New to the game from Kansas!

[DustyJoe84]

Hey everyone! Got a smoker for my birthday a few days ago. My wife knew I wanted one so she found a used Chargriller offset in good shape for a great price. I know it's not a $1000+ pit most of you probably have but that will come in time. :)

I took it for a dry run yesterday just to see if I could maintain temperature. Was pretty pleased with maintaining 220-250 over about 3 hours with air temps in the mid 40's. I bought some chicken quarters and am going to do my first official smoke today.

My question is, once weather warms up is it significantly easier to maintain temperature? I wish she had given the smoker to me on my half birthday in June so I could play with it some more. :-P

Looking forward to learning a lot from you all!

 

[fivetricks]

Idk if it's any easier or not, but it will sure use less fuel.

 

[DustyJoe84]

Idk if it's any easier or not, but it will sure use less fuel.

I have noticed that already. 10 degrees warmer today and only adding fuel half as often. Thanks!

 

[gmc2003]

Hi Dusty, welcome to the site and congratulations on the new smoker. Unfortunately you'll probably be babysitting your smoker even in the warmer months. What are you using for fuel and are there any mods done to it?

Chris

 

[DustyJoe84]

Hi Dusty, welcome to the site and congratulations on the new smoker. Unfortunately you'll probably be babysitting your smoker even in the warmer months. What are you using for fuel and are there any mods done to it?

Chris

No mods yet, but that is coming. First thing is to seal all around the firebox and cooking chamber doors.

I started a bed of lump charcoal and added oak splits throughout the cook.

 

[gmc2003]

Sounds like a good plan. I'm glad your using it before making any mods. Allot of folks make unnecessary mods to their smoker because someone else said to. Every smoker is different and not all need the same mods.

Chris

 

[SmokinAl]

Welcome to SMF!
Congrats on the new smoker, it sounds like you will have it dialed in real soon!
Al