New to Smoking and just bought the Brinkman Electric Vertical Box

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bevo

Newbie
Original poster
Apr 16, 2012
6
10
Mckinney, TX
Hello,

Eric from Mckinney, Texas here.

Kind of new to smoking meats. Tried it for years but never got it right. Finally went out and bought a Brinkman 810-5515 Vertical electric smoker. Needed something inexpensive but that would work well. Bought it for $134 at walmart.com including shipping. Seasoning it right now as I type. I bought electric because I always had problem maintaining temperature with charcoal. Didn't want gas because I don't want to run out of propane half way through. Figured electric was the best maintenance free smoker.

Can't wait to get started

I looked for any mods that might help but can't find any. The temperature gauge definitely doesn't work but it looks like it's adjustable with a screw. Anyone have any ideas.

It doesn't have any vents but I'm not sure that it has to because it is electric. Should I make one?

Should I buy lava rocks and put it at the bottom? Thought that might help maintain temperature, might be pointless though.

I don't think winter should be a problem. Heats up to 400 right now, and is insulated. Besides, I'm in texas.

I have a 7 pound pork butt waiting to get used. Any thoughts? I prefer hickory so I have several bags from past test. Dry rub or marinate? I want exactly what I can get at a great BBQ restaurant. I'm assuming slowly at 250 but to what internal temp? Wife is pregnant so she is not supposed to have smoked meats but I think as long as it's cooked thoroughly it is find.
 
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Wow, did I buy the wrong smoker or something. I kind of feel like I just got dissed. :( 
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Everyone else got a welcome. This must be an Oklahoma born site.  That's ok, I'll still be around to learn from you guys.
 
Howdy, Eric!

Don't think that anyone is 'dissin' you 'cause this ain't that kinda place.

I don't think there are many here who have the electric Brinkman - but I might be wrong. 

Have you signed up for the e-course?  That, the wiki, and cruising other threads should turn up a lot of info for you.  I'm too new to be able to give you much advice.  I bought the MES40 at Sam's last Fall and just jumped in.  So far I haven't had a disaster, but I haven't pulled off anything worth bragging about either.  I did a couple of butts at the end of last year.  They came out OK but not as moist as I wanted.  I think you just have to experiment some and learn as you go.  I've found that taking pics and keeping notes helps - but I'm about to enter my 8th decade and memory ain't what it used to be.

Welcome to the fire!
 
Hello and Welcome to SMF- lots of us are traveling - I only have limited access here in the hotel. 

Please do us a favor and update your profile with your location
 
Welcome to SMF, Bevo! Just got back from the North Florida Gathering and am catching up on posts, too. Don't hesitate to ask questions, and good luck with your new smoker!
 
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 to SMF . You have come to the right place for smoking info. This site is loaded with great info just use the search bar at top of page to find what you are looking for. If you can't locate the answer just ask folks here are willing to share there knowledge. Check out  the 5 day e-course on smoking its chuck full of great info, and may help ya out. Smoking  5-Day e-Course  
 
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