Central IL Newbie

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birdman080

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Oct 4, 2016
75
18
Decatur, IL
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.
 
Welcome to the forum Michael!  I love my Weber Smokey Mountain, charcoal and chunks, no petroleum products!  Long smokes are not a problem and it costs about $300 for an 18.5".  I eventually want a stick burner, but for now the WSM suits me to a tee!

Mike
 
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