New member

[tommy290]

Hi all!

I'm brand new to the smoking game. Actually, I'm newer than new. Never tried it in my life. However, I did get a Weber Smokey Mountain 22.5" cooker for Christmas. I'm just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit to give it a go. I didn't do much research on smokers before asking for the Weber, but I knew I wanted charcoal and I also have a Weber propane grill (don't remember what one) that has performed very well for me for years. My family has always used Weber grills and they work, so I assumed a Weber smoker would do just as good.

I'm from SE Michigan and my first question is where do I get wood chips? Seems to me like there should be plenty available around here, especially for apple and cherry. I've heard (but haven't checked) that I can simply go to any store that sells grills. However, I want to make sure that I'm getting a good product and the best value. I also like to support local places when possible. We've got a ton of orchards around here, so I was thinking of asking them. Any other spots that are good for getting the wood?

Also, I've heard some debate about charcoal. I know you're not supposed to use the stuff with lighter fluid in it. But there's also apparently a difference between regular charcoal and "organic" charcoal? What's everyone's preference?

I'm sure some of these questions have been answered, so I promise to go look through the forums. Just thought I'd throw in some things to make my intro thread more interactive. :D

 

[s2k9k]

to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, we have over 45,000 members and over 900,000 posts so you should be able to find almost anything you want to know. Remember the search bar at the top can be your best friend for finding answers fast and the “Articles” section is chock full of good useful information and “how-to’s”!

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If you have any questions about the forums or need any help navigating around don’t hesitate to ask or send me a PM, I am more than happy to help out!

 

[humdinger]

Hi all!

I'm brand new to the smoking game. Actually, I'm newer than new. Never tried it in my life. However, I did get a Weber Smokey Mountain 22.5" cooker for Christmas. I'm just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit to give it a go. I didn't do much research on smokers before asking for the Weber, but I knew I wanted charcoal and I also have a Weber propane grill (don't remember what one) that has performed very well for me for years. My family has always used Weber grills and they work, so I assumed a Weber smoker would do just as good.

I'm from SE Michigan and my first question is where do I get wood chips? Seems to me like there should be plenty available around here, especially for apple and cherry. I've heard (but haven't checked) that I can simply go to any store that sells grills. However, I want to make sure that I'm getting a good product and the best value. I also like to support local places when possible. We've got a ton of orchards around here, so I was thinking of asking them. Any other spots that are good for getting the wood?

Also, I've heard some debate about charcoal. I know you're not supposed to use the stuff with lighter fluid in it. But there's also apparently a difference between regular charcoal and "organic" charcoal? What's everyone's preference?

I'm sure some of these questions have been answered, so I promise to go look through the forums. Just thought I'd throw in some things to make my intro thread more interactive. :D

Tommy,

Glad you joined! I totally hear you on getting with the orchards. Definitely look into that, but in the meantime Lowes and Home depot have chips in their seasonal area. (It's thin right now, but will ramp up next month.) They are great quality and price is negligable. I was just in the Rochester Lowes yesterday and they have hickory chunks, and apple, cherry, and mesquite chips. Vince and Joes fruit market has maple chips near their butcher area, which is the only place I've found those so far.

As for charcoal, go with "lump charcoal" and avoid the briquettes if at all possible. Lump is comprised of actual pieces of hardwood that have been burned down into coal pieces. Lowes had a 20lb bag of Cowboy brand lump charcoal for $13.99, which is an ok price for right now (based on what I've read.)

Hope this helps!

 

[pastorgadget]

Hi Tommy

Humdinger is right, Lowes and Home Depot have wood chunks and chips for smoking meats. I was in Home Depot last week and they had plenty in stock (In Utica on Hall just east Van Dyke Freeway).  Fruitwood from the local orchards is a great idea. I have not had time to run up to Romeo and ask about that.  If you find out any info share on the forum.

Lump Charcoal is the way to go also, do not use mathchlight type charcoal.  Make sure you get a chimney charcoal starter, a must have for charcoal smoking. 

 

[kathrynn]

 to SMF!  We are happy you joined us!

If you need any help roaming around the forum....just Holler!  Will be glad to help out!

Kat