- Jan 6, 2011
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- 4,704
- My Observations and Words of Wisdom
I have been smoking meat for over 50 years and a member of this Forum for 7 years.
I have helped numerous people get started smoking and answered no telling how many questions. Which I truly enjoy.
The two things I tell everyone, and stress is “KEEP IT SIMPLE” and “GET TO KNOW YOUR SMOKER”
If you do these two things with a little practice you will be cranking out Super BBQ and it will be fun and easy.
I realize some of you are just starting out and learning.
There is a world of information on this site on just about anything you want to smoke, grill, cook, make or preserve.
Just like anything you do in life the more you do it the easier it gets. Once you get comfortable with your Q try different things, rubs and sauces.
I like Technology as much as anyone, but I am seeing way too many people get way to wrapped up in it when it comes to smoking. example “What temp do you sauce ribs” and “I keep checking my temp and my IT doesn’t go up on my Brisket” etc. , etc.
I am not knocking temp gauges I have several. But learn by looking, touching and feeling, bend test, tooth pick test.
That is the best and surefire way to check your meat and see if it is done.
Now in saying that there are always exceptions Prime Rib for one use a temp gauge.
Back when I was a kid and learning to smoke I didn’t have any temp gauges not even on my smoker, so I learned Old School. Had there been or had I had access to them, you bet I would have used them. But I would still have used the touchy feely, bend and toothpick test.
I think (My Opinion) to many people are relying way too much on their temp gauges. I see all the time “I took the temp to such and such but it was tough” “What temp do you wrap”, “My Brisket has been at 170
Use your temp gauge and probes as a guide, then check it yourself. Simple, Simple.
Also get to know your smoker. What I mean by that is its characteristics. Hot spots, Cold spots, how long does a split last, how well you can regulate your temp with your damper? Electric guys check your temp against a probe see if it is reading true.
After all these years of Smoking its pretty much second nature to me. I know when I need to add a split how well it holds temp and I can regulate mine from 100° up in 10° increments by fuel and damper control. But I have had a lot of practice.
Main thing is Don’t Stress Out or Over Think It, have fun and learn the basics and enjoy some great BBQ
Thank you
Gary