New to smokers

[dave53]

I've been checking the site for a few days and like the atmosphere and helpful recommendations here.

I've never smoked before, but have always wanted to. 

I'm looking forward to learning from everybody here.

 

[gwschenk]

Hi, Dave. Lots of good advice here. I certainly learned a lot.

First thing for a beginner: buy thermometers. IMHO, controlling the temperature of your pit and monitoring the internal temperature of your cook is more important to good results than anything else. Thermometers turned mu good BBQ into really good BBQ.

Dang, I'm going to have to smoke a chicken this weekend.

 

[dave53]

I'm in the midst of my first smoking trial and I suspect the 38 degrees with mild wind isn't helping much.

I'm having issues with keeping the temperature correct and getting the charcoal to burn evenly.

I've cooked for years, but smoking is a craft.  I'll be picking everybody's brain to get it right.

 

[bluewhisper]

Welcome to the board, Dave! What's your rig?

 

[dave53]

I have a basic Brinkman offset smoker.

I've never tried smoking before, so it's definitely a learning experience.

 

[gary s]

  Good morning and welcome to the forum, from a nice but chilly day in East Texas, and the best site on the web. Lots of great people with tons of information on just about  everything.

Gary