New Smoker from Canada

[inno]

Hey all, glad to have found this forum. It looks like just what I need. I'm not exactly new to smoking but it's been probably 20 years since I did any and back then I was young and didn't really know what I was doing. So I picked up a smoker a few years ago which has sat in our greenhouse ever since. Every year I tell myself I'm going to get it out and start using it 'cause I LOVE smoked meats, fish, poultry, cheese, you name it!

Not sure what the brand of smoker is I have but it's rectangular, stands about 4' high and is probably 16-18" square. It uses charcoal (or any other burning heat source) but I was thinking of adding an electric hotplate to better control my temperatures. What we used to do when I was younger was to get the charcoal burning well then add your wood of choice properly soaked then add charcoal and wood as desired. It was crude and we didn't really look too closely at the temperatures but it did work well.

Anyway, just thought I'd introduce myself before diving in. I'll probably dig out the smoker this afternoon and possibly even smoke something tomorrow or next weekend. I have a buddy up the road who smokes regularly and he's a great resource but I always find it nice to have other ideas for recipes and techniques.

Cheers!

 

[s2k9k]

:welcome1: to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, we have over 45,000 members who just love to share their experience and over 900,000 posts describing it!

The search bar at the top can be your best friend when you are trying to find answers to your questions but you can still ask too if you want!

Would you do us a favor and add your location to your profile, it helps others to know where you are when they offer advice, Thanks!

You might want to check out Jeff's Free 5 day E-Course, it will teach you all the basics plus a whole lot more!

 

[seenred]

Welcome aboard, Inno! Glad you joined us. You've found a great place to learn and share ideas. Lots of friendly and knowledgeable folks here who enjoy helping one another. Just ask when you need help and you'll get plenty.

 

[kathrynn]

 to SMF!  We are so glad you joined us!   Make sure you show the pictures of your smokes (q-view)!

If you need any help roaming around the forums....just holler!  Happy to help out!

Kat

 

[smokinregina]

Where abouts in NW Ontario? Dryden? Sioux? Kenora? Red Lake?

 

[inno]

Fort Frances area, right on the border with International Falls MN.

 

[inno]

Well I dug the smoker out of the greenhouse this evening so I can clean it up a few evenings this week and get it ready for the weekend. It is a Brinkmann, the smoke box is 3' high by 16" square, it has three racks, a pan for water and a pan below that for the charcoal and wood chips. Bought it used a few years ago from a guy I worked with at the time, looks like it was only used a little. The latch on the door doesn't seem to work too well but I'm sure with a little modification it will be just fine.

I may have to post some pictures but I noticed that the bottom is pretty much wide open with no way to control the incoming air. On second thought, maybe there is a damper that rotates to block the holes, I'll have to give it another look.

What kind of roast should I be looking for to make jerky with? I like mine a bit moist (not rock hard) and tender.