Short time lurker, first time smoker

[garthk]

Hi, 

I am just getting started in the smoking world. I live in the San Francisco Bay area. I picked up a Masterbuilt 30" verticle propane smoker last weekend. It was purchased and used once by a guy who prefers grilling. Patience is one thing I have in spades so I think smoking is going to work well for me. 

I slightly modified the smoker by adding a larger drip/water pan and lava rocks to the chip bowl. I have a cast iron pan on order as well. There is lots of info out there and everyone seems to have their own way of doing things so I look forward to finding my own. 

I did my first smoke Monday, a 4lb pork butt. Spent the entire day running in and out of the house to check the temp. It fluctuated between 200 and 280, probably due to my fiddling with the dials every time there was a drop or spike. It will take some time for me to get to know it and how to control the heat properly. 

Even with my newbie over-parenting of the smoker, the butt came out pretty darn good. 

Looking forward to many more delicious smoked meats. 

This seems like a great community and I am happy to become a part of it. 

-Garth

 

[SmokinAl]

Welcome to the forum Garth!

Glad to have you with us!

Your right about fiddling with the temps all the time.

That butt will cook just fine anywhere from 215 - 280.

Let the smoker settle in and see where the temp is. Then make a small adjustment & wait to see where that settles in at.

It may take a half hour to stabilize, it just takes patience. After a few smokes you will be able to look at the burner flame & have a pretty

good idea what temp it will be running at.

Al