Newbie from Louisiana

[johnnie2130]

Hi everyone,
I'm new here and just about to start getting into smoking with an electric smoker that I'm getting my dad for Christmas. I'll be helping him and neither of us know about smoking, so I'll probably rely on this forum for help often. I'm glad I found this because it looks like everybody is friendly and willing to help.

I'm getting him a Masterbuilt stainless stell (Model 20070206). After reading some threads here, it looks like the people who have them are pretty satisfied. It looks like a good one to try.

Being a newbie, I'll need help with several things that are probably common for many of you. Recipes. Where do I find some specific one? How long do I cook different meats? Use wood chunks or chips? How do I prepare the meat? Do I need a separate meat thermometer? As you can see I have plenty of questions.

Any help is much appreciated.

I imagine once I cook a few things I'll understand it better. Dad won't get it until Christmas, so I have a few days to do some research here. Thanks in advance for any tips and suggestions!

 

[richtee]

Welcome to SMF John! Yer in for a fun time and a bigger belly hehehe!
First off, season the puppy up. Wash it out, spray racks with some Pam, or cooking oil rub, and heat it up. Run a few chunks thru it, let it go an hour at least. I gotta rolled pork roast to check, but others will continue...

Above all, enjoy the great times you are in for with your father!

 

[pescadero]

John: I like your approach to things. Give your dad something you want!!! Hey, Works for me.

Rich is right. the smoker needs to be seasoned. You do too.

Easy way to do that is to sign up for the free 5Day eCourse. It's delivered righ to your mailbox and is full of good basic smoking tips and advice. I would really suggest that immediately.

Then on the left side of the page there is a long list of Articles which will give you a big boost.

As for smoker, it is a very good choice. Look up "Monstah" he and several other members use this model and are very happy.

Once again, welcome to SMF. Go the the appropriate thread and ask any questions you may have. Someone will be along to help, in no time.

Skip

 

[short one]

Welcome to SMF, and enjoy your new smoker. Can't help with that smoker as I run a stickburner myself. Check out the "How to article" in the left margin, just click on the item you want to know about. If this doesn't answer you questions, just ask and some of the friendly folks around here will be more than happy to help you out.

 

[homebrew & bbq]

Welcome to SMF! As you're already finding out, the folks here are friendly and helpful as they can be. I have an MES and the first thing ya need to know is DON'T use a cup of wood chips in that thing. I know that's what the instructions say, but it's waaaaaay too much. I don't have an exact amount, but I usually put in is a very small handful.

As you read around this forum you'll see talk of "Thin Blue Smoke". That's what you're looking for and only use enough wood chips to do that.

Also, leave the vent on the top fully open. If you close it down too much you're just gonna have creosote building up on the meat and smoker.

Well, that's enough for now. Just a couple of things to get you started.

Make yourself at home around here cuz we're all family.

 

[ggnutsc]

Hey John, welcome to SMF... This is going to shape up to be a great father/son activity. There's lot's of good info available here to help get a guy going in the right direction, and the E-course is a real good starter.

This is just my 2 cents but....
One of the things I did when I first started smoking stuff was to start with something like some country style pork ribs that come pretty reasonably priced, so that you can proced with confidence and not worry that you have a high priced piece of meat at risk. They have a pretty short cook time so you can enjoy your first smoke without a long wait....

Good luck and enjoy!!

 

[ron50]

Welcome to the forum. One of the best things you can do is buy yourself a couple extra thermometer to monitor the smoker temperature as well as the meat.

 

[hillbillysmoker]

Welcome to the forum. As you can see there a lots of friendly folks here willing to help and to share your adventures. Have fun and welcome aboard.

 

[ba_loko]

We're tickled that you decided to join. Your Dad and yourself will really enjoy hanging out together smelling that wonderful smoke smell. It won't be long until you're very familiar with your smoker and will know how to cook each cut of meat. We do look forward to hearing of your smokes and even seeing pictures too. If there are specific questions, please let us know. I'm not familiar with your particular model smoker, but there are plenty here that have that one and they will be along shortly to answer your question(s). Again, we're glad you're here!

 

[policecom]

Welcome to SMF! This is a great place to learn. I am smoking my first brisket tonite. Quite a few people are helping me make it a success! There is a lot of information on here! Enjoy! Glad to have you on the Forum

 

[deejaydebi]

Welcome Johnnie -

Look around and get some ideas and ask lots of questions we're here for you!

 

[rip]

Welcome to the site, you have found alot of friendly folks that are willing to help all they can. So sit back and read what you need to know.

 

[smokeys my pet]

Jonny welcome to smf! Be sure you check out the 5-day ecourse.It is very helpfull and Iw wish you and your father tons of great smokin.

 

[cowgirl]

Welcome to the SMF Johnnie! Lots of good advice and helpful folks here.

 

[johnnie2130]

Thanks to all for the nice welcome. I can tell that I'll have plenty of help here with such nice people. I'll need that help too because I haven't done any smoking before. I'll sign up for that e-course.

By the way, what type of thermometer should I get? I saw one here for about $15 that came from Amazon. Can anybody give me a suggestion and a link to a thermometer?

Thanks again!

 

[pescadero]

Several good ones out thete. The Maverick ET-73 is quite popular. Oregon Scientific is another. There is actually a Forum for thermometers. Several Threads in there. Go browse that and you will get some good ideas.

In addition, you will probably get a bunch of good suggestions as soon as everybody gets a chance to read this.

Good luck with your choice.

Skip

 

[desertlites]

howdy johnny,welcome to smf,there so much help in here(not to mention dang good people)momma lites is a Katrina transplant-she misses NO-but loves it out here-she sure has brought some seasonings I ain't used to here in the southwest,tis a real good thing-you will find all you need to know in here-and again we welcome u& your dad(enjoy)

 

[cman95]

Hey man welcome to SMF. This is THE PLACE!