Hello from Iowa

[dp2826]

New to the smoking world. Looking to buy my first smoker. I stumbled upon this great site reading smoker reviews. Thanks for having me.

 

[noboundaries]

Welcome dp2826!  Glad you're here. 

Have fun reading and shopping for your smoker.  Every type has its own little quirks, some major, some minor.  Each manufacturer has the same issues, some major, some minor. Have fun reading and please ask any questions.  Folks here love to share their experience and opinions. 

Whatever you do, be sure to budget a dual probe wireless thermometer like the Maverick, or something similar, into your smoker purchase.  That one addition will do more for a successful smoke every time than any other accessory purchase.

Looking forward to seeing what you choose and that first smoke! 

 

[gary s]

Hello and good morning from East Texas, welcome to the forum. Lots of great information and real good people here..  

Gary S

 

[dp2826]

 
Welcome dp2826!  Glad you're here. 

Have fun reading and shopping for your smoker.  Every type has its own little quirks, some major, some minor.  Each manufacturer has the same issues, some major, some minor. Have fun reading and please ask any questions.  Folks here love to share their experience and opinions. 

Whatever you do, be sure to budget a dual probe wireless thermometer like the Maverick, or something similar, into your smoker purchase.  That one addition will do more for a successful smoke every time than any other accessory purchase.

Looking forward to seeing what you choose and that first smoke! 

Thanks! After reading the accessories section, I think the thermometer will be an easy choice. Sounds like one of the Mavericks is the way to go. Now the hard part will be choosing a smoker...

 

[noboundaries]

 
Thanks! After reading the accessories section, I think the thermometer will be an easy choice. Sounds like one of the Mavericks is the way to go. Now the hard part will be choosing a smoker...

Amen on the Maverick/Redi Check/Ivation, all the same thermometer.

Choosing a smoke is the FUN part!  Electric, propane, wood, charcoal, homebuilt.  For me I would LOVE to have a stick burner but cooking wood is too expensive in my area so cross that off the list for now.  I really had no interest in electric or propane but they are very popular, especially electric.  I thought about building one but have so little free time as it is.  For me that left charcoal, so then it was a matter of which had the fewest issues and still produced great smoked meat. The WSM was the answer and I use it 6-8 times a month.  WSM owners are ALL pretty fanatical about their smokers.  Count me as one of those.     

Whatever you choose will be perfect for you.

 

[allen]

Welcome to the Forum, I to live in Sioux City, Ia. You will find alot of helpful people here and don't be scared to ask questions, we have people here who know their stuff.

 

[welshrarebit]

I'm a weber guy! Depending on your price range:

~$50: weber kettle with charcoal basket (garage sale or Craigslist special).

~$100: mini-wsm. Check the build section on how to do this.

$150 plus: used wsm.

$300 plus: new wsm.

 

[dp2826]

Can anyone help me with fueling an offset smoker? I'm not sure what to use for wood or when to use it. Is there a thread on this somewhere?

 

[gary s]

Good morning, I'll be happy to try to help I have a RF  off set I use charcoal and wood. The other day I started off with about 2/3 chimney of charcoal and about the same amount in my basket. once it was good and hot I added a large split of pecan. I smoke at 225 º the rest of the day I only added regular splits of Pecan maintained temp all day. Around here in East Texas Oak, Pecan and Hickory are plentiful and are great smoking woods. Pretty much any fruit wood id good just a mild flavor. I use peach and cherry when I can get it. A lot of people like mesquite, you just have to be careful because it is a strong wood, I have a friend who does competitions and uses a little mesquite mixed with oak.

Another thing make sure your wood is well seasoned    Experiment with different types and see what flavors are most appealing 

Gary S

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Glad to have you, and hope you call this your home for "Queing" .

Read a bunch of post and see how you want to smoke and hang on to you 'Bloomers' , you'll be hooked and can't stop.

Have fun and . . .

 

[dp2826]

Thanks, that helps a lot. Where can I find wood? I figured craigslist, but don't see anything local

 

[oldschoolbbq]

No trees

 Try the big box folks ... or 'Wally World' .

 

[dp2826]

Will any wood work. Guess I was looking for fruit wood.

 

[GaryHibbert]

Hey

Welcome to the Smoking forum. You’ll find great , friendly people here, all more than willing to answer any question you may have. Just ask and you’ll get about 10 different answers—all right. LOL. Don’t forget to post qviews.

Gary