First Time Smoker

[smkn somd]

Purchased my first smoker last week!!!!! Going to pick it up today. It is the Brinkmann Split door smoker. Small one paid about $80 for it. Plan on smoking a beef brisket for my sisters birthday in a couple of weeks. As I've never smoked meat before does any one have any good advice or tips they can impart? I've read the only real draw back to this smoker is the charcoal pan.

 

[bama bbq]

I recommend a couple test cooks to do two things: 1) get used to your cooker.  You need to see how it recovers from vent changes, opening it to mop/spritz/wrap/ck the food and 2) get some carbonized grease built up to help maintain temps.  If its anything like mine, once you get some "gunk" built up you'll be able to control the cooker better.

 

[bomftdrum]

Definitely do a couple of practice runs to see how your smoker works. The more familiar you get with it the better you can use it.

 

[bomftdrum]

Oh I forgot welcome to your new addiction and welcome to the boards.

 

[jarjarchef]

Welcome. As said practice practice practice....... Get to know how your equipment works and reacts.

Below is my brisket cook. I use a savory rub for mine. Don't like sweet and beef...

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/126546/first-smoked-brisket

 

[sprky]

My advice is to start out with chicken, its cheap and forgiving, till you learn how your smoker runs. Pork butts are another good one to learn your smoker with, although they take longer and cost more.

Guys have smoked brisket for there first smoke, and got good results, and others have failed, and gave up. Brisket is one of the hardest meats to master in my opinion, heck I even still smoke a brisket now and then that isn't up to par. I am in no way trying to discourage you from trying it, just offering you my advice. Get to know your smoker before you do a brisket, and by all means smoke at least 1 for yourself before you do it for guests. 

 

[dragonmaster194]

Welcome to the forum.  Smoking is a great hobby and you have a place here to learn.  Enjoy!  Steve

 

[smkn somd]

Thank you for all the advice. I plan on smoking pork ribs next weekend. I'll let everyone know how they turned out!!!

 

[smkn somd]

Thank you for all the advice. I plan on smoking pork ribs next weekend. I'll let everyone know how they turned out!!!

 

[mark beard]

So how did it turn out?????

 

[smkn somd]

Ribs turned out great!!! Nice smoke ring and everything!

 

[25mike87]

congrats on the ribs.