outside temp?

[iadubber]

Hey all,
I had many plans to start my first smoke in my WSM this saturday with a butt. The forcast is now calling for 5*F for the temp. That seems pretty darn cold to smoke. My question is, is it? I'm sure if it's windy I can make a windblock, I just figured it would go through more fuel than normal. Any thoughts? I want to get some meat smokin!!

 

[3montes]

I was just about to start a similar thread. It is 0 degrees according to my weather bug as of this moment. I have a SnP and also want to try my first smoke with it. After looking at all the Qview here and reading all the great recipes and how to's I can't wait for spring. The first weekend I get where the temps are above zero I am going for it I have a bag of Royal Oak lump and a pile of red oak. I plan on starting with the lump. Going to have a nice oak fire going in the fire pit and using the coals as a adder to the lump. Menu plan is spare ribs and beans. My SnP is currently frozen in the ground so it is unmoveable but in a good spot. Right between the garage and the 3 season house so it is in a sheltered area.
Any advice from anyone who smokes in the cold would be great.

 

[flash]

I am not familiar with you smoker, think its an R2D2 type, but abelman in Colorado has used Playbox sand instead of water and was able to smoke when it was quite cold and maintain 350º. Said he never would have done that with water in the pan. So if you do use a water pan, try some sand instead.

 

[geek with fire]

I would suggest wrapping the smoking chamber with a heavy blanket or insulation. This keeps the wind from causing rapid temperature drop.

 

[iadubber]

i did go and purchase a clay pot at lowes, hopefully that will help maintain a more even cook.

 

[iadubber]

Hmmm...i don't think I have a big enough blanket for the job. I should be able to windblock it pretty good. I'll have to see if my neighbor has a welders apron or not.

 

[richtee]

A firepit full of coals is a good call... I have smoked many times just using coals from an outdoor fireplace burning cherry and oak. Yum!

 

[flash]

Just stay away from the water.

 

[3montes]

Just checked the forecast. Temps for next weekend are 14 to 19 BELOW zero with highs in the single digits. Wait a little longer I guess

 

[iadubber]

Sat
Jan 19

Partly Cloudy 8°/0°
for me. I'm still going, screw it! I want some pulled pork now!!

 

[flash]

Can you get pizza delivered instead??

 

[geek with fire]

Dude, you need to move off of Neptune and come back to Earth. I don't know how you Northerites survive up there. You give new perspective to how cold Uranus actually is!

 

[3montes]

To be honest I have considered relocating. The winters get longer every year it seems. Went to Mooresville N.C. a few years ago. Really liked it there. Some good q joints there too. A place called the Roadhouse. Excellent.
May go with what Flash suggested. Order a pizza in.

 

[habaneroman]

This works well for me also here in COLLLLD NEBRASKA! Lots of temps in the teens and negative numbers... and I still venture out!

If you have a Harbor Freight in your area...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93756

You can wrap your smoker in one of these.... for $20 not bad.

Maybe even think about making a wind break in the area you have your smoker...

In the end, the result is you get to eat SMOKED FOODS!! so it is worth it right!

Best of luck.