Hello all!
Just joined SMF today after the last two days of reading some of the different threads via google for smoking help.
I'm currently located in Champaign, IL USA and just started in the wonderful world of smoking! I've had some experience several years back in college, but back then I was more of a drink beer and observe and enjoy the fruits of somebody else's labor :)
Just recently received a smoker as a wedding shower present. My fiance is a vegetarian so guess who registered for a smoker! (Haven't had the chance to look yet, but are there threads on smoking veggies?) It's nothing fancy just your big box store CharBroil offset smoker. I've been debating for years now about getting a smoker but never took the plunge do to the fact of having to smoke lots of meat or waste lots of fuel for small amounts for just myself. But alas, I found a wedding registry where you would register for one and worse case scenario if we didn't get it we would get 30% to buy it ourselves after the wedding. So, I was set I was getting my smoker! Yes, I've read reviews and seen comments warning to stay away from the "cheapo" smokers out there, but for my first foray into the craft I didn't want something huge and expensive but, something reasonable to start out and perfect the craft before going all out! :)
I've currently added a home made charcoal box and retro fitted a heat deflector to even out temps on both sides of the cook chamber, thanks to what I've read here. Had a hell of a time trying to keep fire to season it, but after the mods works like a dream. Based on what I've read I plan on next extending the chimney down to grate level to also help even/hold temps?
I also have a propane grill and your standard charcoal kettle. So, not new to the world of grilling and BBQ just to the world of low and slow smoke!
Besides that I'm just your average beer drinking, meat and potato eating kinda guy.
Sorry for the long winded post, post I was asked to post in the Roll Call thread so you all can get to know me just a bit.
Just joined SMF today after the last two days of reading some of the different threads via google for smoking help.
I'm currently located in Champaign, IL USA and just started in the wonderful world of smoking! I've had some experience several years back in college, but back then I was more of a drink beer and observe and enjoy the fruits of somebody else's labor :)
Just recently received a smoker as a wedding shower present. My fiance is a vegetarian so guess who registered for a smoker! (Haven't had the chance to look yet, but are there threads on smoking veggies?) It's nothing fancy just your big box store CharBroil offset smoker. I've been debating for years now about getting a smoker but never took the plunge do to the fact of having to smoke lots of meat or waste lots of fuel for small amounts for just myself. But alas, I found a wedding registry where you would register for one and worse case scenario if we didn't get it we would get 30% to buy it ourselves after the wedding. So, I was set I was getting my smoker! Yes, I've read reviews and seen comments warning to stay away from the "cheapo" smokers out there, but for my first foray into the craft I didn't want something huge and expensive but, something reasonable to start out and perfect the craft before going all out! :)
I've currently added a home made charcoal box and retro fitted a heat deflector to even out temps on both sides of the cook chamber, thanks to what I've read here. Had a hell of a time trying to keep fire to season it, but after the mods works like a dream. Based on what I've read I plan on next extending the chimney down to grate level to also help even/hold temps?
I also have a propane grill and your standard charcoal kettle. So, not new to the world of grilling and BBQ just to the world of low and slow smoke!
Besides that I'm just your average beer drinking, meat and potato eating kinda guy.
Sorry for the long winded post, post I was asked to post in the Roll Call thread so you all can get to know me just a bit.
