Newb needs some advice

When I used chips, for myself I soaked them before use. Most people use splits, or chunks, reason being they last longer and you get a better "smoke" like the light blue'ish color from your cooker. Chips tend to burn quicker due to their size. The woods not going to really absorb all the moisture, but I found soaking them when I started off smoking, it helped a little...you can even go as far as soaking them in a water bourbon mix maybe. Also, just sone FYI stuff, and there are a hell if a lot more knowledgable people on the site than myself , but I wanted to try and help, check for leaks on the brinkman. Leaks can cause spikes in temps, and make it hard to control where you want to park your smoker. Case in point I have an old Acorn smoker by chargriller, and it's the most hideous thing you ever saw. Aluminum tape here, High temp sealant there, etc, but yesterday I used the minion method (pyramid coals), and with my partyQ parked that puppy @ 220 for 5hours to do beef ribs..

Hope this helps.
I'm sure someone will add more, as I'm still new with only 4 years doing this now...:biggrin:

Do not soak the wood. You are wasting your time and putting a bad taste in your food.

Geaux LSUTigers said:

 
Do not soak the wood. You are wasting your time and putting a bad taste in your food.

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Agree!!!   Use small chunks if you want longer smoke times.  Soaking your chips is a waste!

Scott