New Smoker Help

[stringcheese paul]

So it has been a really long time since I have posted on here....
I am having a BBQ on Saturday and am going to buy a GOSM for it. It has been so long since I have bought one that I forgot what I need to do to 'prep' it for its first smoke. Does anyone have some advice?

 

[guvna]

i think most folks spray the inside with oil and burn it at a moderatly high temp for a few hours.

 

[forluvofsmoke]

I ran mine at 200 for about 90 minutes for initial paint cure, then 300 for another hour with alot of dry mesquite smoke for the last hour. Used the same type wood chips for the first few smokes. Worked fine for me. I guess the theory is that the smoke will seasoning the smoker so it doesn't absorb your wood smoke when you cook.

Enjoy the weekend smoke!

Eric

 

[richoso1]

The guys have just about answered your question, just be sure you use a calibrated therm for cabinet/rack temps. The one on the door is usually not reliable. You might also use something else besides the cast iron firebox, sometimes it just doesn't ventilate very well. Good luck my friend.