Outdoor Leisure 38208G Smoke Hollow Propane-Gas Smoker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been considering buying a propane smoker for a long while, and after much comparison shopping I chose this one.
Background:
Outdoor Leisure makes several smokers, of which this is the top of the line. These are the main differences between them, sorted by Amazon price:
30169G - 30" high, 16" wide, 14" deep. Cast Iron burner. Two cooking grids. Outdoor Leisure 30169G Smoke Hollow Propane-Gas Smoker
34168G - 34" high, 16" wide, 14" deep. Cast Brass burner. Three cooking grids. Outdoor Leisure 34168G Smoke Hollow Propane-Gas Smoker
30160G - 30" high, 16" wide, 14" deep. Stainless steel burner. Three cooking grids. Outdoor Leisure 30160G Smoke Hollow 30-Inch Propane Smoker
38208G - 38" high, 20" wide, 14" deep. Cast Brass burner. Four cooking grids. (This is the one I bought) Outdoor Leisure 38208G Smoke Hollow Propane-Gas Smoker
Details:
Construction-wise, there are all similar: they have a large welded box, four legs, a burner assembly, regulator assembly, wood box, water container, and several chrome plated cooking grids. I was able to assemble mine in about 30 minutes. It is bulky, but not too heavy all considered; I am able to move it myself (two people are better). The only construction defect I found was that the burner assembly was a bit bent in places, but it worked fine. The various models have slightly different details in the handle type & etc.
Note that the size is WITHOUT the 8 inch leg height. It is the height of the smoker box.
Pro:
- Straightforward assembly. Follow the directions carefully. Tools needed are a screwdriver and pliers.
- It lights easily and the propane tank connector is a quick-connect style, very easy to use.
- Does a GREAT job of smoking. The instructions said that I would run out of water after 4 hours, but I smoked for almost four and still had lots of water and wood left.
- The cooking grids are very stoutly constructed, and clean easily. The wall shelf attachments can be adjusted so that the shelf heights are completely changeable.
- The wood box is large, with a nice cover. Both this box and the water container are porcelain coated steel and cleaned up fairly easily.
Con:
- Okay, this is a big one. I almost gave this product four stars instead of five. The regulator on this unit burned too hot. Even on the lowest setting, the interior temperature was 350 degrees!. From reviews I have seen on the net, this is a common problem with the Smoke Hollow line, and the company will send a replacement regulator when asked. I have asked, and will update the review accordingly.
WORKAROUND: Despite this problem, I was able to cook at 220 or even lower. The trick is to set the regulator on HIGH, then push it in as if you were going to turn it off - but only turn it part way off. In this way one can set the temperature to whatever is desired. I smoked between 220 and 240.
- The temperature gauge was not very accurate. I would recommend that you get an oven thermometer and set it inside. I found the interior temperature to be about 40 degrees less than the outside gauge indicated. I list this as a "Con", but it is typical of most smokers.
Cooking:
- If you are new to smoking, I suggest that you do a search and look up the subject. There are many techniques that can be used, and the type of wood you smoke with will have a lot to do with the final taste. I mesquite smoked two chickens and a pork loin, and all were delicious, moist, tender, and had a great smoke flavor.
- I was pleasantly surprised that there was not a lot of smoke coming out of the box when cooking. The smoke stayed pretty much inside.
Summary:
Despite the issue with the gas regulator, I recommend this product. It does a good job and is well designed.
***UPDATE****
I exchanged a series of emails with the company over the regulator. At first they suggest I try the "work around" I listed above. I replied that this actually is not a good long term solution; pushing in the temperature gauge to shut off is a safety feature. After that exchange, the company is sending me a replacement regulator, but it is on back order until June. I will update when it arrives.
****Update June 2010****
I finally received the replacement regulator. It took about 15 minutes to install. Now the unit works fine - minimum is about 175 degrees and maximum is about 300 degrees. If your smoker won't provide cooler cooking, be sure and contact the company for a replacement regulator!

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Great for smoking pork, beef, fish, poultry and more--all in the great outdoors--this gas smoker seals in smoke from any favorite hardwood chips for moist, tender meats, every time. Built as tight and stout as a brick smokehouse, the Smoke Hollow outdoor gas smoker brings out all of the mouthwatering flavors in pork tenderloin, beef brisket, and more. Fish aficionados have plenty of room for halibut steaks or strips of sockeye thanks to the smoker's four adjustable-height cooking grids that ensure plenty of elbow room between pieces so that heat flows steadily upward for even cooking top to bottom. Not only do the cooking grids offer plenty of space for chicken breasts and thighs, spare ribs, baby backs, and prime rib for the whole family, they're also chrome-plated for easy cleaning after the party is through. In addition, the smoker's porcelain-coated steel wood-chip box resists scorching and corrosion even under extreme heat from Pecan, Hickory, White Oak, Apple, Alder and Mesquite woodchips, while its porcelain-coated steel water pan defies corrosion through years of use and ensures easy cleaning. Other highlights include a simple push-button ignition system, a cast-brass burner, a handy temperature gauge, and a stay-cool door handle. The propane-gas smoker measures 21 by 15 by 39 inches.

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