I've just picked up one of these in sad condition, and have been doing a little research. You can most certainly cold smoke in them, one option is to drop 1 heat bead in the chip tray and not use the gas, another option is to get something like this a maze n smoker. To the OP, I've used a Weber Kettle for low and slow for a while with no dramas, using the snake method as mentioned above. Masters/Costco etc sometimes have good deals on the Webers, you can normally get one for under $300 if you want to buy new, alternatively check Gumtree etc you can pick up an old one for under $50. They are very well built (hence the 10 year warranty) and even an older one will give you years of pleasure.
After some reading and you-tubing I concluded the Weber kettle is the best way to learn and covers everything I need to get into smoking. I just purchased the Weber 57cm kettle premium from Ebay sales for $330 delivered. Will post pics once I receive and set it up.
Ok the final update. I have just assembled my new Weber premium kettle and doing the first burn to season her in. Must say Im impressed by the sturdy build but the assembly instructions could be better. Hopefully she lasts 10+ years while I learn to master the art of bbq smoking and grilling!
Nice choice! I find I've done that recipe before a few times and they come out a little soft for my liking buy YMMV. I tend to not wrap in foil at all anymore but this is the sort of experimentation you're just about to figure out all for yourself.
New house, so time to shop for a smoker Any deals going round at the moment? Very keen on doing pulled pork to feed a family of five, plus mates.
Hey mate Aldi is doing a special on their gas smoker for $199 which is good value. I'd buy it if I didn't get the Weber already. http://bit.ly/2gzbv20
SOOO tempted. And the wifey just asked me this week what I want for xmas I've been wanting to pick up a smoker for a while now to do pulled pork at home but just don't have the time to keep an eye on it for 10 hours. Are these gas smokers fairly hassle free (eg set and forget) or do they still require a bit of monitoring and adjusting over the cook? Comparable results to a charcoal fueled smoker?
Gss smokers are great for convenience but charcoal smokers will give you a small advantage in the depth of flavor. But with gas smokers if you learn how to adjust and keep the correct temperature then its pretty much set and forget. You may just need to add extra wood chips during the cook though.
After missing out for a couple of years I am stoked I got the Aldi smoker finally!!! Dont really have anywhere to smoke, might see if I can take it to my parents but just very excited to finally have it and learn Now to collect all of the recipes!
Had a go yet? I had early xmas with the in-laws yesterday and unwrapped one of these bad boys I'll be trying a pulled pork towards the end of the week.
