first smoke in New Vault Smoker

[kmadson]

Got it seasoned and now smoking a meatloaf, it is confusing trying to figure how to keep temp.at a good place yet not have smoke bellowing out and not be blue but white

It has settled down to about 225* I have the side vents about 1/3 the way open and top almost full open.
Just went out to check it again temp. dropped to 200* closed top vent down to 3/4 opened sides up a little more and try getting it back up between 225-250*. Didn't see anything of smoke yet I can sure smell it

. Do I need to actually see small amount of smoke coming from top for it to be correct or am I worrying over nothing? Any and all information is appreciated.If I have the temp. set much more than Lo then it seems to really smoke yet if I keep it at low it seems to drop allot.
Out I go to check and see if it has gone back up any.

 

[bb53chevpro]

I have learned from the people here that if you can smell the smoke, you good, you don't really need to see it. If I am incorrect, can someone please correct me.
Andy.

 

[kmadson]

oh that makes me feel better, I finally got it to hold about 310-315* to finish off the meat loaf. Had it approx. 225-250* for the most part for about 1 1/2 hr. figured I needed to up it for about the same amount of time to finish it off. There is some smoke showing and it's BLUE lol lol It had dropped to 200* for a few minutes but finally got it up and so far it is holding. Is it normally for smoke to come out around the temp. gauge on door of the vault smoker or any smoker for that matter? I'm still very much a green horn at smoking things but don't plan on giving up :o) Thanks KM ment to also ask, I have extra chunks of wood I had soaked but didn't use is it ok to let air dry and reuse or should I chuck it. silly questions but this has happened a couple times and really hate throwing it out.

 

[minn.bill]

youll love your vault! i sure do. and yes smoke can come out any where it wants.

 

[kmadson]

lol that's a relief was wondering if I was going to have to call the place I got it from this morning and complain lol.I just sloppied some sauce on it and will bring it back up and temp will be good and ready to eat. Hot meatloaf sandwich sounds good to me

.Better get back out there my mouth won't stop watering

Thanks allot for your info. KM