SMOKER BASICS

[gary s]

Smoker Basics​

I posted a thread called  The Perfect Smoker http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/179426/the-perfect-smoker

I see new members asking the same questions about which smoker is best. The fact is your first smoker may not be what you end up with. There is so much information, videos, YouTube websites, etc. it is a lot easier to help in making that decision.

But no matter which smoker you decide on, if you don't take time to get to know your smoker you will never be happy with it.

I have said this hundreds of times, It doesn't matter if you have a $69.00 smoker or a $25,000 smoker until you get to know your smoker and are comfortable, know the hot spots, about how much fuel it uses, how to control your heat using your dampers, etc.

There is so much info just on this site alone all kinds and types of smokers. So here is a great place to start. If you have an inexpensive smoker, there are always some Tweaks you can do to make it better, and the same with high dollar smokers.

What I have found is a properly built and sealed smoker is a lot more efficient and a whole lot easier to cook on.

I can still smoke just as good a brisket on my El-Cheap-O Brinkman as on my RF  but the RF is a lot easier.

Buy what you can afford, learn to use it and you can cook some great BBQ.  

Here is a good story

I have a friend who got all fired up watching Pit Masters, he was already good at smoking, But he jumped in with both feet He called me and asked about smokers I put him in touch with a guy who builds quality smokers from reasonable to 50 K

He had one built  Two axle trailer, 250 gal smoker, grill, deep fryers, sinks, canape I mean the works, $19,000 worth

It took him Several smokes to get it figured out. Because it was new to him, even though he is a veteran smoker.

So practice, practice, practice  keep records till it's second nature.

I've smoked so much on mine I don't even think about it much, I know when it's time to add a split, wrap or unwrap

and control temps using my dampers.

Gary

 

[GaryHibbert]

Great post Gary.  Those are things we all need to heed and remember.  Should be a help to all.

Gary

 

[chef jimmyj]

Good info. You must have been inspired by the Smoke Gods...JJ

 

[pc farmer]

Great info.   I make some the best food on my mini.   Cost under 100 bucks

 

[gearjammer]

I have read your original post and this one as well.

Could not agree more.

Things everyone should remember.

Mostly have fun with it.

                  Ed

 

[gary s]

Thanks guys, If you stop and think about it all these nice high dollar smokers weren't available 10 - 15 years ago.  Now in saying that I know several guys who have been building pits for a really long time as a side line like Klose in Houston, Now he builds Premium Smokers. I got interested in smoking when I was about 15, not a lot of options way back then, so I made due with what ever I could find. My first custom Smoker was in the early 80's I designed it and had one of my welders fab it up. It was a combo smoker/grill.

I still get my ECB out every onve in a while for old time sake.  I smoked some burgers on the the other night and a couple racks of ribs about 2 weeks ago.

Gary

 

[joe black]

As I said when your post originally came out, I think that it is great information. Especially for a newbie who is just trying to figure out all of the numerous options out there. When I started smoking 35 years ago, I thought that I could never have anything better than my Portable Kitchen. That PK really turned out some great chicken and ribs. Even though the ribs had been boiled first. I have progressed up through the gas era and charcoal cookers and really liked every one. When I got my WSM about 6 years ago, I thought it was the greatest. I still think they are really good smokers. Now, I'm smoking on an offset stick burner (Bell Fab), and I am most satisfied. I don't need set and forget. I like watching the fire, pre-heating splits and adding them to the FB and watching my therms. I select the particular split that will be next on the fire by a very scientific formula. LOL. It's a lot of fun for me and it's very restful and I can watch the squirrels run my fence at the same time.

Gary, your post should be mandatory reading for anyone looking for a new cooker. Thanks for the effort in putting it together. Joe :points:

 

[gary s]

Thanks Joe  I appreciate that,  Just want to help folks with smoker questions, So many think a better smoker is all they need

Gary

 

[SmokinAl]

Nice job Gary!

Great info.

Al

 

[gary s]

 
Nice job Gary!

Great info.

Al

Thanks Al  I just believe that with practice, it doesn't matter what smoker you have you can turn out great food

Gary

 

[SmokinAl]

 
Thanks Al  I just believe that with practice, it doesn't matter what smoker you have you can turn out great food

Gary

I totally agree!

Al

 

[foamheart]

Great suggestions Gary. I always tell folks to figure out what you plan on doing with your smoker. You can 't get where you want to go, if you don't have a destination.

 

[gary s]

Thanks Kevin

Gary

 

[3montes]

I started out on a old Brinkman Smokin' Pit well over 20 years ago. Now I have 2 custom trailer mounted smoker and smoker/grill units. When I went from the Brinkmann to my first custom patio smoker that was 3/16th cold rolled steel I said then it didn't make me a better pitmaster it just made it easier. Same when I went from my patio smoker to my trailer mounted rigs I have now.

I've gotten to be a better pitmaster by honing my skills in fire management, choosing cuts of meat and preparation before I even start to smoke. 

I suggest to anyone new to cut their teeth on a cheaper unit and mod it. Especially if they want to stick burn. It forces you to learn how a smoker actually works. After you have done this for awhile and you go to a well built professional smoker you will be well prepared.

 

[HalfSmoked]

Great info Gary I started out on a Brinkman Torpedo smoker used it till was totaly gone from use then I built a 55 gal. barrel smoke modeled after the Brinkman with water pan and all then on to my first electric used till element went up and could not replace it now have a gasser which I love. But as you said learn to use what you have cost of smoker means nothing if you can't control it. 

Even today I don't always get exactly what I tried to do.

Warren

 

[Bearcarver]

Great Info & Words to heed !!

---------

My Son makes Great tasting stuff on his Big Green Egg, but I have to stick with my MES, because I can't get around good enough any more to do much more than "Set It & Forget It".

However if that's all you got, you learn to make Great Tasting Stuff with it. I Love My MES 40.

Thanks Gary,

Bear

 

[gary s]

Thanks John, Much appreciated

Gary

 

[gary s]

 
Great Info & Words to heed !!

---------

My Son makes Great tasting stuff on his Big Green Egg, but I have to stick with my MES, because I can't get around good enough any more to do much more than "Set It & Forget It".

However if that's all you got, you learn to make Great Tasting Stuff with it. I Love My MES 40.

Thanks Gary,

Bear

My point exactly, It doesn't matter if to have a $69 smoker or a $30,000 smoker with practice you can make 

great BBQ on anything.

Gary

 

[joe black]

Gary, I have had a $69 smoker, actually a little cheaper. If you will set me up with a $30,000 smoker, I'll use it for a few years and then do a review for you. You can even have the publishing rights for review. I think you had an excellent idea and I am more than willing to help a friend out.

 

[SmokyMose]

A little motorcycle metaphor. A co-worker carries on because he rides a Harley and I have a lowly Suzuki.
I told him that if he has more fun on his 15k bike than I have on my 7k one then God bless him. The same goes for smokers. If you can get better cooks from your $1,000 smoker than I can with my $300 unit then good for you! It's all about having fun with it...and I'm having a ball!
Dan