I'm Kurt from Peoria, IL. I'm 45 and have been grilling and BBQing all my life and started smoking meats 16 years ago. I have a 640 sq. inch Brinkman grill which has a handle like a slam shifter to adjust coals to four different heights. I have an offset firebox smoker on the smaller side and just picked up a "Big Red" Kamado Kooker by Char Griller for $248 @ Menards . I couldn't pass that up for the price. I cured the cast iron grates on Big Red and smoked a butterflied chicken. Just waiting for warmer weather. I usually smoke with Pear and Apple chunks/small split wood because it's free but use any hardwoods. I make my own sauces and rubs but use store brands as well. My favorite meats to smoke are pork ribs and beef brisket. I'm not too crazy about smoked chicken/turkey. I prefer to BBQ these but do like marinated bacon wrapped smoked Dove breast. I'm sure I left out many things but they'll come out soon in the forum.
