Big Chief or Little Chief

[Mike H]

I'm a newbie when it comes to smoking fish.

I'm debating between Luhr Jensen's Big and Little Chief's. Is there any difference between the two besides size? I noticed the Big Chief is a top loader and the Little Chief is a front loader. Which is perferred?

At most I'd be smoking 1 steelhead or 1 chinook. Would both of these smokers be able to handle a fish or would I have to smoke 2 batches in the Little Chief?

Any other pros and cons of each smoker would be apprecieated. Thanks!

Mike H

[Tagster]

Mike, I would probably go with the Big Chief. It has a much bigger capacity and I prefer the top loading feature. I think that it is easier to load your racks then lower em in the box.

I think the most important feature is the higher wattage element. If you are trying to smoke outdoors in the winter, the extra wattage will make it easier for the box to get to temp.

Try clicking on the search feature of IFish and typing in "how to smoke"...you will find several very good threads about this.

Hope this helps!

Tag

BTW-Bi-Mart just had these on sale for $49.99

[ 12-11-2001: Message edited by: Tagster ]</p>

[Smily]

Hi Mike H,

I have done a poll earlier on smokers. You can do the search function on smokers and it should come up. The little chiefs had the most votes and the big chiefs were a pretty close second. I ended up getting a top loader little chief. It will do a salmon or a steelhead. It does have a lower wattage and hasn't been a problem yet. Sounds like you would be real happy with a little chief. Happy smoking.


:smile: Smily :smile:

[periwinkle]

I suggest you look into the new Bradleys... An awesome unit. Variable temp control etc etc. A few more $$$ about 300,, but I think a very good choice. (I asked Santa)


:smile: :tongue:

[STRIKE ZONE]

Get the Big Chief top loading smoker.You will be happy in the long run.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

[Drachir]

I've had both Lurh-Jensen models, and for sure go with the Big Cheif. It has much more capacity, and does a great job. If you need a killer Brine recipe for Salmon & Steelhead, e-mail me!! :grin:

[Mike H]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I went to the store today to check out both models. The Big Chief is HUGE! I think it'd be way too big for any fish or fishes I'd be lucky enough to catch. I still have never taken a limit of steelies or salmon!

So I ended up buying the Little Chief. Since I'm new to smoking I can see what my tastes are and can always get a bigger or different one without too much strain on the wallet. Thanks again for the suggestions!

Mike H

[Catch 22]

The little chief will do the job for 80% of the people out there. It's only downfall is it's heater is a little underpowered for winter usage. There is a solution though. The box. Yup, the cardboard box it comes in is a perfect insulator for winter smoking. Do not throw away the box! Cut off the top and bottom and slip the factory fitted cardboard insulator over the smoker. The little chief uses less power, and less wood chips. Unless you're smoking alot of fish, the bigger smokers just aren't worth the dough. That's everything I know about them and it ain't much! :wink: