Hello. Name is Michael. I live in Central Illinois and am currently learning and teaching myself how to smoke on my grill I own. I have looked through the forums for a long time, but am just now choosing to register.
I don't currently use an actual smoker but I have a Kingsford 32" charcoal grill that I use quite a bit and I recently (within the past month) "inherited" from a friend through his Dad's estate a Char-Broil Gas grill and a Masterbuilt 30" digital electric smoker. I believe it is the Generation 1, but I am not sure. There is some work I need to do on it as it was rusted on the top and sides that I scraped and sanded down and then painted the entire unit as well as cleaned it inside and out. I found out that I get power to the control box, but the LCD display is out. So, I contacted Masterbuilt and got instructions on how to make sure it actually heats up and works before I buy a new digital control box for $30.
Eventually, I would like to upgrade and purchase an actual smoker. I was thinking at one time about a pellet smoker, but after giving it more thought about how much I would really use it (I am single, no kids, and work 3 jobs as well as a volunteer FF'er, so I am not home much plus on a pretty tight budget due to overspending when younger and paying it back now), I have started thinking about possibly a propane smoker and eventually upgrading to the pellet smoker. If I went with the propane smoker...my budget would be between $200 and $300. I have looked at a few models, and have read so many reviews I don't really know what to do. I liked the Camp Chef Smoke Vault, as well as the Masterbuilt model.
I have yet to figure out how to use wood chunks on my charcoal grill. I use a chimney to start my grill...NO petroleum products. I burn kingsford charcoal. I have used all types of wood chips except mesquite.
I could use and welcome any tips or advice.
I don't currently use an actual smoker but I have a Kingsford 32" charcoal grill that I use quite a bit and I recently (within the past month) "inherited" from a friend through his Dad's estate a Char-Broil Gas grill and a Masterbuilt 30" digital electric smoker. I believe it is the Generation 1, but I am not sure. There is some work I need to do on it as it was rusted on the top and sides that I scraped and sanded down and then painted the entire unit as well as cleaned it inside and out. I found out that I get power to the control box, but the LCD display is out. So, I contacted Masterbuilt and got instructions on how to make sure it actually heats up and works before I buy a new digital control box for $30.
Eventually, I would like to upgrade and purchase an actual smoker. I was thinking at one time about a pellet smoker, but after giving it more thought about how much I would really use it (I am single, no kids, and work 3 jobs as well as a volunteer FF'er, so I am not home much plus on a pretty tight budget due to overspending when younger and paying it back now), I have started thinking about possibly a propane smoker and eventually upgrading to the pellet smoker. If I went with the propane smoker...my budget would be between $200 and $300. I have looked at a few models, and have read so many reviews I don't really know what to do. I liked the Camp Chef Smoke Vault, as well as the Masterbuilt model.
I have yet to figure out how to use wood chunks on my charcoal grill. I use a chimney to start my grill...NO petroleum products. I burn kingsford charcoal. I have used all types of wood chips except mesquite.
I could use and welcome any tips or advice.
