Smith & Wesson SWS022 Portable Wood Pellet Barbecue Smoker vs GMG Davy Crockett & Traeger Ranger Grill
This portable barbecue smoker SWS022 from Smith & Wesson was marketed as the true “go anywhere” BBQ smoker. It looks like it falls into the generic “bullet” style unit that Weber and Brinkmann do so well however the big difference between this and any other that I’ve seen is that the 022 wasn't fueled by gas electricity or charcoal.
Note: - Regrettably this smoker is no longer made however I'm keeping the summary live on the website so that we can compare and contrast with other portable smokers on the market.
It was actually fueled directly by the wood pellets. The instructions asked for 2 pounds of wood pellets to be poured in and then ignited using a gel. Let it burn for about 10 to 15 minutes and then there would be a glowing coals on which to cook.
Why Did It Fail?
I guess only those that considered buying one and then didn't will actually know that true answer to this question but I can see why I wouldn't buy one...
I have a thing about gels, which inevitably are derived from a petroleum base and that is that they taint the flavor of the food. Frankly I can't see how this isn't going to happen.
Also 2 lbs of wood chips is an awful lot. I can't see how this is going to be economical either. You've got to use the same quality of wood chips to provide the heat as well as the smoke and that's going to mean a considerable expense over and above charcoal.
From the portability angle it weighs in at 18 pounds, I have known lighter but it’s still a reasonably easy lift although I wouldn’t want to carry it very far. I guess the idea of tailgate party or camping is the way to go.
Overall though, the bottom line for me is why not just have a portable charcoal barbecue smoker and throw on a few wood chips for some extra flavour. A portable grill with a lid such as the Weber Go Anywhere or Smokey Joe offer a helluva difference in price, both are much lighter and and will do a similar job.
Instruction Manual
Having said all of the above there are a number of these barbecue smoker grills in circulation although many no longer have the original instruction manual with them. Use this link to download a free copy of the instruction manual.
Alternative Portable Pellet Barbecue
Traeger Ranger Grill
At the end of the day the Smith & Wesson range of pellet barbecue smokers were manufactured and badged by Traeger so when it comes to a portable pellet grill it's hardly surprising that you have to look no further.
My question however is whether the Traeger version is truly portable?
Yes, it's a table top grill.
Yes, it has the control that you'd expect of a pellet grill / smoker
But given that it needs a mains electrical connection to cook then that takes it out of the camp picnic / beach barbecue market.
Check Prices And Product Information At Amazon
Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett
Green Mountain Grills (GMG) come with a good pedigree and deliver consistent cooking results. This is the GMG Davy Crockett WiFi controlled pellet barbecue smoker:
What makes this unit stand out is not just the WiFi connection that means you can control your cooking from your phone but that fact that you can run this little dude of 12V.
Take it wherever you like and you can plug it into your car cigarette lighter and start cooking. We haven't tested one but the reports we have so far are that they offer good even cooking coupled with the set and forget approach for which pellet feeds are renowned.
It's not for everyone but it certainly made an impact on me and featured in my top 10 BBQ Smoker & Grills line up for 2017.
Click here check prices on Amazon
That said, when you're up in this price range (and me being a charcoal fan) I'd be looking at the PK Grill as a serious alternative for a portable barbecue smoker.
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