Rank newbie checking in

[joem]

Hey -

Been talking about getting a smoker for quite awhile, but never pulled the trigger. My wife went to Lowe's and bought a ECB Gourmet Smoker. Tried it once, was semi-OK.

But I'm really confused. I've seen some recommended mods to an ECB, but my smoker doesn't have legs to reverse and re-mount. It already has holes in the charcoal pan. I do understand what I need to do with a real thermometer (or two). Do I really need smoke vent holes on the top?

I really want to learn how to make some good barbecue, but I'm confused coming out of the starting gate. Can any of you master smokers point me in the right direction.

Thanks ever so much!
JoeM

 

[bmudd14474]

Welcome to SMF. I would tell you to take the 5-day ecourse. That should get you going in the right direction.

 

[irishteabear]

Welcome to SMF. Glad you joined us.

I have the Brinkmann Gourmet. The only mod I have done is to make a charcoal basket for better air circulation around the coals. Here is the link to what I did: http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...1&postcount=61

 

[bassman]

Welcome to the forum. Just hang in there and you'll be smoking like a pro in no time.

 

[old poi dog]

Aloha,

Welcome to the forum. There's a lot of good people here. Besides the 5 day course you could read the how to articles in the sidebar to the left and read the daily post. Smoke something with your unit in its stock configuration, then decide on what mod you want to do with it. Have fun and post pictures when you can.

 

[ronp]

Welcome. You can do search here for just about anything here. It is a great site to learn. Good luck!

 

[smoke_it_up]

welcomr to the smf there are some really smart people in here and some really good forums. thought i knew alot before i came here, and found there is tons more for me to learn. any questions just ask, someone will help you or point you in the right direction. good luck on your adventures w/ smoking

 

[mballi3011]

First off welcome to SMF. You'll like it here there are alot of good people here that would just love to help in anyway we can. Happy Smokin

 

[desertlites]

welcome to SMF-glad u found us

 

[joem]

Just finished adding the charcoal grate and will be trying again this afternoon.

Thanks to you all for the kind words and encouragement.

 

[smokingd]

Welcome to the smf great crowd here.

It also helps if you can give us some pics you will find we thrive on pics.

Happy smoking

 

[rivet]

Welcome to the forum, bud. Take the 5 day smoking e-course, poke around and in no time you'll have a clearer idea which way you wanna go!

 

[joem]

OK - probably should be in another forum for this - please point the way if so.

I don't know why I have read so many other people saying that they have a problem keeping the temperature up on a ECB. I have great difficulty keeping it below 320-340! Do I need to do another mod and so that I can control the airflow on the bottom of the Gourmet smoker that already has the vent holes?

I have to open the door and keep taking off the lid to keep the temperature down. Things cook faster than they should. Maybe one chimney full of briquettes is too much? That is all that I have been using. No minion method putting lit coals on top of unlit coals - that would have made it even hotter.

Boy, do I have a lot to learn!!