New to Smoking

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tboans

Newbie
Original poster
Jun 21, 2013
1
10
Northern New Jersey
For Father's Day I was able to pick my own gift!!!  Basically between a new phone as mine keeps crapping out OR purchase my first smoker!  I chose the smoker.  Now I have tons of questions

Which one? Electric or Propane? (not sure I want to jump in and have to maintain a  firebox for 12 hours)  Where do I get wood? Chips or Chunks(didn't know there was a difference)?  How much wood do I need?  What kind is best for what meats?  Recipes? I need lots of recipes. I'm sure I can go on and on.

I love BBQ and know my way around a grill (charcoal or gas).  But I always felt a true BBQ chef knows how to smoke some meats.  

Please help out a newbie.  Where do I start?

After searching these boards I am looking at a Masterbuilt XL.  Is the GS40 available from someone other than Amazon?  Is there better?  I kind of like the Camp Chef.  How much propane do these guys use in a smoke?  
 
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to SMF!  We are so glad you joined us! I own a Camp chef 24" and love it!!!!  I have smoked over 30 hours on one 20lb tank of propane.  (doing a check of how long a tank last me right now)  I can set it...do other stuff and not worry about the out come.  Also...you will need to get a good thermometer.  I use a Maverick and like it better than the other therms I own.

Jeff offers a free 5 day E-Course.  It's packed with great information to use...no matter what your experience level might be!  http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-basics-ecourse

If you didn't read the "Terms of Service" notes.....please do.  There are a few things that everyone should know about those pesky little rules before plunging into the forums. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/terms-of-service

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If you need any help roaming around the forums....just holler!  Happy to help out!

Kat
 
Welcome to the forums!  Glad you've joined us.  You've found a great place to learn and share ideas on our favorite pastimes...grilling, smoking, and curing great food!  There are lots of friendly and knowledgeable folks here who really enjoy helping one another.  Just ask any time you need help and you'll get plenty!

Whether you choose gas or electric, you should consider a smoke generator from A-Maze-N Products (a site sponsor, link at bottom of page).  The AMNPS is perfect for an electric rig, and the tube smokers (AMNTS) are made for propane smokers.  Both of these gadgets produce hours of perfect smoke without worrying about buying wood chips/chunks or reloading chip trays every half hour.  Browse the different forums for both electric and gas smokers, and we also have forums dedicated only to recipes. 

Good luck!

Red
 
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