Hi All
Wanted to know if anyone has purchased one of the gas smokers that Aldi sell each year? Wanting to get into BBQ smoking and thought they could be a good starter.
If anyone remembers what time of year Aldi typically sell them it would be appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks very much for the feedback.
If you want to get into bbq smoking you would be better off starting with an entry level Weber kettle.
The Aldi one burns gas, and uses a tray of wood chips that smoke. You could get the same effect on any gas bbq with a hood and wood chip box.
If you want to get into bbq smoking you would be better off starting with an entry level Weber kettle.
You could get the same effect on any gas bbq with a hood and wood chip box.
This. I've got a Weber Q (gas BBQ) and have done some smoking using the boxes you can get for it - does a pretty good job, but can struggle with getting the temperature low enough. One time I actually had the lid strapped open slightly as I couldn't get the BBQ cold enough (~120 or 150°C from memory). A kettle would probably be a lot better for smoking (IMO, as someone who's never actually used one).
I have had one for the last few years, and as for Saruname, had to seal the door (with some fibreglass tape which I was able to buy locally at a BBQ store).
The unit is fine, I do find in the wind the flame can go out with the gas still on which is a problem, so I generally don't do really long smokes with it and certainly keep an eye out. I also use an external thermometer (one of the InkBird units) and leave one of the probes in the unit so I can see the internal temp, so I can judge remotely if it's flamed out.
It is a Hark unit (even the documents that come with it have Hark contact numbers), but comes with one fewer shelf (see https://www.stratco.com.au/au/outdoor-living/outdoor-cooking…). If you want some reviews you could look at that unit.
I'm afraid I can't remember when it was sold (but my memory was that it was cold as I lined up waiting for Aldi to open), so probably winter?
For a long slow cook does it need a big gas bottle?
Aha, check out https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/242811
Had the sale on in April 16th (5 years ago, which was probably when I bought it). Best of luck.
I bought one about 4 years ago.
They're not a bad starter unit, pretty much set and forget. I've done most cuts of meat and theyve come out good each time Still is in good nick from 4 years of use. I did buy a roll of smoker sealing tape from the States to a seal the doors better, which helps stop smoke leaking out the sides and stabilises heat.
Honestly for 200 (what I paid then) it has felt like a good deal, and I've got my monies worth.
Apologies don't remember what month it was on sale.