Big Chief vs. Little Chief smokers

[fishbait]

I was given a Big Chief Smoker for my Birthday. Have been using a couple of little chiefs for many years. Anyone know what differances I will encounter. I usually leave my little chiefs in the box, except on very warm days and usually smoke three pans worth. Who has experience with both types that would enlighten me as to the differant characteristics. Thanks

[Jsail]

FB,
I've used both, but mostly the big chief. I have learned that the Big takes a little longer. because of it's large capcity you get a lot more moisture that needs to vent out. As most of the fish I smoke come in te cooler months I try to find a place sheltered from the wind/weather when I use it. If weather permits I take the box off after the 3rd (last) pan of chips. If its real cold or the wind is blowing, I leave the box on and then move it in the garage with the box off for the last 2 to 3 hours. I also take the piece of cardboard the is in the bottom of the box out when I use the box, helps let out some moisture.
another issue is spaceing the meat. Even if you have a lot of fish to smoke, space it apart about a 1 1/2" or it will process un-evenly.
I read a post on Ifish a while back that said it was better to freeze fish before you brine it. The reasoning was that it breaks down the cell membrane so it takes a brine better. I tried it with salmon, sturgeon and halibut. I don't think I'll do it in the future with salmon but, it makes a world of difference with sturgeon and halibut.
Happy smokin!

[Bait O' Eggs]

Whoda thunk you were going be around for another year :shocked: :shocked: I thought you were old last year on your birthday. :wink:

Rather than how do you use the new smoker, shouldnt you be more concerned with if you are going to catch another fish to smoke? :tongue:

Come on over, I will show you how to smoke fish. :wink: First you need fire. Then you...... ah you know the story. :rolleyes:

BOE 13
Fishbait 10

[ 06-09-2002, 02:23 PM: Message edited by: Bait O' Eggs ]

[fishbait]

Hey Roy buddie,

IF I had as much fish to smoke as you, I too would build a entire shed to use as a smoker........... Might even get to build it twice.........

[WheresMyBobber]

I've had a couple Little Chief's in the past, and decided to try a Big Chief a couple years ago. I enjoy the Big Chief much better, and have had better results when smoking fish. Both the Little and Big Chiefs have burners that are matched for their size, but for some reason my salmon smokes quicker in the Big Chief, and I've never had to use the box to keep in the heat like I did with my Little Chiefs. Even when I replaced the burner in the Little Chiefs, they just didn't work as well for me as the Big Chief for some reason. Don't get me wrong, I've smoked lots of great fish in the Little Chiefs, I just prefer the Big Chief now that I've used one.

Obviously you can smoke more fish in the Big Chief then the Little Chief, and another thing I like about them is that you can fit a turkey in them very easily if you ever smoke your turkey before you cook it. (one pan of chips is perfect for a nice light smoke on a turkey before you throw it in the oven)

3 pans of chips works just right for me (for salmon or steelhead), in either the Big or Little Chief.

Have fun!

[ 06-09-2002, 08:31 PM: Message edited by: WheresMyBobber ]

[luguando]

Smoking time is generally a function of the amount of heat that either of the 2 units produce. It makes sense that the Big Chief will take longer. More area to heat and probably more contents to smoke. I have 2 Little Chiefs. I was going to buy a Big Chief but my wife went to a garage sale and found a brand new Little Chief for $15. So, I use the two when I'm in to smoking a mess of silvers or steelhead (that's a function of my fishing success).

My buddy at work bought a Bradley smoker. That unit is pretty impressive (and expensive). It looks like it's made to last longer and you can control the amount of heat. You can cold smoke fish in that unit.

[Master Baiter]

3 pans of chips for 6-8 hours is my norm.

[Stz ll]

I have both a Big Chief and a Little Chief. Both work as well as each other. Which one I use depends on how much fish I have to smoke. If it won't all fit in the little one I use the big one.

Pete

[fishbait]

Thanks for the replys.

Thought I would share how I treat my smoker boxes.
First I cut out a hole for the power cord, then a hole for the pan opening/flap.
Last I cut about a 1 in X 2 in opening in each side, about 2 inches up from the bottom (for ventilation), Then I spray paint the bottom and about 4 - 6 inches up the sides. Give it two coats and the box will last for years.
So here's my tip for all of those who shared with me. This fall I will run a couple of my little chiefs and my big chief side by side and report back on the diff.

[jet]

“DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT” let Roy teach anybody how to smoke anything the house might burn up or maybe the fence…. Lol

Sorry Roy I jut had to say that. If it wasn’t for bad luck you might have not luck at all.

Jet~~~