I love grilling, but have never smoked anything before. After reading this forum and searching the internet, I decided to purchase the MES30. I also purchased start-up kit for AMNPS. I plan to add the Mailbox Mod as well. My MES30 is arriving today and I am pretty excited about it.
I plan to season the smoker tonight or tomorrow. Do I need to season the mailbox as well?
Sand vs Water
Is it necessary for an electric smoker? From what I read it is used for heat retention and does not add to how juicy the meat will be.
Pork Butt
My first smoke will be a bone-in pork butt.
Should I place the pork butt freely on the grates or should I place it in an aluminum container to cook? I've seen it done both ways, but wasn't sure if one method was preferred over another. I am hoping to get a nice crisp bark.
Do most people keep the smoke going the whole time? Or stop it after a certain amount of time or temperature. I think I read somewhere where someone recommended cutting the smoke once the meat reaches 140 degrees.
AMNPS
Do most people just fill it completely and let it burn for how ever long needed? At the end of the cook, do you just remove the pieces that weren't burned for later use?
Rubs
I am still researching what rub I want to use with this first smoke.
Any other advice for my first smoke? I am planing for 2 hrs per pound. Take it out once it reached 205 degrees and wrap it in tin foil and place in a cooler for 30-60min.
I plan to season the smoker tonight or tomorrow. Do I need to season the mailbox as well?
Sand vs Water
Is it necessary for an electric smoker? From what I read it is used for heat retention and does not add to how juicy the meat will be.
Pork Butt
My first smoke will be a bone-in pork butt.
Should I place the pork butt freely on the grates or should I place it in an aluminum container to cook? I've seen it done both ways, but wasn't sure if one method was preferred over another. I am hoping to get a nice crisp bark.
Do most people keep the smoke going the whole time? Or stop it after a certain amount of time or temperature. I think I read somewhere where someone recommended cutting the smoke once the meat reaches 140 degrees.
AMNPS
Do most people just fill it completely and let it burn for how ever long needed? At the end of the cook, do you just remove the pieces that weren't burned for later use?
Rubs
I am still researching what rub I want to use with this first smoke.
Any other advice for my first smoke? I am planing for 2 hrs per pound. Take it out once it reached 205 degrees and wrap it in tin foil and place in a cooler for 30-60min.