Hello from Charleston, SC

[topcat]

Well, I stumbled upon this forum while researching which electric smoker to buy.  I bought a Masterbuilt Smoker about 5 years ago, and it is on its last legs, and I wanted a new one before the July 4th holiday.  I must say that I wish I found this forum years ago.  My very first time out with my electric smoker was a huge success - the ribs were tender, full of smoke flavor and seasoned just right.  I've done whole chicken, and turkey in the smoker and had good luck as well.  But I completely flopped when trying to do a brisket. This year seems to be a hit or miss, I've had some meats come out great, and others not so great.  I never know exactly what to do to get a more consistent tender, flavorful meal out of the smoker.  

So far I've discovered the ANMPS, found great tips to reduce hot spots, and signed up for the smoking basics ecourse.

I am excited to be a part of the forum, and look forward to learning more about the art of smoking with my electric smoker.

BTW, I am holding out for the new MES 40. My older MES 40 will do for now...

 

[rabbithutch]

Howdy, TopCat!

Do they still sell sweet grass baskets down at the four corners?

 

[s2k9k]

 to SMF!!! We're glad you stumbled upon us! 

Would you do us a favor and update your profile to include your location, Thanks!

 

[topcat]

Howdy, TopCat!
Do they still sell sweet grass baskets down at the four corners?

Sure do.  The group of folks that do that for a living are a tight knit bunch.  They've been in the news lately because some manufacturing company started mass producing the baskets and competing with the small private merchants.  

 

[smokinhusker]

Hello Topcat and welcome to SMF! Lots of MES owners here, including myself. Sounds like you have some experience to share with us.

 

[scarbelly]

Hello Topcat and 

 to SMF - glad to have you here

 

[topcat]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome.  I finished the 5 day course on smoking Friday.  I bought an AMPS and Pitmaster's Choice pellets online and it arrived Wednesday.  The 5 day course offered up quite a few tips that I'd never considered in the past.  Since it is Father's day today and we are having a cookout, it is only natural that the Smoker was pulled out, and in went a Boston Butt and a couple rack of Spare Ribs. I also mixed up a batch of Jeff's Rub and seasoned the meat the night before.

The spare ribs are by far the best that I've ever done.  The Boston butt is still in the smoker, but if the ribs are an indication of what's to come - I can hardly wait!

 

[mikedani]

Welcome, I Just retired my MES 40 this last week for a Yoder YS640. There are a ton of great smokers out there and I love Charleston......