Brinkmann Smoke 'n Grill Review

The Brinkmann Smoke 'n Grill is a cheap way to get started if you are interested in smoking meats at home. 

Assembly is pretty easy.  Many retailers are willing to assemble it for you and it will easily fit in the back of your car assembled.  It is light weight easily moved.  Its appearance is nice and looks similar to other more expensive smokers.  It costs around 30 dollars to buy, which most folks can afford.  Make sure you stock up on charcoal and wood chips/chunks for smoking. 

The charcoal pan and water pan seem somewhat thin and I am a little afraid they wont last through more than a couple summers.  I have saved the company's contact info to order replacements if needed.  Also, the temperature gauge on the lid of the unit doesn't really reflect the temperature on the lower smoking rack.  Keep the water pan filled about an inch with water so the meat doesn't start to burn. 

I wouldn't use this unit for grilling unless I was traveling for tailgating, where it would be OK.  The lower rack that you would use for griling is a little ackward to reach, but has to be down in there so the smoke contacts the meat when smoking.  Be aware that smoking meat takes time.  You are cooking at around 225 degrees.  Spare ribs cooked low and slow for 4-5 hours are DELICIOUS but you have to have the time (and the beer).