We just won a smoker in a raffle.


What are some good meats/recipes to tryout first?

try a pork-but (shoulder) don't have a recipe in front of me at the moment but you will not mess it up unless you under cook it. Cook it to about 170-175 degrees and let cool down enough to pull apart meat and you got yourself some pulled pork sandwiches.

What kind of smoker? Pork butt is pretty much impossible to mess up. You only need about 4 hours of smoke. Keep the temps around 225, and cook it until 180. It may take up to 20 hours or so depending on how big it is. There will be a time when the temp plateaus, but don't be worried. just make sure you don't overcook it too much or it may be dry. Here is a good rub that I use. You can play with the rub and add other stuff too. Coat it thickly.

1 TBS Garlic powder
1 TBS Onion Powder
1 TBS Salt
1 TBS Cayenne Pepper (or to taste)
2 TBS Black Pepper
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Paprika

I had a pork loin roast that we tried, I couldn't get the temp over 200. I ended up finishing it in the oven, it was just OK.

I also tried some ribeye steaks we had, those turned out great.


I am assuming the smoker we won is a low end unit. It is a rectangular Brinkman.
It looks just like this one.

they sell that at home depot for $60, I was gonna buy one to

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ5yi8...catalogId=10053

This is really close to a rub recipe I use, I think some of the portions are a little different is all. I always get compliments on it. DELICIOUS!

Only tried one thing from the smoker..
Buddy hooked up some awesome pulled pork at Dumont! Very tasty and delish!

You should be able to get it past 200. Make sure you stock it well with wood and even charcoal for extra heat. Then adjust your vents to maintain the heat you are wanting. A pork loin would just be ok cause there's very little fat and can dry out quickly. Try a brisket (not the trimmed one) sprinkle with season salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Should smoke for 8-10 hrs (depending on size) fat side up. Fatty meats make the best BBQ.

so true the costco untrimmed tri tips are the best.

Started smoking last summer, great food and lots of fun. Kids always make it home for dinner when the smoker is going. This is a great site, check it out.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/

alright kids, i have decided I am gifting myself a smoker.

So tell me, what do I need to look for in a smoker? Some are tall, some look like grills with an interesting little appendage....what works best but isn't astronomically expensive?

+2

The outside ambient temp will cool the smoker and require more fuel. Try to make a wind break and or set it along the side of the house to get bounce-back heating.

WOW, 20hrs for a pork butt @225. What did you smoke a 200lb butt?j/k..

Make sure you get an UNTRIMMED Brisket and smoke it cap(fat)-side UP. It'll natural baste.

Soak your wood overnight and don't add too much smoke. The last few hours should be very little smoke.

Enjoy.