College Kid

cameronh · Jul 27, 2009

How is it going guys.

My name is Cameron I am 19 and currently in the market for a smoker a college kid can afford, I am really excited to get cracking. I know it is going to take time and patience, but I really want to get pretty good at this whole bbq thing. So tell me what you think a kid my age should to do to get started. Looking forward to hearing from yall.

pineywoods · Jul 27, 2009

Cameron welcome to SMF glad you joined us. People produce quality Q from a lot of smokers so I'd say you can produce good eats from about whatever you can find and afford. Seems most of us change smokers or add smokers over time. You'll find lots of good info here and I would suggest signing up for Jeff's 5 Day Ecourse it has some good info and its free.

billbo · Jul 27, 2009

Welcome Cameron! Good to have some young folks interested in smoking!

mballi3011 · Jul 27, 2009

First off welcome cameron to SMF. You'll like it here cause there are alot of good people here that would just love to guide you with your new found joy of smoking meat. First i think you should look up the 5-day E-course it's free and very informative. Then go get a grill you can find one at wally world without spending an pile of money. Then just get something to smoke start with something easy like a chicken just brine it (theres a page about that here) then throw it in the smoker and let her rip. If you have any question either ask it here or join the chat and you can get an answer right then. So roll up your sleeves and get going.
PS Welcome To The Addiction.

cameronh · Jul 27, 2009

So I am thinking I am going to go with the 35 dollar ECB from my nearest Home Depot or Walmart. Whichever is cheaper where. Just do the mods one day soon. Good way to go?

tacman · Jul 27, 2009

Hey Cameron,

Welcome to the addiction!

In addition to the 5 day course mentioned earlier, check out the link on the main forum page to Jeff's Blog. scroll down to Tuesday, June 5th and download Jeff's pdf titled "How To Smoke Meat". I found this very informative and a good place to start as well.

After that, take some chances and experiment as the only thing that will happen is that you will learn what to and not to do.

The smf is full of a wealth of idea starters and recipes and will help get your creative juices flowing. I know i ahve found not run out of inspriational ideas since I joined.

dexter · Jul 27, 2009

Welcome cameron !!!! glad to have you here. I think I better let the pro's get you off to a good start. Have a great day !!!!!

cameronh · Jul 27, 2009

Actually I really like this one, and would not mind paying the extra twenty for it? Anyone have any experience with it?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100606045

taterdavid · Jul 27, 2009

I WOULD GO with that one probobly, heres a link to some info on it

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...ad.php?t=76776

pineywoods · Jul 27, 2009

I think you can produce some good food with either

beer-b-q · Jul 28, 2009

Hi Cameron, Glad to have you with us.

Be sure to check out Jeff's 5Day Smoking Basics eCourse, you can find it here 5 Day eCourse

ronp · Jul 28, 2009

Being on a budget consider the cost of charcoal versus electric. I had an ECB electric to start.
And welcome.

bigtrain74 · Jul 28, 2009

Welcome Cameron!!!

I understand that you are on a budget but want to get going sooner rather then later. Trust me, when you get going you will be hooked to the whole concept of smoking meat and furthering your knowledge with the more hands on trials of food you make.

When you come to the forum you will meet all kinds of people who honestly and truly have their own style of smoking and are very comfortable with the way they smoke.

When you buy you should not only worry about the money, but the size of the smoker you should buy. Me personally I prefer the verticle smokers. And propane is definetly the better choice for my lifestyle.

I got my smoker as a gift but I know my smoker was not much more then $150. I am constantly watching my wallet and spending and this is something that my fiance allows me to do quite frequently. So I know right there this is not killing our budget.

With whatever you finally choose just remember, you are probably going to have this new smoker of yours for at least a year and you want the best for your buck. Click on the link to check out the GOSM from walmart.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=3342508

irishteabear · Jul 28, 2009

Welcome to SMF. Glad you joined us.

bigsteve · Jul 28, 2009

Welcome aboard Cameron. With so many choices, and so many users that love their smokers, asking for help in selecting a first smoker will likely get you so many answers your head will spin.

If you're looking for an inexpensive charcoal set up, most of the low end Brinkmans will make great food, but every one of them needs some modifications. Most are not major. Here are links to 2 different Brinkman modifications you can look over:

http://www.randyq.addr.com/ecb/ecbmods.html For most Brinkman bullets

http://brinkmansmokermods.com/default.aspx For the "Gourmet" model (which I have.)

A 22 1/2 inch Weber kettle grill does a good job as a smoker also. There are inexpensive wire racks and coal pans to make it a little easier, then there is an assesorie that turns it into a genuine smoker. And all the while, you still have a great grill too. I got a 1 yr old, barely used Weber kettle on Craigslist for $20.00. One avenue to explore.......

Let us know what you end up with.

bassman · Jul 28, 2009

Welcome to the forum. Just make sure you post some pictures when you get set up. We do like Qview!

fired up · Jul 28, 2009

Welcome aboard!

waysideranch · Jul 28, 2009

Welcome youngster. Football partys will never be the same. Good luck.

zeller · Jul 28, 2009

this will be your new addiction... im only 22 been doin for 2 yrs.. cant stop... dont wanna stop either... be on the look out for sales at the grocery store...meat can get expensive on our college budget.... also check out craigslist in your area... y ou can find a decent one on there for a pretty good price... then check out ALL the recipes and ideas on here... and DONT be afraid to ask questions.... have fun good luck...

ps the ability to smoke is a Chick Magnet... ask my wife...

the dude abides · Jul 28, 2009

zeller;337715 said:
this will be your new addiction... im only 22 been doin for 2 yrs.. cant stop... dont wanna stop either... be on the look out for sales at the grocery store...meat can get expensive on our college budget.... also check out craigslist in your area...quote]

What he said. I'd keep my eyes open for craigslist, want ads in the local paper, and garage sales too. Often times people will spend a few the bucks on pretty nice smoker only to decide later they don't have the time to devote to it. This is a great way to pick up a nice piece of gear for a lot less than you could new.

Welcome, glad you joined us.

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