Ideas for first smoke?

[number41]

Sill working on modding my COS but I'd like to get some ideas on what my first smoke should be.  I was kinda thinking ribs using the 3/2/1 method.  I know I'll be out there adding wood/lump and adjusting intake and smokestack a little more than those with higher priced smokers but I really want to try it out.

I don't want to do an overly long cook so I'm thinking 6 hours is plenty.  

Any other specific ideas?

 

[kc5tpy]

Hello and welcome to the fun.  We look forward to your contributions.  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 with just salt and pepper.  Easy to do and cheap to buy.  I know!  I know!  You have been reading for weeks, now have your smoker, you are ready to get started 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

 

[bbqbrett]

I agree. Start with chicken legs or thighs. Very inexpensive to start with and you can use the 1st time to get a gauge on how the smoker will run and hold temps.

 

[SmokinAl]

Yep I vote chicken too.

Al

 

[gearjammer]

These guys are right.
Remember pictures are nice.

Ed

 

[dannylang]

i stand with these guys, chicken whether it be a half chicken, quarters, wings, legs or breast. you will not have a lot of money into it. remember TEMP control. is the key, on your first smoke you do not know if your smoker runs on the hot side, if so that works great for chicken, so it runs a little cooler, you know you need to add whatever to bring up your temp. the first smoke here is to only learn your smoker, and have some nice tasting vittles along the way... good luck keep us posted.

dannylang

 

[sauced]

Without a doubt.....chicken!!

Enjoy the ride!!

 

[stickyfingers]

Agreed! But only do it for your immediate family and have Dominos phone number handy.

 

[b-one]

Chicken here to!:biggrin:

 

[lancep]

Have to agree with the advice above. Chickens cheap and smokes fast as opposed to other cuts. So if you jack it up you're not out much dough, and if it gets frustrating its over quick. Of course, my first smoke was a brisket so who am I to say......

 

[phatbac]

I guess ill be that guy and offer an alternative if you dont want to do chicken (although i agree with what was said).

Try pork country style ribs. Easy and forgiving cook till 180 IT or so it or do a 3-2-1 cook on them get them cheap use a sweet sauce and its meat candy!

You can do them next smoke if you decide on chicken!

Happy Smoking,
phatbac(Aaron)

 

[smokesontuesday]

I guess ill be that guy and offer an alternative if you dont want to do chicken (although i agree with what was said).

Try pork country style ribs. Easy and forgiving cook till 180 IT or so it or do a 3-2-1 cook on them get them cheap use a sweet sauce and its meat candy!

You can do them next smoke if you decide on chicken!

Happy Smoking,
phatbac(Aaron)

Another good choice. I'm doing whole chickens and CSRs this weekend to break in the new OKJ Longhorn Hybrid that was delivered today.