BBQ, and smoking, what books to get

[smittysbar]

I am wanting to get into BBQ, Smoking, and making my own sauces/rubs.

Can any of you guys give me recommendations on the best BBQ book? Smokers book? And recipe for sauces and rubs book?

I am also looking for a new smoker, any recommendations on those would be helpful also, I may make my own.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by tooge

Steve Raichles (sp) book the bbq bible is probably the most complete volume of rubs, sauces, marinades and times and temps. I have it and it is very good from beginner to experienced bbq'er

http://www.barbecuebible.com/store/index.php#bbqusa

Most of these books are good.

Raichlen does a great job of explaining stuff for a n00b.

[BigOlChiefsfan]

This place is at 39th and Main Street, KCMO (next door-ish to Wild Oats)

Phoenix Herbs

It's where I buy the spices to make my rubs. Good prices esp. if you're buying more than an oz, and they have good turnover, everything is fresh. If you're going to look at the lights on the Plaza, go a little early and stock up on spices. I've been doing bidness with 'em under one name or another since they were in the River Quay (before the mob blew it up).

[smittysbar]

Just had several people tell me to get the fire below, but I found a good deal on an offset box brinkman the other day. Maybe I should consider it

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by smittysbar

Just had several people tell me to get the fire below, but I found a good deal on an offset box brinkman the other day. Maybe I should consider it

Yes, do. Whomever is telling you to get the fire below isn't serious about smoking. JMO.

[RJ]

This one has some great recipes and stories.

http://www.amazon.com/John-Willingha.../dp/0688132871

I like Steve Raichlen's books because he writes as much about techniques and equipment as he does about recipes.

I frequently visit the virtual weber bullet site. Good information and nice people.

Oh, and another good one is CP, which is why I'm about to start a smoked turkey thread.

[smittysbar]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

Yes, do. Whomever is telling you to get the fire below isn't serious about smoking. JMO.

Okay thanks, they have something like this one at Home depot fro 130

[RJ]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

Yes, do. Whomever is telling you to get the fire below isn't serious about smoking. JMO.

I bought the WSM because so many people love the results and ease of use, but I confess that I want to get and off set. What do you see as the most important differences?

[ceebz]

What's wrong with using a bullet smoker? I have three of them and I'd bet that my BBQ is just as 'serious' as yours.

[Extra Point]

Originally Posted by ceebz

What's wrong with using a bullet smoker? I have three of them and I'd bet that my BBQ is just as 'serious' as yours.

What are the three things you like best about your WSM?

[ceebz]

Originally Posted by Extra Point

What are the three things you like best about your WSM?

Temperature control. Once these things are broken in, I can do a 16 hour cook with very little tweaking to the fire.

Portability. I do cooks for people off site all of the time. The bullets are easy to break down and take to parks, campsites, other peoples' homes, etc.

Flexibility. I have a cold smoker setup for my bullet, which enables me to smoke cheese. I love it. I can also break down my bullet and turn it into a grill in a matter of seconds if needed. Great for crisping chicken skin when I don't have a grill nearby.

I just got done curing and smoking some bellies to give out for xmas. That bacon is always a big hit. I honestly can't think of anything you can do in an offset that you can't do in a bullet, unless we're doing a hog.

[Dolphinduck]

Originally Posted by ceebz

Temperature control. Once these things are broken in, I can do a 16 hour cook with very little tweaking to the fire.

Portability. I do cooks for people off site all of the time. The bullets are easy to break down and take to parks, campsites, other peoples' homes, etc.

Flexibility. I have a cold smoker setup for my bullet, which enables me to smoke cheese. I love it. I can also break down my bullet and turn it into a grill in a matter of seconds if needed. Great for crisping chicken skin when I don't have a grill nearby.

I just got done curing and smoking some bellies to give out for xmas. That bacon is always a big hit. I honestly can't think of anything you can do in an offset that you can't do in a bullet, unless we're doing a hog.

This!

For those considering a cheap offset you will find more frustration than good results. The metal is usually too thin to keep good temp contol and they usually require several mods to be effective. Go with the WSM bullet or a Big green egg and you wont be sorry. Alot of teams use these set ups on the competition circut.

[runnercyclist]

For what it's worth, I love my WSM and everything I've smoked in it!

But I am a noob with no experience with an offset

[smittysbar]

My wife got me this one for X-mas, now if I can find some time to sit down and thumb through it.

[kcchuck]

1 Link Weber
Grilling tips, and nice recipe section. 48
2 Link BBQ University
PBS cooking show, expand your tailgate menu with these great recipes. 98
3 Link K.C. BBQ Society
Have fun!

All of the above websites are full of great info, sorry, you will have to look up the links, or go to my website and look up the bbq links page, ho ho ho!

[smittysbar]

Well today I picked up this book




And got one of these handy dandy fellers.