"Rookie Smoker" wanting to learn

[franz4life]

My name is Leo Franz from St. Louis, MO.  My wife just bought a Cabela's 7in1 smoker fo Christmas and need some advice on useing this thing. Tryed a turkey and a pork shoulder and both times I had to finish the job in the oven. Problem being, after two and a half to three hours the temp. begins to drop and when I add more charcoal I almost loose all heat, and never reall gets back up to desired temp. ( 200-225 ) Outside temp. was in the upper 20's to low 30's on both occasions. Does this affect ccoking temps?

 

[old sarge]

Welcome from Arizona.  You will experience temp drop each time you open the smoker to add more fuel regardless of the outside temperature; it is just more pronounced in cold weather.  And yes, cold outside air can sap heat from the uninsulated metal of your smoker, I'm just not sure by how much. You might be able to find a fire proof insulated blanket that you wrap around the body of the smoker rated for that purpose.  Good luck and again, welcome.

 

[franz4life]

Thanks for the suggestion. I saw one of those insulated wraps on the Masterbuilt website and pondered that idea, mabey I'll get one (:

Thanks again!

 

[toby bryant]

 to SMF Leo! If you are looking to learn you found the right place.  The amount of information freely shared is virtually endless.  Good luck with your new smoker. 

 

[diggingdogfarm]

Welcome, Leo!


~Martin

 

[kathrynn]

Hello Leo!  

 Welcome to SMF!  Congrats on the smoker!  We are happy you joined us!  There are several folks who use the one you have and will be more than willing to offer suggestions or tips!

Have you signed up for Jeff's E-Course yet?  If not...here is a link.  There is some valuable info there that will help when you are just starting out!  http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/f/127/5-day-smoking-basics-ecourse

Also...here is a link to the charcoal smoker forum....the guys there will be waiting to offer ideas!

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/f/108/charcoal-smokers

If you need anymore help....just Holler!  We will do what we can!

Kat

 

[hambone1950]

Welcome , Leo. If you want to learn about smoking , you came to the right place. Tons of info and good people here. Good luck , brother:grilling_smilie:

 

[s2k9k]

Hi Leo! 

to SMF!!! We're happy you joined us! Would you do us a favor and add your location to your profile, Thanks!