Growing up we didn't really grill all that much, mainly because we didn't know what we were doing, and didn't know how to start charcoal properly. We'd always gather sticks and start a fire in a coffee can and then put on briquettes until it lit.
Finally about the time I got into high school we got a propane grill, and started cooking more often, and I kinda got defaulted into grilling. Never really had any instruction, just kind of threw it on and hoped for the best. Moved out on my own and got married, and got a propane grill of my own, and started grilling more often - veggies and any other cut of meat I could find, basically experimenting, never bad, but never that great.
A few years ago, while flipping through the channels, I saw Steven Raichlen, and was really intrigued by the different techniques and methods. I added his shows to the DVR and started dissecting techniques.
About 3 years ago, we were going to a fantasy draft, and it was potluck. I decided to try pulled pork, having never done it before. Did it on a
weber kettle, and it was a hit. Did a couple chickens and smaller things over the next year, but nothing big. Come draft party time, I started getting questions about what I was bringing. Decided on a brisket this time, and used one of Raichlen's recipes again, and it was an even bigger hit, Cooked a 12 pound brisket, and it was almost all gone within a half hour.
I had mainly smoked in just the old
weber kettle, but finally decided that this year was the year to upgrade. Bought a char-griller with SFB, and started with the mods on this site. Cooked my first ribs, and a lot of other things found on this site. I'm never quite satisfied with my results though, so I keep trying to keep up with the Jones' on this site.
I get to smoke about every other week right now. Unfortunately there is this thing called work that gets in the way. Add in part-time helping family members farm, and I don't have enough hours in the week to sit in front of the smoker.