New to the forum

[stevetheteacher]

Hi all, I'm a newbie from NJ. I bought my first smoker this week after being inspired by a Memorial Day marathon of "BBQ Pitmasters". Knowing myself, I will be posting a lot and asking a bunch of questions. I'm going to try my new smoker on Sunday for the first time. Any tips for a first-timer? Thanks for your time and patience!

Steve

 

[so ms smoker]

  Welcome Steve. Glad to have you with us! What kind of smoker did you get? Be sure to season it on Saturday. This will also get you used to how to control temps. Probably start with chicken for a first cook. Maybe leg quarters or a whole spatchcocked bird. Feel free to bring on the questions. Plenty people here willing to help!

  Mike

 

[stevetheteacher]

It's a Brinkman Off-Set that I purchased from my local Home Depot. Thanks for the welcome and the tips. What did you mean when you said to season it the day before? Thanks!

Steve

 

[gary s]

  Good evening and welcome to the forum, from another cloudy and warm day here in East Texas. Lots of great people with tons of information on just about  everything.

Gary

 

[so ms smoker]

  It may have come with directions but if not, wash the cooking racks with soap and water to remove any residue, Then spray/wipe the racks and the inside of the cooking chamber with vegetable oil. (like a can of Pam). Build a medium size fire in the firebox and let it burn for several hours. This is your chance to learn how to control the cook chamber temps. I believe the best thing you can do to help is to build a charcoal basket for the firebox. Check out the search feature for SFB (side firebox) mods. Good luck and be sure to take pics!

  Mike

 

[stevetheteacher]

Thanks for great advice once again! Bought a charcoal cube starter? Any thoughts?

Steve

 

[so ms smoker]

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• so ms smoker
• May 29, 2015

 A lot more coals in the firebox and more compact. I mix wood chips in with the charcoal to keep a light smoke going all the time. This much coals will burn for 5-6 hours.

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• so ms smoker
• May 29, 2015

 Thin blue smoke...

   Mike

 

[gary s]

Nice !!

Gary

 

[joe black]

Welcome from SC, Steve. You're on your way to a great way of cooking. This site is full of folks with lots of knowledge who are eager to share ideas, tips, recipes or anything else that you may need. You've already gotten an excellent introduction to seasoning. Just search for spatchcocked chicken recipes and off you go. Be sure to send pics of your cook. Good luck and have fun. Remember, you can always eat your mistakes. Happy smoking, Joe