First smoker sitting in my garage in the box.

[nikkyc]

Hi everyone! My name is Nicole and I'm new here:) I've bought my first smoker, a small offset style, check it out here http://canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/deluxe-charcoal-grill-smoker-0851019p.html.
I'm 38 years old with 3 kids and just bought a new house! We live in New Brunswick Canada. Can't wait to assemble this smoker this weekend!
Just looking for a few tips from anyone that may have started out with this smoker. I've successfully smoked fish on the propane grill before but that's about it. I've read a little bit on this smoker and I see there's going to be a little bit of upgrades to do to get it running smoothly, any help? And anything else anyone has to add will be a great help I'm sure!
Thanks!
Nic

 

[lancep]

Welcome! That looks just like the smoker I started off with. There are plenty of modifications floating around the forum that will help you out.

Lance

 

[bluewhisper]

Welcome to the board, Nic! People here will be glad to help you.

I'm running an offset (see my sig) and I'll advise you that these usually require a lot of attention while they're running. It pays to line the bottom of the chamber with heavy-duty foil, much easier cleanup.  I suggest you try "lump" charcoal because it burns much cleaner than briquettes. You can add some dried wood too, and the different woods have their own flavors.

I suggest you cook some batches of chicken, such as thighs, to get the hang of the smoker and learn its quirks. Watch the smoke; you want thin blue. White smoke = harsh flavor. Run the exhaust wide open and control the fire with the air intake on the firebox.

Heh, and take pictures of it while it's new because it will never be that clean again.

 

[sauced]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new smoker!!!

 

[gholt]

Welcome. Smoking will yield many tasty results.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

 

[submariner]

Welcome and just jump right in.  Lots of good info here.

 

[workedtheworld]

I have used a small offset smoker for lots of years. There is a little writeup on my modifications that might be of interest. I write it for Backwoods Magazine, although they never published it. Good luck. You will get lots of really good food.