First offset Smoker

[duffman]

I have been using a little upright smoker for about 6 months now and just upgraded to a Brinkmann Offset Smoker that I am going to start using this weekend. any advice on use and care of my new smoker?

 

[duffman]

A quick question also, my smoker is the Brinkmann Smoke N Pit and I was wondering if I should take the charcole grate and pan out of the main cooker when I a smoking from the fire box. Thanks for any help.

 

[adiochiro3]

Welcome to the family!!  You're going to love your offset.  Check out the offset mods on this forum -- great ideas to maximize performance and temp stability.  I use a scraper inside to remove crusty stuff.  Scrub the grates with soap, water and a wire grate brush.  Keep ashes from sitting in the box as they will draw moisture out of the air and rust out the box quickly.

I never have the charcoal grate in the main cooker when I smoke; I have tuning plates to manage temp and smoke distribution (see above-mentioned mods).  I set my water pan on top of the tuning plates to stabilize temps and keep moisture up inside while smoking.

Get a couple of accurate thermos mounted on or near grate level -- one for each end to keep an eye on temp balance (can vary 25-50* one end to the other).

Build your fires as far away from the cook chamber as reasonably possible to help with temp balance.

Practice and experience are the best teachers for your individual rig.  Keep at it!

Cheers!