Bradley smoker

[Roger Moerke]

Has anyone used a Bradley Smoker if so how do you like it, does it compare to a Treager or Green Mountain typ grill? Thanks in advance roger

[Mallardstacker]

I own one.  I like it....alot. The newer models have a digital control for temp.  My version has the regular rheostat control. Easy enough... but the newer version would take a little guesswork out of it.

Now, to be honest, I have a post graduate degree in meat science/food science.  I have cooked on smokers of all sorts.  All will get the job done if you know what you are doing.  The Bradley takes the "fire-tending" out of the equation and makes excellent food. However, The Treager will too.  The Bradley takes "biscuits" and the Treager take pellets.  Specialized "food for the fire" requires you to find a source to get it (ordering it).  If you are only worried about a consistent temp,either the Bradley or the BGE is the way to go.

That being said, my next purchase will be a BGE as I won't be confined to buying specialized fuel or smoke generating "biscuits or pellets".  I can simply add the smoke flavor of my choice, no matter the form.

[Roger Moerke]

Thanks Mallard I just hate to give that much money for any of these systems without some damn good reason.
And I agree with the pellet biscuit thing. but It should work great for jerky and the like, I can cook just fine with the old fashioned charcoal grill, but you have to stay with it. Thanks again.

[xtrema312]

I have one and have had a couple others.  I like it a lot.  It is the only one I still have.  I like the very clean smoke you get.  The Bradley forum is top notch.  There are so many usesers there you can get all the info you need to do any kind of smoking, plus do modificaitons to it if you like.

I did 12 pounds of salmon last week and just got back from fishing with about that much more.  I will be smoking tomorrow again.

I have a standard one with an Auber control.  I have much more accurate control than the digital Bradley.  I would not buy on of those.  The digital is basically a thermostat control so on and of instead of graduated heat control.  Other than rotation of racks for fine tuning large loads of fish or jerky I set it and walk away.  I have done 20 hour low and slow cooks for pulled pork with basically one or two checks to change water and dump on some apple juice.  

There are some good deals if you hunt around.  For biscuits Amazon is the only way to go.  Watch for their buy three get one free deals.  They have them all the time, plus you can usually get it supper saver shipping.  Four for three and free shipping with the price for the three being routinely the lowest price I can find.  You can’t beat it.  It makes the biscuits very reasonable.  Buying one box at a time from the local outdoor store or what ever makes them a little pricey.

[Mallardstacker]

No problem Roger.  It does work excellent for jerkey... just don't hammer the smoke (turn off the smoke generator after about an hour on your first batch and see how you like it.  Bradley is very efficient with smoke as the unit seals very well.  I doubt you will find anything requiring more than 2-3 hours of smoke.

Oh, and like Xtrema312 said... it does a damn fine job on fish! (and ribs, and chicken, and deer roast, and pork shoulder.... now I'm getting hungry  

[Roger Moerke]

Thanks guys I appreciate it very much there just maybe a Bradley in my near future!

[xtrema312]

Keep in mind it is not a fast cooker or grill.  It has a low wattage element.  It is meant for low and slow type cooking.  Wind, temp changes, and opening the door change the temperature of the cabinet and cause slow downs in cooking time.  Also you have to adjust the slide control to keep temp under changing outside temp conditions.  That is why I like the Auber control.  It keeps me from having to baby sit it.  If you want or like to set around a grill a lot cooking and want to do grilling in addition to slow smoking then your best bet is one the cooker smokers. There are other higher end smoker cabinets, but the Bradley with the auber control had the most bang for the buck, and it was what I wanted for general smoking and slow cooking.

[blazelefty7]

ttt