Hello everyone! So glad I found SMF. The wealth of knowledge that has been created and stored on this site is insurmountable. The folks who have been the major contributors are all to be commended. The analytical thinking that is used to diagnose issues provides good reading and makes you think outside the box as well. I have almost 30 years of experience in food and beverage management. Just when you think you have "been there done that" you find SMF and realize you how much more there is to learn. And then I see the information on home brewing. I need to retire so I can find time for all of this stuff. Lol... Last summer we purchased a large towable smoker at a club I manage. We have really enjoyed the options it gives us for our menu. I found the forum last fall and after lurking for a couple of months decided it was time to purchase one for the family. My wife of 25 years and I live in the country in a log cabin on 55 acres, mostly wooded. My preference would have been a wood fired smoker. We heat our cabin with a large Droulet wood stove from an endless supply of mixed hardwoods off the property so fuel would not have been an issue. However with family, work, keeping up with property maintenance, hunting and other interests, sitting around babysitting a wood smoker didn't seem very efficient. After more SMF studies I decided on a MES. After 6 weeks of waiting for a sale we finally found a good deal at my favorite store yesterday. Masterbuilt 40" electric gen 2.5 sportsmans elite. Solid door with Bluetooth, 6 grill grates, sausage rack and cover. Normally $429. Clearance price $279. On the back porch seasoning as I type. AMNPS tray and pellets coming from Amazon tomorrow. Can't wait to get started. Where do I start with all of these great ideas. Thanks again for the forum, hope I can provide a valuable nugget occasionally.
