Novice BBQ chef with an UDS in North Jersey

[hudsonsmoke]

Hey everyone. BBQ rookie here living in North Jersey about 10 minutes from NYC. I'm glad to see that there is a place to be able to share with and learn from others about this awesome topic. I built my UDS from a kit that was purchased through Big Poppa Smokers. They provided everything except the 55-gallon drum. I purchased that locally at a drum and barrel container vendor. I'm a rookie and as I type this I'm running my smoker for the first time. Naturally, I have a ton of questions! For starters, I've heard that you're supposed to run your first burn for a few hours. Can anybody tell me how long? Also, I'm running my first burn with charcoal only. They're burning hot as hell as the temp has reached 450* in the drum, however there is no smoke! Is that because there is no wood burning? Anyway, thanks in advance! Looking forward to speaking with you guys (and/or gals).  

 

[kathrynn]

to SMF!  We are so glad you joined us! There are several of the guys that pop in here that will give you some help.  They also own a UDS and love them. 

Also check out ”Jeff's Free 5 day E-Course”, it will teach you bunches no matter your experience level!

We love to see pictures of what you are cooking (or what we call q-views here at SMF).  To "upload the q-views" just follow the directions here and it will be easier. If you are using a cell phone, an IPad or a kindle, go to the main SMF page and click the Mobile button. Will make the uploads a bit faster too.

If you didn't read the "Terms of Service" notes.....please do.  There are a few things that everyone should know about those pesky little rules before plunging into the forums and some guidelines of how to interact within the forums. Off site links are not allowed here at SMF per Jeff. Not that you have done anything wrong....just a little bit of FYI for new members!

If you need any help roaming around the forums....just holler!  Happy to help out!

Kat

 

[fwismoker]

Welcome! Yep I'm a Big Poppa Drum Smoker as well.. If you haven't seasoned it then rub it down with some veggie oil or flaxseed oil and run it 300-350 for a few hours and use wood chunks in it as well. If you have any questions just ask or pm me. Keith

 

[themule69]

Glad you joined the group. The search bar at the top of any page is your best friend.
About anything you wanna know about smoking/grilling/curing/brining/cutting or slicing
and the list goes on has probably been posted. Remember to post a QVIEW of your smokes.
We are all smoke junkies here and we have to get our fix. If you have questions Post it
and you will probably get 10 replies with 11 different answers. That is because their
are so many different ways to make great Q We all have our own taste.

I'm a UDS Kind guy myself. Your going to love yours. Post some pics in the UDS

build section.

Happy smoken.

David

 

[seenred]

Welcome to the forums!  This is the best place I know for sharing ideas on smoking, grilling, curing, etc.  There are plenty of friendly, knowledgeable folks who really enjoy helping one another.  Just ask when you need help and someone here will have the answer. 

Red

 

[disco]

Sorry but I don't know the answers to your questions. I only started smoking last fall on a Bradley Digital smoker. However, I am sure you will find the answers to your questions on this forum of good people who know smoking and are generous with their experience.

Welcome to SMF.

Disco