I'm Happy With My 2 Brinkmann Smokers

Basically the Brinkmann Smokers are... 1.Efficient- from first timer to advanced chef. And 2.inexpensive- the price of a smoker/grill will not produce better tasting food.

Hopefully this review can help you decide depending on what you expect from these grills/smokers. Also, smoking food takes time and some folks may not have the patience. Don't blame that on the smoker. I have the Gourmet Charcoal (852-7080-5) and Gourmet Electric (810-7080-K) models, both are red. So I guess I will comment on them both. Besides the numbers codes are confusing. Both work great as expected. Both were easy to assemble and all of the parts were there. The charcoal type can be portable where electricity is not available (such as camping) but who wants to cook 6-8 or 10 hrs while camping? My newly purchased from Wal-Mart electric smoker has no type of temp gauge at all and does not come with a vinyl cover like my charcoal model and no adjustable heat settings. Just plug it in which has it's own pros & cons depending on your preference, but seems to be a constant, in range heat. This may be why the prices vary on the same Brinkmann Smokers from store to store? So check inside the box to see exactly what you are getting before thinking you got a bargain. The charcoal model requires more attention during cooking to maintain constant, desired heat settings and is harder to clean. Replacement parts seem expensive from the Brinkmann Corp. website but they do offer free shipping for Preferred Customers Club Members. For example, the replacement element for the electric model is only $11 less than I paid for the complete unit ($40.00.... end of year clearance? Was $59.95 reg at the Wal-Mart in Portland, Indiana). A vinyl cover is $19.95 and they want $29.95 (prices in the Brinkmann Mail Order Catalog) for the external temp gauge that is not on the electric model which is usually the more expensive model (but no charcoal to buy either) and both produce similar end results in food taste. It may be better to go buy another unit rather than buy replacement parts? The display model I saw at Wal-Mart was outside all summer and it was sun-faded and rusty inside but I think cleaning & storage after each use would make it last much longer and look better, although it is not a piece of patio furniture. As far as durability, I know of folks that have had their Brinkmann Smokers for better than 10 years and still work fine but I haven't gotten that far along to give a durability rating. Over all, the Brinkmann Smokers I have bought are meeting my needs and in my price range. Over time you may want to do some modifications to yours. Plenty of ideas are on the web. If they break or rust out or what ever, you can toss it and start over. At first follow the directions and maybe experiment for your wanted results as you go. Confused? I hope not! Over all Brinkmann Smokers are IMHO, worth a try to a prospective buyer. In no time you will be a pro! Then later you can go buy that trailered Super smoker with chrome wheels & turn signals. Most of all HAVE FUN! Gotta Go... I'm Hungry!!! DRWeaver