ one (propane) and it is nice as it isn't too dry which seems to help with making a product that is more consistent. The element heat ones create a dryer heat that is ok but don't over do it... as it is not as forgiving I find.
Been a while but I don't believe a little or big chief and do other meats as they are meant for fish and stuff and not really meant to go over 140~ which is ideal for smoking fish. I believe you need 160f to cook foods safely? You'd know better than me, lol. I've only done fish.
But I'd definitely ask them about the safety features... but if there were none I wouldn't sweat it. Haven't had problems with mine yet... and there are many propane style ones.
Also, Mine has a adapter that goes on the tank so the flow is controlled long before the burner (about 8' away from smoker) so if something happens the flame will be small and of little concern.... I'd think you could do the same to this one if you are worried? :-\
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My concern with that propane model is that it use aluminum covers, looks like foil or something. If you could make a custom box to fit over the racks it could be ok. Definitely like that it can reach 250 degrees, more versatile. Best price is that website for sure. Sells for 99 on the Bradley site.
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Didn't think of that... wonder what the little chief is made out of?
Also I wonder if you can spray an enamel or ceramic type paint that would provide a barrier?
I say this cuz mine is a BBQ/smoker and is probably just steel with paint (I think some kinda of high heat enamel or ceramic or mix) I was going to refinish mine and re-paint cuz it gets a little beat up when I put it in my dish washer, lol. Easy clean though, lol.
Don't know how well it will bond to a non-ridged shell but if it does it's an easy fix
Could also make a ceder box cover... but it "might be" more of a fire risk.... just ask nice fish, lol.
Also when I start a new smoker I`ll do a dry run and coat the inside with smoke resin first just to seal it.
let me know what you do as I'm curious...
Ya, weird how pricing works... Mine was under $100 from wallmart as a trial run (no longer in canada) but from the manufacture it is like $140 plus shipping???
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The chiefs have a thin aluminum casing.
If the aluminum foil cover things were not 25 per pack of 3 I think it's the best deal. I just might have to save up for a Bradley or something similar.
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http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/for/2198947831.html
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/for/2171723317.html
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This is what I have... Not for everybody but I needed a new BBQ and being it does much more I'm quite happy. I modified mine slightly to accommodate more fish and for better results although 1 mod was not needed as I now hang all my fish for better results however I "acquired" some extra parts (another barrel) to double the size... but havn't used it yet...
I'm also thinking of building a larger box to put over top for very large batches of fish but haven't needed it yet...
Here's the link; http://www.masterbuilt.com/prod-smoker7in1.html
Just thought I'd throw out an alternative... and how many people do you know of that have a BBQ/smoker that fits into a dishwasher, LOL. Makes for a real easy clean and is probably the cleanest around!!!
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That's a pretty sweet BBQ. Did you order that online or buy locally? I'm actually looking for a new BBQ as well since my old one is rusting out. Can smoke meat on there and everything. Fish as well of course
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I bought it from walmart oddly enough... It was in the flyer on sale for cheap ($100) and for some reason they were only here for a very short time??? I think people just overlook them as it is well.... walmart and some people wouldn't be caught dead in there. I know costco has one of their products (huge barrel style grill!) and they seem to be a fair sized company in the usa.
You would have to buy from them online OR see if a store in the states (maybe here?) might have them closer and for less.... maybe... A quick check shows no one close has them. However with the economy slowing down people don't stock much anymore but if they have an account they might be able to order in if you ask.
I like it. The flame is a good distance away and not direct so over cooking or flaming is never an issue which I really like (lol). It's a 16" round grill. The only thing about it I will mention is that when cooking on high the flame under neath kinda sounds like a blow torch... Never bothered me but thought I'd throw it out.
It also has a flame disperser tray that is removable for easy, simple cleaning... So easy to clean!
I also put tinfoil around the bottom as when smoking on low the flame can blow out from wind. Best smoked fish I've had came from it.... But I've also perfected my technique. I've even brought it out for a BBQ at the park as it is fairly light (not the tank though, lol.) But they have 5 and 10 pound tanks...
It is a compromise but works in my favor as it is so much more than a regular BBQ. I love the fact that I can put it in my dish washer :D I just take out the top rack and I think I can fit all of it (that I'd want to) in one load. maybe 2.... I forget. But I'm sure it's hard on the paint... But paint is pretty cheap so a light polish and paint touch up here and there is far, far, far easier than re-painting a dirty typical BBQ (hence why they are thrown away). And I suspect that after I re-paint it will be better then factory as I won't go light with the paint... They did like anything else.
Right now it is sitting in my living room and doesn't smell at all!!! Unlike a smoker which you can't (or is hard) to clean. Threw away my old one as it wasn't cleanable and unless you have a garage you can't keep it around.
If you are interested you can borrow it and see what you think before having to buy online without seeing or using it... Not using it much yet. Maybe hit the flow one day and you can take it home with you till you get a feel for it and bring it back on another trip? Have a good feeling that steelhead fishing is going to be good this year... and the best is just around the corner!!!!!!! Last time I did quite well and this year I am far better so hoping for 2-3 fish days!
My email is not hidden so drop a line if interested (in BBQ or fishing or both).
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they do sell them at wholesale sports in Langley
http://ca.wholesalesports.com/storefront/cookware/smokers/7-in-1-smoker/prod167864.html
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Hmm, I buy mine for $100... on the site you can order (probably tax free) for $139+ shipping... and they want $239 plus tax.... Sounds kinda like a rip off :-\
If they price match then I'd be impressed but not at the moment...
PS, I've found stuff cheaper in Canadian tire on regular price than in wholesale sports (only been there once and that's it!).... and Canadian tire is not known to be a good price unless on sale.
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Yeah I was just posting a link, i've never actually been to wholesale sports but I browse their website
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Yeah I was just posting a link, i've never actually been to wholesale sports but I browse their website
It's a good alternative... Just funny how everything has gone down in price but this goes up??? Strange.
But probably the only ones around with it... Unfortunately.
Ironically that was the reason I went there... for something no one else had... IN stock... And I paid for it, lol
Definitely good to know though,
Thanks man!
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You can control the temp in a Little/Big Chief by covering sides of the smoker with cardboard. 3 sides and the top covered gave the perfect temp smoking steelhead candy over Christmas.
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As mentioned, cardboard is very valuable for retaining heat. Both chief models are great smokers! Smokers are best simple!
If you're looking for one cheap, build your own. All you need is ANY clean metal enclosure (a wood or cardboard box will even do if fires are not a worry).
45 gallon drum, old fridge, whatever. Put a hotplate in the bottom with an pie plate or something similar with chips in it.
Lean wood or get cardboard boxes to regulate temp...you could even install thermostat to turn off when it hit a certain temp.
The product I've made with cheap, homemade smokers is every bit as good as what I've made with chiefs. If you want a cold smoker, it is best to do it in the fall or spring months when it is cooler outside. Get a computer fan, wire it so it pushes smoke from a separate smoke box through about 20 feet of aluminum dryer tubing to your smoke box.
Problem with the chiefs is capacity. That is what forced me to make my own.