Little Chief Smokers

[206]

Another vote for the big chief.  My MES 40 electric heat element recently kicked the bucket mid smoke and pulled the old reliable big chief out of storage after 10 years to finish the job.  I will never go back to the MES for smoking fish.  The big chief has the better air flow which makes a huge difference in the end product.

[CP]

When you guys smoke trout or salmon, is it hanging on racks or on shelves?

I don't hang it, just lay on it on the racks.

[GWP]

When you guys smoke trout or salmon, is it hanging on racks or on shelves?

I don't hang it, just lay on it on the racks.

Same here.
I hang jerky and tube stuff, that is about it. Everything else is on the racks. I put fine mesh on a couple racks for stuff that has more liquid or breaks up easily. Spray Pam on everything to keep it from sticking.

[pianoman9701]

When you guys smoke trout or salmon, is it hanging on racks or on shelves?

I don't hang it, just lay on it on the racks.

Same here.
I hang jerky and tube stuff, that is about it. Everything else is on the racks. I put fine mesh on a couple racks for stuff that has more liquid or breaks up easily. Spray Pam on everything to keep it from sticking.

[Stein]

If you're buying a new one, go big chief as there really isn't any drawback other than a few bucks more.  I have the little and I can fill it up fairly easily.  Not a big deal, but I could use a larger one from time to time.

[Blacklab]

Always better to grow into it. Then grow out of it

[salish]

I found another used (but unused) Little Chief for cheap, and I've been having fun with it. Just smoked pheasant breasts yesterday and had them for dinner last night, delicious. I've also smoked some sockeye fillets, and some bacon. It has all turned out well, except the sockeye fillets were too salty. I'll remedy that with a less salty rub. I tried smoking some Tillamook Sharp cheddar, but it was a disaster and melted all over the racks and into the drip. I'll figure that out later. Anyway, I don't know why I waited so long to get into this.