How much smoke do you need?

[friedboudinball]

I have a propane smoker (master forge).  I'm a newbie at all of this.  A few general questions:

How long do i need to ensure smoke including heat?  I often feel like i'm perpetually adding chips, and maybe i don't need to be since i have the propane burner providing the BTUs.

Does this it vary by type of meat?

Is there a rule of thumb for length of smoke (such as 1.5 hours per pound) for all meats?

For boston butt, I see a lot people talking about spraying/basting with some mix of apple juice/rum, etc.  Is this necessary and are there other options besides that if i have neither around?

 

[s2k9k]

There has always been a good discussion about how long to provide smoke, how long will the meat keep accepting smoke. I think if you are cooking in a smoker you should be providing smoke, if not you might as well just cook in an oven. If at some point you foil the meat then smoke is not necessary because it won't penetrate the foil.

I think the rule of thumb you are thinking about is 1.5 hours per pound to cook, not to add smoke, and that varies greatly depending on what you are cooking.

You could prolong your smoke by using chunks instead of chips or even try the new A-maze-N Tube smoker: http://www.amazenproducts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=AMNTS

As far as spraying/basting a boston butt IMO I don't think it's necessary, I have done it and not done it and using the wet to dry chamber method I have made the juicest PP I've ever made: http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...mmed-butt-wet-dry-smoke-chamber-q-view-method

I too use a propane smoker and truly believe in Eric's method (as in the link)!

I see this is your first post here, when you get a minute would you do us a favor and go to Roll Call and introduce yourself so we can get to know you and give you a proper welcome, also would you add your location to your profile, we like knowing where you are when we talk to you, Thanks!

 

[dragonmaster194]

Welcome to the forum, you got some very good advice from S2K9K, and some good threads to look at.  I have found that any question I have had has been answered by the very knowledgeable and helpful members here.  Look through the threads and you may also find answers to questions too.  Have fun with your new hobby!  Steve