Smokin' Newb from the Natural State

[BBQBenny]

Howdy, folks. I'm Ben from Arkansas. I'm in the last year of my life before I hit the big 4-0, and I'm not really sure that a man's really lived until he's eaten his own barbecue and had it approved by others. Plus, I'm a social dude, and so the idea of smoking meats for tailgating or get-togethers with friends and family is something I'm ready to tackle.

Plus, I really, really, really, really, REALLY love ribs.

I'm a 100% newb at smoking. I have grilled my entire life, but never gone low and slow in a smoker. My favorite part of grilling has always been the experimentation- making my own rubs and seasoning mixes. Once I get the science of smoking the meat down, I suspect my favorite part will be the art of creating my rubs and sauces and combinations of each.

Did I mention that I love ribs?

I'm excited to be part of the community so that I can steal all of your secrets!

God bless, and good smokin'!

 

[one eyed jack]

Welcome to the site Ben.

Once you get good with your smoker you will have plenty of social opportunities.

Friends hanging around a smoker is as natural as finding fish in water.

What smokers are you considering?

 

[BBQBenny]

For my entry smoker, I'm really leaning toward the Char-Griller Akorn and using it as my primary grill also.

 

[motocrash]

Not me/my ribs in the pic but you get the idea.
You sound hooked,you have come to the right place.

 

[oldsmokerdude]

Welcome, Benny. Sounds like you have the right frame of mind to become a top-notch smoker. Lots of us here enjoy "conjuring up" our own rubs and sauces. I'm looking forward to some of the things you've discovered along the way already.

 

[BBQBenny]

I have some ideas already, but I want to make sure I get the smoking down first.

 

[one eyed jack]

For my entry smoker, I'm really leaning toward the Char-Griller Akorn and using it as my primary grill also.

I have an Akorn and like it a lot. Keep it under roof if at all possible. They are known for rust problems. Don't put it under a vinyl or plastic cover. Those multiply the rust problems.

I've told many people that I consider it one of the top "Bang for Buck" smokers available.

 

[jcam222]

Welcome. Sounds like you will settle into the smoking addiction just fine :)

 

[BBQBenny]

I have an Akorn and like it a lot. Keep it under roof if at all possible. They are known for rust problems. Don't put it under and vinyl or plastic cover. Those multiply the rust problems.

I've told many people that I consider it one of the top "Bang for Buck" smokers available.

The price point is a big selling point. I also like that it doesn't take a whole lot of real estate. I was planning on keeping it in the garage, wheeling it out into the drive when I did the smoking and then back to the garage. The size of it allows it.

 

[Omnivore]

Welcome! This place is a wealth of knowledge!

 

[S-met]

Welcome from Nor-cal and the hobby. You will have hits and misses while learning the hobby your new equipment. If you ask 100 of us the best way, we will probably give you 150 answers. Keep at it and you will find your groove.

 

[BBQBenny]

Well thank you all for the welcome. I can't wait to get started and picking the collective brain here for knowledge.

 

[gmc2003]

Welcome to the site, happy to have ya join the experience Ben.

Chris

 

[tropics]

Ben Welcome the rubs you have been grilling with,will work smoking meat!!
Richie

 

[SmokinAl]

Welcome aboard Ben!
Glad to have you join us!
Al

 

[schlotz]

Welcome Ben! There's a whole bunch of like minded people here to help you along the way. Don't be afraid to ask.
Matt

 

[JC in GB]

Welcome from Wisconsin.

Pork ribs are one of my favorite foods... Yum...

I make my own rubs and I also purchase commercial rubs for comparison.

Jeff's Rubs are top quality and worth the price.

Grilling rubs can often be converted to BBQ rub by adding sugar. Happy cooking!

 

[BBQBenny]

Thanks for the rub tips!

 

[RiversideSm0ker]

Hey there from So Cal. I predict many tasty ribs in your future. It’s good to have you here.

G

 

[gary s]

Good Morning and a Big Ole Welcome from East Texas and the best Forum on the Web

Gary