New to Forum - New to Smoking - Maryland

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tjshelton

Newbie
Original poster
Jun 17, 2011
27
11
St. Mary's County, Maryland
Hi All,

I ordered a Masterbuilt 30-inch, Electric Smoker from QVC a little while ago and it is supposed to be delivered tomorrow (June 20th).  This is a father's day gift from my wife - and she has made it very clear that she expects a lot of really good food from me in from now on.

While I've been waiting, I've been reading the forums, looking up recipes, and generally trying to get myself educated in the art and science of smoking (emphasis on "art").

I'm really looking forward to smoking and hope not to make a complete fool of myself.  

I'm planning on putting the smoker together and seasoning it tomorrow, after I get it.  On Tuesday, I'll be making some pork spare ribs using the 3-2-1 method.  I'm sure pictures will be taken and I'll be sure to post my first experiences here.

Hoping for Happy Smoking...

Tom 
 
Welcome to SMF - sounds like you have a great plan going. 
 
Welcome to the SMF. Glad to have you here. Lots of good folks, great recipes and knowledge. Looking forward to your first qview.
 
she has made it very clear that she expects a lot of really good food from me in from now on.
art and science of smoking (emphasis on "art").
I'm really looking forward to smoking and hope not to make a complete fool of myself.  
You all ready have the approval of your wife, congrats that is going to come in handy later... see more

art, science, ... obsession, hobby, addiction; this is where your wife's present support is going to come in to play as you will want to keep adding to your arsenal of smoking tools!

You will not make a fool of yourself at all. Your all ready reading other posts of what not to do and what has works best for others. The best part of this hobby is you get to eat your mistakes and then work on improving off them!

Glad you joined us Tom, welcome to SMF! Have a 30" and 40" MES myself, mine are the old style without the window but they still are plugging along just fine.
 
You all ready have the approval of your wife, congrats that is going to come in handy later... see more

art, science, ... obsession, hobby, addiction; this is where your wife's present support is going to come in to play as you will want to keep adding to your arsenal of smoking tools!

You will not make a fool of yourself at all. Your all ready reading other posts of what not to do and what has works best for others. The best part of this hobby is you get to eat your mistakes and then work on improving off them!

Glad you joined us Tom, welcome to SMF! Have a 30" and 40" MES myself, mine are the old style without the window but they still are plugging along just fine.
Exactly what Mossy Mo said as long as you have her support and can take some criticism you will not be disappointed, and even proud when she goes and gets the camera
 
welcome1.gif
 
Welcome to SMF. I grew up in MD. What part are you in?

Check out the 5 day ecourse if you haven't already. It has great information in it to get you doing the right way.
 
Thanks to everyone - but there might be a kink in my plans.

When I got up this morning, it was raining and the rain is expected to continue for most of the day.  If it clears up, I'll be able to continue as expected, but I really don't want to be outside, assembling the smoker and getting soaked in the process, so I'll be playing things by ear...

My wife did have a question - Do I need to put anything under the smoker?  I'm going to be putting this on my wood deck and she is concerned about fire and grease drippings.  I see that the smoker has a removable grease trap for the drippings, and I'm pretty sure it won't get hot enough to cause a fire - but you guys are the experts. 

On a completely separate note, and not related to smoking, I have a job interview this afternoon.  I've been out of work for over a year and am really in need of work.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Tom
 
Good News - The rain stopped and the smoker arrived.  I've already put it together, which was a very simple job.  I'll be stopping on my way home from the interview and picking up some spices, tin-foil, tin food trays, etc.  When I get home I'll be seasoning the smoker and prepping the spare ribs so the rub can soak in overnight in my fridge...  pics to com
 
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Welcome to SMF, Glad to have you with us.


This is the place to learn, lots of good info and helpful friendly Members.
 

Many of our members have years of experience in smoking meat.  They are more than happy helping Newbies learn the art.
 

We have members who cure there own Bacon, Hams, Jerky, Snack Sticks, Make Their own Sausage, etc. if you want to learn,
this is the place. 
 

Don't be afraid to ask questions of them and follow their advice. You won't be sorry, you will be making great Q in no time at all...

Just remember, when curing your own meats follow the instructions included with the cure to the letter, this is not something to experiment with.  


Never use more cure no mater if it is Tender Quick or Cure #1 or Cure #2 than the manufacturer says to use, this can be very dangerous.
 


Tender Quick and Cure#1 or Cure #2 are not interchangeable, neither Cure #1 interchangeable with Cure #2 or vise versa
 


Sign up for Jeff's 5-Day eCourse.   Click Here

Tips For New Members.
  1. Go into your profile and Under Location put where you are.
  2. City & State or Area & State will do. This will help members when answering your questions.
  3. Go to ROLL CALL thread and tell us a little about Yourself (A Name We Can Call You) and Experience & Equipment.
  4. Do Not Post  your other questions and smokes in the Roll Call Forum.
  5. Post your questions and smokes in the Proper Forum, Beef, Pork, Sausage, Electric Smoker, Charcoal Smoker etc.
  6. Use the Wiki Section, many of our members have posted great tutorials and instructional threads so take advantage of them.
  7. When you can't find an answer ask plenty of questions, we have some highly experienced members willing to help you.
  8. When posting about your smokes be sure to post plenty of Qview (Pictures) Our Moto, "No Pics, Didn't Happen".
  9. Get a good Probe Thermometer, Don't Depend on the Built in Thermometer in your Smoker (They are notorious for being off).
  10. A good choice for a remote dual probe thermometer is the Maverick ET-732
  11. Remember, We Always Cook by Temperature and NOT BY TIME...
  12. Don't Take Chances, Always Follow USDA Safety Guidelines When Handling Meat.

  13. If you are wanting to get into curing meat, there are many members here more than happy to help and give good advice.

  14. If you are unsure of a procedure ASK, don't ASSUME, It will make your Smoking experience much more pleasant...
 
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