New guy, first smoker, any recommendations?

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Hey how many lbs of pellets would I need to get started?  I'll probably smoke once a week, 4X a month.  I'll mostly do fish (short smokes), but definitely want to try that Boston butt someone recommended (longer smoke).  I dont want to buy too much of one flavor because I'd like to experiment, but also dont want to pay for shipping too many different bags.

Where do you guys get your supplies?  I saw on Amazon they have Weber Apple Wood Chips (3lbs) for $4-$6.  This comes out to $1.30 / lbs.  How many smokes can I get our a bag like this?

I also see they have some Traeger PEL304 Hickory Barbeque Pellets (20lbs) for $25.  Also $1.30 / lb.  Would I get more smoke hours from pellets?
 
I always buy my pellets from http://www.amazenproducts.com/  because Todd guarantees that his pellets are made of 100% of the specific wood. Some pellets use a base wood with flavorings added. Start with a couple of the 2lb bags to see what you like then start experimenting.
 
 
I always buy my pellets from http://www.amazenproducts.com/  because Todd guarantees that his pellets are made of 100% of the specific wood. Some pellets use a base wood with flavorings added. Start with a couple of the 2lb bags to see what you like then start experimenting.
Looks like $3-$3.50 / lb with a minimum order of $35.  That's double the price but thanks, I will take a look. 
 
 
Looks like $3-$3.50 / lb with a minimum order of $35.  That's double the price but thanks, I will take a look. 
I am usually cheap and a bargain shopper but when it comes to things my family will eat I will spend a little more to get products that I know are quality. I don't think there is any sort of regulation for smoking pellets or any requirement for the brand to list every single ingredient so I stay away from the brands with unknown additives in their pellets. I'm sure they aren't selling anything dangerous but I don't like not knowing what is in them.

Also, if you read the bag of the Traeger pellets they say "contains 100% hardwood". That means it could be a mixture of cheap woods with a small amount of the actual flavor you are looking for. If I buy a bag of pecan pellets I want 100% pecan not 75% oak with 25% pecan.

But that's just me and I am known to be a little on the OCD side (or a lot OCD if you ask my wife).
 
All pellets are not created equal. You get what you pay for. If you want the device to work as it is supposed to you will have to use quality pellets. I have not heard good things about Traeger pellets from several people in my town that have their pellet grills. Nor have I heard good things about their products in general.
 
I have not seen weber pellets. I have used there chips and they are fine but chips are easier to buy since it is plain to see what you are getting. Just make sure you read the bag thoroughly for any pellets. If they aren't specifically stating that they are 100% of the advertised wood species and contain zero additives then you should probably avoid them.
 
 
What about the Weber pellets?  Weber is a trusted brand.
I have never seen Weber Pellets. Didn't know they made them since they don't make pellet cookers that I know of. Hmmm..... must be new. I would bet they are made by some large company and branded Weber. You want to use 100 percent real pellets like what todd has. Have you talked to him yet. He is a great guy and can give you the straight scoop on the subject.
 
Great thanks.  Yeah I meant to say Weber chips.  I'll probably give the chips a shot for fish, keep it simple seeing as though I'm learning.  When I get more experience, I'll get the AMPS and try the 1lb bag that it comes with.  Greet feedback, thanks guys.
 
Yeah I saw a pic of that gal holding a big Striper in an evening dress.  CRAZY!  I will check it out.  I actually came across her pics while looking for a smoked bluefish recipe.

So for fish, I'll go with the Weber chips, and they have apple, cherry, hickory, mesquite and pecan.  Go with the apple or is there something better?
 
 
Yeah I saw a pic of that gal holding a big Striper in an evening dress.  CRAZY!  I will check it out.  I actually came across her pics while looking for a smoked bluefish recipe.

So for fish, I'll go with the Weber chips, and they have apple, cherry, hickory, mesquite and pecan.  Go with the apple or is there something better?
chips are chips. I go with the cheapest I can find on those. I like alder and apple for the fish I smoke but that consists of Bass, Trout, Crappie, Perch, Catfish, Sturgeon, Salmon and Steelhead with the rare walleye thrown in for good measure. I am far enough from the west coast that good salt water fish is kind of hard to get.
 
You will just have to try them all and see what you like. I think you can't go wrong with apple as a go to wood for everything but I might be biased. I like to mix cherry in for beef myself with apple. That's just how I roll. It just depends on what I am trying to achieve. If I am doing jerk chicken I go with Pimento if I can get it. If I am doing lamb I go with Lilac or grape wood if I can find that. You will just have to experiment and see for yourself. Everyone has different tastes. If I am double smoking a Ham I use Hickory or if I am doing Bacon too. Although I have made Bacon with apple and it was awesome as well. Different woods compliment different rubs and sauces, and that is another factor to consider. Like I said earlier a lot of eastern and southern folks swear by Pecan. I can't wait to try some one of these days. I am just guessing as to where you are located is the east or southeast coast. You can get lots of wood there that I can't get here. I don't buy wood online unless it is pimento although I want to try Kiwa or whatever it's called from Hawaii one of these days too. Lots to think about. Just get 2 or 3 kinds and see what you like.
 
If you will PM Bearcarver he can tell you all about MES 

Gary
 
The only thing is, if I do get the AMPS, then I should get a 5lb bag of something to at least use the $35 min for free shipping (or even a 20lb bag to save some $$$).  I assume I'll use 8oz to 1lb per smoke so a 20lb bag may be an overkill.

If I could only chose one of these for every thing (pork, beef & poultry, I will use chips for fish), which one would you recommend?

* Alder
* Apple
* Beech
* Charcoal
* Chili Pepper Spice
* Corn Cob
* Garlic Spice
* Italian Spice-Rosemary,Thyme,Basil
* Mesquite
* Pecan
 
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