 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 A service of netRelief, Inc. |
This site is a member of The Smoke Ring BBQ Webring Next BBQ Site - Next 5 BBQ Sites - Prev BBQ Site - Random BBQ Site Join the BBQ ring or browse a complete list of The Smoke Ring BBQ Webring member's BBQ sites If you discover problems with any of The Smoke Ring BBQ Webring sites, |
Good smoker..a few desgin flaws
Date: 2010-08-20
Customer Rating:
Nice smoker, a few problems. The plastic cover the goes over the temperature control panel cracked after my first smoke. Bradley customer service is VERY good though, and has sent me out a new one. The unit is somewhat underpowered, as it takes a long time to get the unit up to the desired cooking temp. Bradley has a web blog that offers a few suggestions to overcome this.
All in all, a good product.
I love it
Date: 2010-08-02
Customer Rating:
I've had a few different smokers, and all I can say is that the Bradley is the easiest to use, and produces the best finished product. At first glance I thought it would be expensive using their bisquettes, but it really isn't any more expensive than buying wood chips in the grocery store. It is so nice to set it and forget it. The Maverick electronic thermometer is nice accessory for absolutely perfect meat every time. Now you can get back to having fun socializing with your guests while waiting for your food to be ready. I purchased the smoker from Amazon and it arrived in perfect condition two days later.
BTW I used to have the 6 rack digital version. I live at the beach, and believe the salt air had adverse effects on the electronics and sensor cable. The original version which I have now has less electronics and no cable. IMO, the simple design is much more reliable. With Bradley you are buying a great product which is well worth the money.
Low and slow
Date: 2010-06-13
Customer Rating:
This is a great weekend toy. I live in Pa and we don't have many places that serve smoked meats. We have one chain and it sucks. Simple as that. I cook alot and I wanted to learn something different. Not many people I know have even knowingly had smoked meats. Any of them that try it think it has a bacon taste. This is not a professional smoker, but is great for a small scale cooking. I have only had a heat problem twice, but I do think its under powered. The one time it was in the high 50s and windy, so it wouldn't get over 180. I think it was over filled with 18 pounds of meat, I let it warm up to 200.(I should have gotten to 250) All my other times have been flawless, I get to 225 and with little manipulation I get it to stay there for hours. Perfect. I don't have to watch like a hawk. Just occasionly check on it. So the only flaw is the weather effects it to much.
The smoking is perfect. Not only is it simple to keep your temperature but its very easy to get your smoke to flavor the way you want. I like to mix matching flavors and this makes it easy. Also unlike my neighbor who made his own smoker; I would say all of my smoke gets to the meat and not into my yard. The other thing is he is using wood and Im using pellets. I can smell his wood burning to long, where this smoker is cleaner. He also has to watch his the entire day so hes stuck there. This is more like a crock pot for me. I can do things around the house or whatever. This simple cooking makes it easy to get mouth watering ribs, bricket like butter, and a beef tender loin that is one of the most heavenly expeirence I've ever had. I'm not kidding, its like a drug. I could right a whole review on that. Thats why this got a five, because it makes my hickory smoked tenderloin. Oh man. If you get this try it.
Now I know many people in the north arn't use to smoked meats, but this is really what you want to get if you want a stand apart BBQ and be the best it can be. This is a great and easy personal smoker for the weekend. Thank you Bradley for bringing smokin to the home.
Outstanding smoker, great buy.
Date: 2010-06-04
Customer Rating:
I have had my Bradley smoker for about 3 months now, and I have become a smoking fanatic.
I looked around for a while, doing my research to find what the best smoker for the price range I was in- and I couldnt be happier with my decision on the Bradley smoker.
The ease of use is probably the most appealing thing. No need to maintain a fire, or worry about inconsistency of heat, the Bradley does it all. This bisquettes are fed automatically and give you a great smokey flavor. It really is a "set it and forget it" type applicance.
I had never smoked before getting the Bradley and the food that I turn out wows friends and family every time. Pork shoulder, brisket,lamb, salmon, ham, turkey- Ive done it all in the short time I have had it. It becomes more of a hobby than just cooking a meal.
I am extremely pleased with the overal quality of the product. It is built very well, all stainless inside pieces, heavy gauge cords- but yet it is easy to move around, store, and clean.
My unit when it arrived apparently had some wires shaken loose in the Smoke Generator. I called Bradley immediately and got a human being on half a ring! The woman was very nice, talked me through what needed to be done, and in about 5 minutes my problem was solved and I was ready to start smoking. This was the only customer service experience I had with them and it was not a hassle whatsoever, pleasant even.
I got my smoker at the end of winter, and it is now starting to turn into summer weather. The Bradley has performed consistently through pretty much all sorts of weather - cold/snow, damp/cloudy, sunny/warm.
I do not know what the cost of actual wood chunks for other smokers, but the cost of Bisquettes and the variety of flavored offered seems very reasonable. I dont see maintenance/upkeep cost to be a con to owning this type of smoker.
There are no drawbacks to this product that I have come upon, I think its a great buy and a great way for curious new people to get into the hobby of smoking.
Great for a beginner, easy to use
Date: 2010-05-19
Customer Rating:
A simple, straightforward machine. Just slide in the trays, follow the instructions, season and smoke. Take pictures of the shiny, new machine, because after use, it will never look like that again. Clean up takes some work; but compared to cleaning up a full size propane grill, washing a couple a couple trays and grates and wiping down the cabinet is nothing. Leave the copper-colored smoke residue there; it's the seasoning for the cabinet.
A couple of small caveats:
Contrary to what the wiring diagram indicates, Original Bradley Smoker purchasers do not need a sensor cable; this is for Digital Bradley Smokers.
Common issues involve the case cracking at the bottom of the cabinet, exactly where the temperature slider is located; have not experienced this myself but others have.
Be careful when refilling the water drip bowl in the smoker; the temperature slider is located at this spot and many users spill water on the slider, causing damage. Design flaw; the temperature slider should be in a different location.
Users have reported problems with broken door hinges; be gentle when opening and closing the door.
Be sure not to damage the door gasket when inserting trays and racks. The door must be completely wide open so that the trays and racks do not catch or tear the rubber gasket door seal with the sharp metal tray and grate corners
Start out with something simple, such as a pork roast; spare ribs can be tricky.
All of this great advice came from the very helpful members of the Bradley Smoker Forum (google it). Thanks to them, I know the pitfalls and a lot of the ins and outs of smoking without wasting meat and know how to best use and care for the smoker.
Amazon shipping was swift.
BIG caveat - watch the price fluctuate on this unit - it dropped $38 after I purchased but it is now back up again. Catch it when it goes to $170 or so and you'll be getting a great deal. (April/May 2010). Buy the bisquettes when they are on "4 for 3" promotion and save a few dollars there. Not all the sizes and flavors may be included.