Handyman's Special Smoker - some modification required

I purchased this unit when I was a bit low on cash but was also getting into smoking foods. Essentially it's a very inexpensive bullet type water smoker. Charcoal provides the heat for cooking, and wood chips or chunks provide smoke for flavor. A water pan is used to keep the hot air, and thus your meat, moist while cooking.

First I'll tell you what I like about the smoker. Number one, it can be moved in one piece. Unlike my favorite, the Weber Smokey Mountain, the Brinkmann can be picked up by two handles on the sides of the body and carried off to wherever you want. Just please don't do this while hot coals are in it, barbecue shouldn't be painful.

Second, the price is quite nice. Clocking in at approximately 1/6 of the price of a Weber Smokey Mountain, it's great for an intro to 'Q'.

Third, it's versatile. Not just a smoker, it can be used as a grill as well. So you can Q a brisket or pork butt one day, and sear some T-bones the next, no tools required!

Now it's only fair if I tell you what I DON'T like about the smoker. Which is why I no longer use my Brinkmann.

Problem #1 - Temperature control. There are massive air gaps in the smoker which are part of the design and cannot be controlled. Even with these gaps though the unit does not run hot enough for smoking out of the box. I drilled a number of 1/2" holes in the bottom of the charcoal pan, which increases airflow and raises the temp a bit. Temp control can then be achieved by using the access door as a large baffle, and by controlling the number of coals in the unit.

Problem #2 - Thermometer. The included thermometer isn't really accurate so an inexpensive over thermometer placed on the top grate while cooking really helps.

I've had my Brinkmann for about four years now, and used it until I purchased a new Weber Smokey Mountain. If I had more money to start with, I would have gone for the Weber. But I think most people would prefer to start out with an inexpensive yet useful unit and see if barbecue is for them before buying the Weber.