[Boondock Buddy]

Hey everyone! As the proud owner of a slightly ridiculous number of smokers, I’ve decided to share some of my favorites with you all. Today, I’m diving into the smoky goodness of vertical propane smokers. There’s just something magical about the way they turn a simple piece of meat into a tender, flavorful masterpiece—like a culinary wizard with a wand made of propane!

I’ll be giving you three mini reviews of my top picks that have become my trusted sidekicks on my outdoor cooking adventures. Plus, I’ll toss in a handy buyer’s guide to help you find the perfect match for your smoking style. So grab your favorite BBQ sauce and let’s get rolling!

• 🔥 Masterbuilt MPS 230S ThermoTemp XL
• 🌱 Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24 inch
• 🐖 Dyna-Glo Wide Body LP Vertical Smoker

[Boondock Buddy]

Masterbuilt MPS 230S ThermoTemp XL

So, I recently got my hands on the Masterbuilt MPS 230S ThermoTemp XL and, folks, let me tell you, it has been an adventure that’s as tasty as it is hilarious. I’ve had my fair share of outdoor cooking gear, but this beast took things to another level. Picture this: a sunny Saturday, full rack of ribs, and me, looking like a grilling expert—a rare sight, I assure you.

First off, the setup was surprisingly easy. I mean, if I can do it without losing a screw (or my mind), anyone can. Kudos to Masterbuilt for making assembly idiot-proof because when it comes to DIY, I’m about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

One of my favorite features is the built-in thermostat. It’s a game-changer. You know those moments when you’re trying to maintain the perfect temperature, but the grill gods just aren’t on your side? Well, with this smoker, those moments are a thing of the past. It’s like having a babysitter for your brisket. I set it, forget it, and hours later, voilà—meat magic.

I’ve had some epic successes, like a pork shoulder that had our neighbors considering adopting me. Bet they didn’t know that my secret was just popping it in this smoker and going for a nap. Safe to say, the leftovers did not last long.

On the flip side, there was this one time I got overly ambitious with a turkey. Let’s just say it achieved a level of smokiness that even the most die-hard BBQ fans might call aggressive. Lesson learned: read the manual—don’t be me.

But really, the MPS 230S ThermoTemp XL is a sturdy, reliable piece of equipment that makes you feel like a pro, even when you’re just winging it. And the size is great—like a small SUV—or maybe I’m exaggerating, but it certainly holds enough to feed a hungry crowd.

Anyone else tried using this beast? I’d love to hear your stories, especially if they involve less burnt poultry and more glorious, perfectly smoked goodness!

For anyone on the fence, here’s a link to get more info straight from the source. Happy smoking!

[Boondock Buddy]

Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24 inch

So, picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon in my backyard, the birds are singing, and I’m getting ready to bring the smoke show to my next BBQ bash. Enter the Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24 inch. Now, I’ve dabbled in the smoky arts before, but let me tell you, this beast of a smoker brought my game up a couple of leagues.

If you’re on the fence about whether this smoking sensation is worth the investment, let me break it down for you with a few of my personal insights:

• Spacious yet Compact: You might expect a cooker called a “Smoke Vault” to have a secret lair feel to it. And you’d be right! This thing has the capacity to house three large racks, perfect for when you want to show off all your culinary conquests—be it brisket, ribs, or even a whole turkey if you’re feeling ambitious. Yet, it’s not so bulky that it feels like you’re installing a new family member in the backyard.
• Temperature Control: This is where the magic happens, folks. The Smoke Vault maintains a steady temperature throughout the smoking process. Call it a ‘set it and forget it’ kind of deal. Except, of course, you won’t forget it, because who can forget about succulent meats? But the best part is how you can adjust the temperature with the precision of a BBQ Jedi. It’s like narrating a smoky symphony.
• Built-in Thermometer: This handy feature makes you feel like a meat-smoking maestro, without the fuss. It’s easy to read, and quite frankly, makes me feel a little like a character in a spy movie, checking secret messages (or meat temps!).
• Versatility: From low and slow ribs to some snappy smoked salmon, the range on this smoker is like having a BBQ Swiss army knife. I’ve experimented with different wood chips—hickory, mesquite, you name it. The Smoke Vault handles them all like a champ.
• A Little Quirky: Now, nothing’s perfect, right? So, if there’s one minor note, it’s that the smoker can be a tad heavy for one person to move alone. I like to think of it as my outdoor gym workout—smoking meats and doing deadlifts, all in one go.

To sum it up, the Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24 inch has been my trusty companion in the art of outdoor cooking. Whether you’re channeling your inner pitmaster for a crowd or just aiming to impress a few friends at the next get-together, this trusty smoker won’t let you down. And hey, if you’re not careful, you might even become that ‘smoking’ neighbor everyone at the block party wants an invite from!

[Boondock Buddy]

Dyna-Glo Wide Body LP Vertical Smoker

Just when I thought my backyard smoking game was solid, enter the Dyna-Glo Wide Body LP Vertical Smoker. Let me tell you, this is one BBQ beast that’s not just about the looks—it means serious, smoky business.

First impressions? I felt like a pitmaster overlord unboxing this chunk of metal glory. Setting it up was straightforward, but you might need a buddy to help assemble the parts without breaking a sweat. It’s spacious enough to cook for a party that includes the in-laws, out-laws, and everyone’s exes—thanks to its generous vertical real estate.

Now, let’s get to the meat of it, literally. The LP gas hookup is a breeze—a simple click, twist, and kaboom, you’ve got fire. I loved how even the temperature control is with this baby. It’s like the smoker was hardwired to keep things consistent. None of that “hot on one side, cold as a polar bear’s feet on the other” nonsense. My smoked ribs came out so tender that they’ll make you weep tears of BBQ joy.

Here’s a pro tip: Don’t be afraid to go crazy with the wood chips. The smoker’s design lets you load it up without disturbing the precious smoky love inside. I tried a mix of applewood and hickory—because life’s too short for boring smoke—and my brisket tasted like meats from the gods.

Cleaning? It’s a task, but when your taste buds are doing the cha-cha with every bite, it’s surprisingly worth it. A small price for keeping this iron giant ready for the next session. Just be sure to empty the grease tray; trust me, nobody wants a fryer surprise in the middle of a party.

Funny thing though, my neighbor peeped over the fence and asked if I was building an iron lungs apparatus. I waved him off with a smoked chicken leg.

In all, the Dyna-Glo Wide Body LP Vertical Smoker is a trusty sidekick for any outdoor cooking escapade. I’m confident it’s only a matter of time before I make brisket history. Until then, keep it smokey, folks.

[Boondock Buddy]

Best Vertical Propane Smokers Buyer’s Guide

So, you’ve finally decided to take your backyard barbecuing game to the next level and enter the smoky realm of vertical propane smokers. Welcome, you flavor-seeking adventurer! I remember when I first began my journey into the magic of smoking; it was like discovering the secret level of a video game where everything suddenly tastes ten times better. Of course, finding the best vertical propane smoker can feel like searching for a needle in a smoke-filled haystack, but don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through it with a wink and a nod.

First things first, let’s dive into why you’d want a vertical propane smoker in the first place. Besides looking like a sleek addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal, these beauty machines offer consistent heat, ease of use, and most importantly, fill your backyard with an irresistible smoke aroma that might attract your neighbors. Trust me, it’s a great conversation starter!

Key Features to Consider:

• Size and Capacity: Are you looking to smoke a single brisket for a small family dinner, or are you the unofficial caterer for the next neighborhood block party? You’ve got to size it right! Keep in mind, more space often means more meat and more friends.
• Temperature Control: Precision is key. Look for a smoker with easy-to-adjust controls. The beauty of propane smokers is their ability to maintain a steady temperature. It’s like setting cruise control on your flavor highway.
• Build Quality: A robust and sturdy construction is vital. You want something that’ll withstand weather changes and regular use. Think of it as the knight protecting your meaty kingdom.
• Portability: Some of us love taking our cooking show on the road, so weight and mobility can be essential factors. If you’ve ever tried lifting a smoker solo to catch a camping trip, you know exactly what I mean.
• Ease of Cleaning: Let’s keep it real—you’ll enjoy the smoking but not the scrubbing. Look for models that have easy-access doors and removable components for quick, no-fuss clean-ups.
• Additional Features: Extra racks, wood chip boxes, or water pans can make your smoking experience more versatile and less stressful. Bonus points if it has a window, so you can admire your creation without losing heat—like a food fashion show.

My Smoky Tale: I remember the first fish I smoked—it was as if Poseidon himself approved! But, trust me, it took a few tries and a couple of good-intentioned, but catastrophically smoked meals before I got the hang of things. That’s the beauty of it, though—experimentation is half the fun!

If you’re gunning for some personal recommendations, I’d nudge you to start with brands like Masterbuilt, Cuisinart or Camp Chef. Each offers models that balance functionality and price, making your entry into the world of smokers smoother than a buttered brisket.

Here’s to your delicious adventures ahead. May your smoke rings be deep and your gatherings legendary. As always, feel free to drop any questions here; forum advice is the secret ingredient in every delicious dish!

[Tent Trails]

Hey folks! If you’ve ever wondered what magic tastes like, it’s probably the same flavor as a brisket smoked to perfection in a vertical propane smoker. 😉

Why vertical propane smokers, you ask? Well, let me tell you why these bad boys have a special spot in my backyard:

• Space-Saving Designs: These smokers are vertical marvels—perfect for those of us who like to think of our BBQ space as cozy (i.e., not a sprawling meat palace).
• Easy Temperature Control: Consider them the Goldilocks of smokers, keeping your meat just right with minimal fuss.
• Efficient Fuel Usage: Because who wants to spend a fortune on fuel when you could be spending it on more brisket? Am I right? 😂

So if you’re ready to make your neighbors enviously sniff the air for miles around, jump into the world of vertical propane smokers! Trust me, your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you.

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