A newbie question.

[rsp4834]

I guess my first question would be...what should I use as a heat source? I know most of you have your personal choice and I know there are pros and cons with any type. I have the materials available to make any kind even electric but, that wouldn't be my first choice. I'd also like some info on HOW to smoke something. I need to know about does the wood or chips etc. have to be directly over the heat or is it in a separate chamber?

 

[chef jimmyj]

Any one of us could spend weeks answering your questions. Your first job is to research the types of smokers and make a decision as to which one or two you want to Buy/Build. Then we can give pros and cons of each and how they work. Type anything that comes to mind in the Search bar. You will get everything posted on the subject for the last 6 years or so. Want to know about Propane Smokers, Search it. Wood Smokers, Electric Smokers, Smoker Builds, What kind of Wood, anything. Start reading here... http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/search.php?search=types+of+smokers  and then Search for the Answer to any questions. If you have unanswered questions go to the Forum heading above and click on it. Go to the most relevant Forum and start a new thread in that forum. See you back when you make a decision...JJ

 

[s2k9k]

Some good info to get you started would be to take Jeff's Free 5 day e-course, it will teach you all the basics and a lot more: http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-basics-ecourse.html

I think only you can answer your first question, everyone else will have their personal preference but it might not be what "you" want. Ask yourself a few questions: How much am I going to be smoking? How often?  What kind of food do I want to smoke? How much time to I want to involve? Do I want to babysit it all day feeding wood to it? Do I want to set and forget and come back when it's done? Do I want something in the middle?

There isn't one type of smoker that is right for everybody. I think you need to narrow down what you want it for.

You can read a lot about all the different types here:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/f/92/smoking-supplies-equipment

I hope this helps a little.