Hello

[MFSmokes]

I am new to smoking meats. I just picked up a Bar B Chef offset smoker. It looks like it is discontinued. There is no model number on it, no temperature gauge, no instruction manual, so I guess I will just learn as I go. I saw your forum when I was trying to look up information on this unit. Looks like there’s a lot of knowledge on this site, I will definitely be checking out your posts. Pretty excited to fire this thing up!

 

[TNJAKE]

Welcome from Tennessee. Looks like a good smoker. Not hard to drill you a hole for a gauge. Get you a tel-tru. Very reliable. Here's mine

 

[MFSmokes]

Thank you TNJake! This smoker looks like it has had some heat on it from the outside? But all I see on the inside is some light rust on the grates, and around some of the bolts. Thanks for the tip on the temperature gauge.

 

[SmokingUPnorth]

Welcome. Great forum like you said. You can also look for a thermometer that you can have show grill temp as well as the temp if your meat. Inkbird is a site sponsor and has really good products.to get familiar with the smoker and temp control you’ll really need a good thermometer that way you can play around with it and get to know it a little better

 

[negolien]

Welcome buddy

 

[MFSmokes]

Thanks SmokingUPnorth,
I will grab a thermometer before I ruin something

 

[MFSmokes]

Welcome buddy

Thanks negolien!

 

[sandyut]

Welcome to SMF from Utah

 

[bigfurmn]

Welcome from Minnesnowta. I would be willing to bet a few people have the same unit. The people here will have answers for you, unfortunately I’m not much help here.

 

[MFSmokes]

Thank you sandyut!

 

[MFSmokes]

Welcome from Minnesnowta. I would be willing to bet a few people have the same unit. The people here will have answers for you, unfortunately I’m not much help here.

Thanks Minnesnowta!

 

[Sven Svensson]

Welcome, from California. I agree with @TNJAKE about the Tel-Tru thermometer. They are the only accurate and trustable “steam gauges” you’ll find. But we still all use probe thermometers. The steam gauge is mainly for a quick glance, but a very trustable quick glance.

 

[MFSmokes]

Hi Sven,
Thanks for the reply. Should it be installed at grill level, or higher? Near the offset firebox?

 

[DougE]

Welcome from Kentucky, and yeah, you need a good remote therm

 

[MFSmokes]

Thanks DougE,
I hope it’s not a steep burning curve, lol

 

[912smoker]

Welcome to SMF from SE Ga !

Keith

 

[MFSmokes]

Thanks Minnesnowta!

Bigfurmn, We we’re in Cumberland, WI @ Louie’s Finer Meats before Covid hit. Still have some rubs from there…great sausages there!

 

[MFSmokes]

Welcome to SMF from SE Ga !

Keith

Thanks Keith!

 

[BGKYSmoker]

What Jake said.

 

[MFSmokes]

Thanks BGKYSmoker, I like the idea of a quality thermometer without electronics. This smoker is basic. Doors and vents. Hope I can get the hang of it.