Help a newbie!

[bbtech]

Hi all,

I've recently acquired a New Braunfels Bandera smoker. I'm new at this, but I did try to do my research and get a feel for what I should be doing. I gave my first brisket a go last week, and I just couldn't keep the heat up, and it ended up taking so long, I had to finish it in the over for the last 20 degrees. So, I'm going to ask some fundamental questions to try to bootstrap myself for my next endeavor.

1) I see there are mods I should make, but the link I found in a thread was dead. Does anyone have the list of mods for this smoker?

2) When cooking a brisket, I figured the right spot for it is near the bottom of the smoker. Is this correct? Should I put in a second thermometer at that spot. I tried cooking it up higher where the thermometer was last week, and had poor results.

3) What are the general fuel choices for this smoker? Wood or Lump charcoal? And what is a good solid method for maintaining heat without smoke. I ended up adding a little bit of lump charcoal every 20 min or so, and I'm sure there's a way to maintain heat. Could I get some pointers in this area? If it's wood, does anyone know where a good place to buy wood (or lump charcoal) is in the Austin, TX area.

4) Anything else I need to know? I've tried searching, and as a member of another forum that looks down on non-searchers, I know the drill, but I'm starting at square one! Any help or advice would be much appreciated.


Thanks in advance, and I look forward to posting future meat pics in the other forums.

-bobby

 

[meowey]

Welcome to SMF! Glad you found us!

I'm not using a stick burner, so I don't have any answers for you. I'm sure that someone else will be along who can help.

Take care, have fun, and do good!

Regards,

Meowey

 

[gypsyseagod]

first off hop over to roll call for a proper introduction. i'm sure someone around here has that model, if not there's a link-scroll down a bit for the exact thing you're looking for. http://bbqinstitute.com/smokermods.htm as far as wood or lump charcoal around austin.. try lowe's,academy,sam's club, or call a tree trimming service or in the classifieds. there's a lot of great wood around austin area. mesquite,pecan,oak,peach... you name it. maybe also try a local nursery. p.s. we never look down on anyone around here. welcome to smf.

 

[blackhawk19]

welcome to the SMF, sign up for Jeff's 5-day eCourse and check out Deb's site also for some great info
http://www.deejayssmokepit.net/
Don't forget to post pic's of your smoke, we may not be able to taste
it but we can drool over it

 

[deejaydebi]

Welcome Bobby -

Thats a nice smoker you got there. I almost bought one too. Can't remember the link but there is a New Braunfels Bandera smoker group with lots of recomendatons for maods and stuff. Do a search on google or some such search thingy.

 

[hillbillysmoker]

I can't help you with that particular smoker, but others will. Welcome to the forum.

 

[aigawebb]

Hi all, I have just purchased a new braunfels bandera smoker. I am in Queensland Australia and do not know anything about this style of smoker, can anyone help with some suggestions or advise as to how to get started. it is very different to the sawdust smoker that i have been using for years.
gaz, my email is aiga [email protected]