Got the CB vertical electric water smoker. The smoker isn't airtight as is, the front door approx 8"x6" leaks all around along with the lid and even through the vent with the vent closed. The vent is exactly like what's on a weber kettle. What's your guys opinion on weather or not to use them?

I HAVE OWNED A NUMBER OF VERTICLE SMOKERS OVER THE YEARS==CHARCOAL AND ELECTRIC. THEY ALL ALLOW SMOKE AND HEAT TO ESCAPE. MOST WERE JUST THIS PIECES OF SHEET METAL. I PREFER THE ELECTRIC==A LOT EASIER TO CONTROL THE TEMP(200--225). MY NEWEST IS THE BRADLEY ORIGINAL---GREAT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. JUST REMEMBER TO PUT A THERMOMETER WHERE YOU CAN READ THE TEMP INSIDE AND ADJUST ACCORDINGLY.

I checked out the bradley. Very interesting! It has an autofeeder for the smoke fuel, only problem is the cost. And if you don't plan ahead by having enough smoke fuel, you could be SOL. As it appears you can find it on the net. One question about it, does it have a digital temp control? Or just a cool-hot dial?

The other question, I notice it has the same type of vent my CB has at the top. Do you open yours? thanks

BAC, I OPEN THE TOP VENT JUST ENOUGH TO INSERT A THERMOMETER IN IT. THIS ENABLES ME TO READ THE TEMP COMING OUT. THE SMOKE BISCUITS GO ON THE END OF A SHUTE THAT IS LIKE AND ELECTRIC PLATE. YOUR ONLY NEED 3-4 TO GET A REAL SMOKE FLAVOR AND RINGS: HOWEVER, YOU CAN ALSO PUT CHUNCKS ON THE HOT PLATE AND GENERATE PLENTY OF STRONG SMOKE. THE BISCUITS FOR THE BRADLEY ARE A LOT MILDER THAN REAR WOOD. NO, IT IS NOT DIGITAL, BUT THE SLIDE WORKS GREAT AND I CAN HOLD THE TEMP AT A SET DEGREE. I COULD NOT JUSTIFY THE ADDITIONAL $ FOR THE DIGITAL. DO GET THE BIGGER ONE IF YOU DO MUCH SMOKING! I'VE DONE BABY BACKS, BRISKIT (SIC) AND BOSTON BUTT AT THE SAME TIME. THE AUTO FEEDER NEEDS 4 BISCUITS TO USE ONE....I DON'T RECOMMEND IT. I JUST OPEN THE DOOR AND PUT ONE IN AS NEEDED. THE CUST/SER IS GREAT. MY BOTTOM COVER SPLIT AFTER A FEW COOKINGS. I CALLED BRADLEY AND THE PART ARRIVED QUICKER THAN THEY SAID. I FAVOR ELECTRIC BECAUSE I CAN LEAVE IT ON ALL NIGHT AND NOT HAVE TO GET UP TO CHECK THE CHARCOAL. IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE "HOLLER".

Sounds great, thanks for the insight. Could you please clarify exactly what you don't recommend and why you don't? Sounds like your saying not to use the auto-feeder. I have a $70 smoker I'm "happy" with now. I think next year I'll invest in an electric smoking unit with auto-feeding and digital. Not sure if it'll be a bradley or not.