First Smoke

[jimh64]

Hi everyone!

I am brand new to the smoking world and this website is incredible with a lot of information... I am somewhat impatient though and want to fire up my smoker for the first time ( I have only seasoned it).

I know there are a ton of forumns on first smokes, but I am getting confused.  I would like to try something that is fairy simple for my first one tonight. Something that would not take a long time. 

Does anyone have any recommendations? I was thinking of Chicken Breasts or wings? or store bought sausage? ( Everything I am reading on sausage is about stuffing it yourself).

Any advice would be appreciated! I am really looking forward to this.

Oh, I have a 30" Electric smoker from MasterBuilt.

 

[squatch]

Hi Jim! Welcome to SMF

I started with bone-in chicken quarters myself... fairly easy, and cheap enough to not be too bummed if I messed them up. Be forewarned you will likely end up with rubbery nearly inedible skin unless you can finish them off at a high temp on another grill.

After chicken, my next smoke was St Louis cut pork ribs!

Have fun, and best of luck with your first smoke   

 

[chef willie]

I'd agree.....chicken quarters for the first go. Cheap & fatty so will season the interior nicely. I bought a 10# bag of big ones for, like, $7. Not really decent for a family meal....they can be old & tough at that price. Make a soup, gumbo or stock after nibbling on a couple. But, that's just my opinion on those. A small pork butt is always a good choice for a beginning smoke....lots of internal fat to keep it moist and forgiving if you make an error. Breasts will be dry unless wrapped in bacon maybe. Wings are ok but spendy right now at 2.25 a # here & some decent raw sausage is always good to toss in for some snacking. I would just get used to doing some cheaper stuff to familiarize yourself with the behavior of your unit......Willie

 

[kc5tpy]

Hello Jimh64 and welcome to the fun.  We look forward to your contributions.  Here is my opinion for what it is worth.  Others may have different advice.  This is only my opinion.  I will assume you have seasoned your smoker and sealed every leak you can.  I always advise the same with this question.  Chicken leg quarters and maybe some burgers.  I know!  I know!  You have been reading for weeks, now have your smoker, you are ready to get started.  The neighbours’ cat is in danger of being smoked and this idiot says chicken legs and burgers??  WHAT??  The first few smokes are about learning to control temps in YOUR smoker.  Each one can be different.  If that first smoke burns, the dog gets a good meal.  If it ain’t done, finish it in the oven.  Little money lost and with luck you still get a good meal.  TEMP CONTROL IS THE KEY!!  Have fun.  Good luck.  Keep Smokin!

Danny

 

[smokinhusker]

As mentioned, chicken is a great inexpensive meat to start with. 

 

[bgosnell151]

I screwed up a spatched chicken that turned out great. I recomend it.
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/148156/first-smoke-chicken#post_1051031

 

[dirtsailor2003]

The go to chicken is a great starter, but if you don't want chicken here's a list that'll work too. Burgers, steak, pork chops, pork loin, tri tip, rump roast.  All very easy to do and very forgiving too. Good luck and show off your smokes!

 

[eman]

Pork Butt! It is a long smoke but is more forgiving than anything else. Rub it one day . smoke the next.

 If you do chicken ,You can use the broiler in your oven to finish the skin.  I never waste charcoal just to crisp chicken skin.