First timer with a 2 door Masterbuilt

[sean641]

Hello, first time smoker. I got a 2 door Masterbuilt for Christmas and was trying it out today. After I had it started I found this website and started seeing a lot of the tips I wish I had seen before starting. If I use the cast iron, can I use the wood chunks then? I received chunks with the smoker and thought I had to return them because the instructions say chips only. Guess we will see how this first butt turns out in a few hours.

 

[mike5051]

Welcome to the forum!  I'm not sure about chunks and the Masterbuilt, but lots of folks here with Masterbuilt smokers.  Hopefully they will chime in.

Mike

 

[SmokinAl]

I'm not familiar with your smoker, but if it's propane, then yes chunks will work.

On my gasser I usually start with a mix of chips & chunks to get the smoke rolling, then switch to just chunks.

Here's how it looks when I start.

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• SmokinAl
• Jan 1, 2017

Hope this helps & welcome to the forum!

Al

 

[r2 builders]

If your smoker is like mine (Masterbuilt 30" 2 door propane Smoker)
I replaced the chip pan with a cast iron iron skillet and a did a few other mods.
In the skillet I primarily use chunks but I also use chips once in awhile.

Even though my manual says not to use chunks, I use them all the time with no problems.IMHO chunks burn better.

hope this helps.

r2

 

[cmayna]

Yes, with a cast iron in place, chunks work perfectly.

 

[gary s]

  Good morning and welcome to the forum from a rainy day here in East Texas, and the best site on the web. Lots of great people          with tons of information on just about everything.

        Gary

 

[sean641]

Thanks for the tips. For those with the skillets, is it the full sided skillet or just the one with a small lip? And 8" or 10"? Thanks again. And sorry I didn't put it up above but I am from SE Wisconsin.

 

[r2 builders]

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• r2 builders
• Jan 2, 2017

Hi Sean
I am using a standard cast iron skillet with a handle on it. I am using a 10" now. I tried an 8" but the 10" seemed to burn more evenly. The 10" just fits with the handle to the side. I also put a small wire rack in to give the skillet more room above the burner.

r2

 

[SmokyMose]

I used an 8" pan with mine mainly because it was easier to snatch out and replace when adding wood. I never tried chunks. A good handful of soaked chips lasted about a half hour.

 

[fireman787]

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• fireman787
• Jan 20, 2017

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• fireman787
• Jan 20, 2017

Nice! I like using chunks, like most said, I tend to hatchet mine up and use smaller pieces to prime it. I went ahead and framed and covered it too. I've run about 35 hours now and have used about 15 pounds of propane. It's still been a little challenging to hold my temperature steady, but I chalk that up to being a complete new guy. I use an 8" skillet too. Going to do a few more cooks before I revisit the needle valve install. Be well!

 

[sean641]

Very impressive. I've done the aluminum wrap on the burn pan so I can use chunks, also use a larger water pan on the bottom of the smoke chamber and purchased the remote thermometer. Going to do some ribs this weekend.

 

[SmokyMose]

Enclosed smoker..Great idea!

 

[fireman787]

It sure has been efficient, the top board on the back is on hinges so I can adjust for smoke exhaust. I also insulated the inside. It's been 35-45 degrees here and I'm still able to smoke!