newb here and to a smoker

[cd82]

so im going to get the Oklahoma Joe's Highland Smoker/Grill at wal mart for a good price.. 

would this be a good one to get for a beginner smoker  I wont do a whole lot of of meat..

briskets and ribs here and there every so often..  

how would I start out get some ribs an try it ??  

any certin thing I need to do when I get the smoker?? 

ive got a big big supply of mesquite wood so no problem there.

any suggestions or tips are welcome thanks

 

[5oclocksomewher]

I'm new at this myself. Here's a few things I did with my cheap offset and got some decent results. Good Luck.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/160597/chargriller-outlaw-baby-back-ribs

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/160891/chargriller-outlaw-brisket-3rd-smoke

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/161961/a-turkey-smoking-a-turkey

:bluesbros:

 

[cd82]

im going to find an easy rib method for my first set of ribs..  not sure if im ready for something like  3 2 1 or 2 2 1.  

ive got an idea to use some shiner beer  brown sugar  etc..   something simple for the first go around is what im looking to do. 

I will be picking up the smoker tomorrow..    is the  Oklahoma highlander similar to the chargriller outlaw?

 

[5oclocksomewher]

Yes it's similar. I think your unit is probably a little better out of the box. I did a lot of mods to mine, and so far so good. Just use the search to find mods for your unit, or to find some great recipes. Best thing is to jump right in and try different things. I've been pretty lucky. I got some great advice from this forum, and you can too! Ask or search for help with specific issues, guaranteed someone here has faced any issues you will have.

 

[cd82]

thanks   do the rib racks work well ? 

 

[5oclocksomewher]

Someone else can answer that. I never used rib racks.

 

[kc5tpy]

Hello and welcome to the fun.  Many good folk here with a load of experience that they are more than willing to share.  If you have specific questions just start a thread and someone with experience will be along soon to offer advice.  Spend some time doing some research on the forums, tons of advice and recipes already available there.  The trial and error method works well.  We will try to help you keep the errors to a minimum.  We look forward to your contributions.  I will assume you have seasoned your smoker and sealed every leak you can.  I always advise the same with this question.  Chicken leg quarters and maybe some burgers with just salt and pepper.  Easy to do and cheap to buy.  I know!  I know!  You have been reading for weeks, now have your smoker, you are ready to get started and this idiot says chicken legs and burgers??  WHAT??  The first few smokes are about learning to control temps in YOUR smoker.  Each one can be different.  If that first smoke burns, the dog gets a good meal.  If it ain’t done, finish it in the oven.  Little money lost and with luck you still get a good meal.  TEMP CONTROL!! IS THE KEY!!  Have fun.  Good luck.  Keep Smokin!

Danny

 

[cd82]

now I have not bought the wood smoker yet going to grab it today. and I can get wood its no problem getting it..   but never used a smoker before ever at all.  are the electric smokers nice  easy to use?   and like use wood  chips??

 

[5oclocksomewher]

If your getting the Oklahoma Joe, it's has a side fire box that uses charcoal and wood chunks for flavor. That's what I use. I really don't know much about the electric smokers but a lot of guys here use them and can help you with them.

 

[marauder]

I have an electric smoker a  Kamado  ..and propane vertical smoker  the electric helps you out because all you have to do is concentrate on the way you prepare your meat the Kamado requires lump charcoal and watching temps .. propane smoker has water pan chip box . to me a side stick burner would be good to have for alot of  meats

 

[cd82]

yeah I don't have a lot of meats I don't cook in competitions ..  after thinking about it for a while and looking  at  space in my back yard.

an electric smoker fits my budget a bit better...  thanks for the info guys ...

 

[GaryHibbert]

Hey

Welcome to the Smoking  forum.   You’ll find great , friendly people here, all more than willing to answer any question you may have.  Just ask and you’ll get about 10 different answers—all right.  LOL.   Don’t forget to post qviews.

Gary

 

[gary s]

Already got some good advice, Season your smoker first, and I would smoke some chicken, leg quarters or halves, just to get the feel of your smoker and make sure it is working the way it should especially the temp gauge.

Gary S