Excited new smoker from New York

[ross esslinger]

I have been checking out this site and became very excited about all the experience I can access. Everyone seems great about sharing and hopefully soon I can add some as well. I have cold temps now and use a charcoal vertical smoker with firebox attached on the side. Any suggestions to being able to use in thirty degree temps? Is a mixture of charcoal briquetts and lump charcoal a good idea?

 

[chris_harper]

Welcome to SMF, from Texas. I do not know anything about verticals, but I am sure someone will be along soon that can help you.

 

[ron50]

Welcome to the forum. I have a gas vertical smoker but I would suggest the best thing you can do is build a wind break. Wind seems to make it more difficult to maintain temps then cold.

I built mine out of some plywood and hinges and I can fold it up when not in use. I am sure others will be along shortly to give you more helpful info.

 

[ds7662]

Welcome to SMF! One other thing you could try is finding a welders blanket and covering the smoker with that.

 

[badss]

Howdy Ross,
Welcome to the forum....its a great place dude!

 

[richtee]

Welcome to SMF! Check out the 5 day ecourse... lots of tips in there. As far a s charcoal, I am now recommending all lump, especially since briquettes have seemingly become absolute crap.

And the wind break is a huge help... I'd make that a priority for your smoking adventures to come in cold weather.

Enjoy!

 

[meowey]

Welcome to SMF! Feel free to ask lots of questions, the friendly folk here will make answer.

Take care, have fun, and do good!

Regards,

Meowey

 

[gramason]

Welcome to the SMF.

 

[kookie]

Welcome aboard. Enjoy the site.

Kookie

 

[richoso1]

Welcome to the SMF, always good to see a new member ready to smoke it up. Stick around, plenty of charcoal burners here who can give you some help/advise.