Smoker Startup

[hosegsp]

After reading all of your posts on smoking i have decided i want to give it a whirl.....it took me awhile to convince the warden (the mrs.  ::) thati needed a smoker and i got the ok to go get one as a "birthday present"....what else do i need to get smoking and what is something easy to start with??? i have never done this but i am hoping that you all can get me started and guide me in the right direction...ill post some pics when i get it all put together and set up....thanks in advance/

[Ryan]

What kind of smoker did you get?  Personally I think ribs are a pretty easy thing to start out with.  They might not be great the first time, but you will be able to eat them.

[Randy Kaar]

the most important thing i use is a charcoal chimney,
dont want to use charcoal lighter or that matchlight
charcoal. never trust the temp gauge on the smoker.
get a couple of good digital thermometers. basting
brush, ect. i use royal oak charcoal, menards carries
it. they also have wood chunks, i use apple and hickory.
i would go with ribs or chicken on the first run..

randy aka bh

ps
dont forget to season the new pit before smoking in it!

[hosegsp]

ok im gunna sound odd....but how do u season it and what should i use? i forget what brand it is but i was walking through the grill/ smoker section the other day and it caught my eye and i had to do some campaigning at home but ill be gettin it in the morning! thx guys

[JohnWester]

nice tips bonehead.

[holdemtwice]

 THE first fire should be a small one. let it burn  all the way out. let the smoker  cool down.   the second fire should be a hot one . bring the temp up as high as you can . let it cool down and then  oil er up.   if you are going to smoke ribs  for the first time   try this ....... there is a good all purpose rub  in this forum  .  put the ribs in foil for the first  3 to four hours .....  then remove them from the foil   and bring the temp up to around 300 ...  smoke em for another hour and a half   or so . dont forget to sauce em up  when you have an hour to go.  remember  a sauce with any sugar  will caramlize .....  i hope this helps ..  good luck   




 HOLDEMTWICE