Tips for a newbee? such as Do i need a a side box?>........

[brittanyboo22]

I just bought my first Char-griller Smoker/Grill Do I need to buy that side box? What are some tips as some one new to this that you wish some one would have told you?

 

[pineywoods]

Welcome to SMF glad you joined us. Congrats on the new smoker. Personally I think you would find it much easier to use with the side fire box. It can be used as is but would be much easier with the side fire box. I would suggest that you sign up for Jeff's 5 Day Ecourse it's free and has some great info. You will also find lots of good info and some great recipes here. Have fun and happy smoking

 

[chef jimmyj]

Welcome to the SMF Family...The Side Firebox will give better heat control and will free up a lot of space in the in the Smoke Chamber where all the action takes place. You didn't say which CG you purchased so here is a link to all the modifications guys have done to make them perform at their best. Good luck...JJ

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/search.php?search=char+griller+mods

 

[cliffcarter]

If you are going to use your new CharGriller primarily as a grill you don't need to buy the side fire box. If you are planning on doing a lot of low and slow BBQ, I do recommend buying it.

You can BBQ using the indirect method without the fire box, you just have to be careful about setting up correctly so you minimize the time that you have the lid open when adding more lit coals.

 

[lostarrow]

No.
For smoking small to moderate amounts use an indirect smoking method.
Buy or make a charcoal basket ( a grilling wok is common)
If you want to smoke a lot ( often ) a vertical smoker is MUCH EASIER & will allow a good nite sleep.
Prices run from $80 for a homemade mini WSM ( so easy my wife could make , to $130 for UDS @ Acadamy Sports, to $ $300 for WSM ( a lifetime cooker) to $1000 foe BGE

 

[ellymae]

do you NEED a side firebox? No.

Advice - learn your cooker. Learn good fire control (small and hot), read, read, read. Ask questions.

Most important advice.... Have Fun!