The first thing I ever smoked was a sirloin steak. I didn't fully cook it on the smoker, but left it on for about 30 minutes to add some (apple wood) smoke flavor before grilling. It actually turned out great. The first item fully smoked was a brisket. Somebody bought it for me to smoke for a birthday party. Unfortunately, they bought one that was completely trimmed with no fat layer whatsoever. After letting it cook for hours on the smoker, I threw it in the crock pot for several hours for fear that it would be dry and tough. It turned out OK, but not great. More like a smoked roast. That was the last time I ever used the crock pot with anything smoked.
Next, I smoked some beef ribs, which actually turned out great.