1st Smoke Ever!

[coachscottie]

Hey Gang,

I am here looking for advice!  I just got on this Forum and bought my smoker earlier this week (18.5 WSM).  I am going to do my first smoke ever this weekend.  I have been doing a bunch of reading/research, and quite honestly I am just as confused as I started.

I have read several places that I should start with a chicken, as they are cheap and relatively "easy" to smoke, and they aren't a long smoke.  Other places say to start with a pork butt or something as it is a relatively forgiving meat. 

Lets all be honest though, you don't get a smoker because you want to do Chicken! 

I want some Ribs!  Besides the fact I may ruin them - is there any good reason I shouldn't go all in and try some ribs?  I will probably give it a go with the 3-2-1 method, as that seems to be a bit more forgiving.  Any advise you all have would be appreciated.  I will probably post this on the main forums as well for additional thoughts, thanks all!

 

[daveomak]

Scottie, morning and welcome to the forum....   First, you will need to do a test run of your smoker and controlling the temps.... You can break it in during this test run and oil the inside and racks for a "curing" so to speak... 

Read up on Modifications made to the WSM to see if you want to try any...  Some mods make smoking, temp control etc. easier to run the smoker and better results... click on the link below to see what mods members have made.... 

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/newsearch?search=wsm+mods    

Just to be clear, the smoker will work OK the way it is but the mods may save you some headaches... 

The most important of the directions is probably the "Minion Method" for controlling the heat.... 

It is easy to control the heat once you understand the theory behind it.... 

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/newsearch?search=minion+method

By all means, start with ribs...   I smoke my ribs without foil because I like them to have some pull.... some folks like fall off the bone meat....

either way, it's personal preference.... and they are good....  Bride like fall off the bone meat so I try to smoke 2 racks at least at once... 

Post a new thread or 2 on the main forum if you have any questions... smoker mods... using the WSM...  doing ribs....  Get out the camera and take pics... we love pics....   

Because you recently joined, pics may take awhile to get posted.... Our computer system puts stuff in jail to keep the spam down.... Once you have met the requirements our computer system has set forth, or a moderator will clear your pics, you are good to go...  Please be patient with us....  there are a few moderators and lots of stuff to do to keep this place family friendly for all to enjoy....  

Dave