Food and Drink HELP! I have a smoker and don't know how to use it! - Page 2

**Buehler445** · 01-19-2008, 01:59 PM

OK. Here's the deal. I got a smoker for Christmas. But the deal is that I have no idea how to use it. I know there are some excellent smokers on the Planet, so here is my plea for help.

Description of smoker here

Basically, I know nothing about smoking meats. I'm looking for advice from you guys as basically a beginners guide to smoking. I know the recipe supercenter is out there, but as far as how to smoke something, I have no clue.

As far as what kinds of meat to use, how long to cook it for, what to season it with, what kind of wood chips to use, and what to do to keep it from drying out. As well as any tips for me to get started.

Any recipes that would be good for beginners would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

(I already know that antifreeze makes an excellent marinade)

**cdcox** · 01-19-2008, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I didn't know I have a cheater smoker. What kind of smokers do you guys have?

Don't mind me. I like to do everything the hard way. It's a snob thing.

My rig in action:

Stewie · 01-19-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

Don't mind me. I like to do everything the hard way. It's a snob thing.

My rig in action:

Is that a Horizon smoker? Sure looks like one, if not.

**cdcox** · 01-19-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

Is that a Horizon smoker? Sure looks like one, if not.

It is the Brinkmann Cimarron. They are pretty similar. Phob has the same one.

RJ · 01-19-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

It is the Brinkmann Cimarron. They are pretty similar. Phob has the same one.

How many years have you had that? If you were buying a new one would you buy the same brand? Same model? I'm thinking of buying a smoker in the spring.

**Skip Towne** · 01-19-2008, 04:02 PM

Does the electric smoker have a smoke stack?

**cdcox** · 01-19-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ

How many years have you had that? If you were buying a new one would you buy the same brand? Same model? I'm thinking of buying a smoker in the spring.

I've had it for two years. I have no complaints. The food capacity is adequate but not enormous. In the picture, that is two racks of St. Louis style ribs and 1 rack of baby backs. Not much room for more even with a rib rack (which I used earlier in the cooking process). I could probably do 3 to 4 butts or a briskett and 1 butt.

It takes some practice to manage the heat. Since you're an experienced cook, I doubt you'd have much problem after a few times. This type of smoker requires periodic attention during the cook (once per hour or two).

Phobia had some problems with his firebox door warping and Brinkmann wouldn't fix it, even though it has a 75 year warranty. I've never had mine anywhere near hot enough to warp 1/4" steel.

If I could get it for the same price, I'd buy it again. I paid $399 at Westlakes Tru Value in KC. When I bought it, they were in the process of raising the price to $499 (I found it still marked at $399 on the sales floor, even though their computer said $499). On the internet you're looking at $500 and up plus another $100 to $150 shipping. I don't think I'd pay that much for it. I'd be 1) looking for a bargain, 2) considering if I could get one fabbed for less, or 3) considering building a backyard unit out of brick.

**Buehler445** · 01-19-2008, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

Does the electric smoker have a smoke stack?

Mine has a closeable opening for the smoke to escape. Pretty much like a charcoal grill.

01-19-2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

Don't mind me. I like to do everything the hard way. It's a snob thing.

My rig in action:

I thought that was mine until I saw that yellow ride in the background. Is that your daughter's?

dtebbe · 01-19-2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I didn't know I have a cheater smoker. What kind of smokers do you guys have?

It's not. They're just jealous... you won't have to babysit your smoker while it does the work.

I'd start with a pork butt and some ribs. Get you a 6-8 pound butt, rub it up with your favorite spices, put a few chunks of wood in there, set it at about 210 and smoke it until the butt hits 190. When it hits 190 wrap it up in foil and but it back in for about another 4-6 hours at around 140. You'll have perfect pulled pork.

A big slab of ribs usually takes about 6 hours at 220, again rub em up and let em smoke.

Brisket is probably the biggest challenge. There is a really good electric smoker forum here:
http://forum.cookshack.com/eve/forums

DT

**Buehler445** · 01-19-2008, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtebbe

It's not. They're just jealous... you won't have to babysit your smoker while it does the work.

I'd start with a pork butt and some ribs. Get you a 6-8 pound butt, rub it up with your favorite spices, put a few chunks of wood in there, set it at about 210 and smoke it until the butt hits 190. When it hits 190 wrap it up in foil and but it back in for about another 4-6 hours at around 140. You'll have perfect pulled pork.

A big slab of ribs usually takes about 6 hours at 220, again rub em up and let em smoke.

Brisket is probably the biggest challenge. There is a really good electric smoker forum here:
http://forum.cookshack.com/eve/forums

DT

Great site! Thanks!

dtebbe · 01-19-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Great site! Thanks!

Thier rubs & sauces are pretty top notch too..

DT

**cdcox** · 01-19-2008, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia

I thought that was mine until I saw that yellow ride in the background. Is that your daughter's?

I bought the loss leader. Stick, no air, no carpet, no radio. The paint was the only option on the whole thing. Oh, and I bought a bumper for $80.

01-19-2008, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

I bought the loss leader. Stick, no air, no carpet, no radio. The paint was the only option on the whole thing. Oh, and I bought a bumper for $80.

So, what you're saying is you CHOSE that paint?

**cdcox** · 01-19-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia

So, what you're saying is you CHOSE that paint?

Loss leader. They advertised a new truck for a very low price in the paper. You show up and they walk you over to it. When you say "Oh", they take you over to one that costs 50% more then convince you to buy it because the mothly payments are only $xxx per month.

Except I bought it, because a car is just transportation to me.

The paint was listed as an option on the sticker.

xbarretx · 01-19-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

Is that a Horizon smoker? Sure looks like one, if not.

its an Oklahoma Joe smoker.

01-19-2008, 01:59 PM
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $-1425266	HELP! I have a smoker and don't know how to use it! OK. Here's the deal. I got a smoker for Christmas. But the deal is that I have no idea how to use it. I know there are some excellent smokers on the Planet, so here is my plea for help. Description of smoker here Basically, I know nothing about smoking meats. I'm looking for advice from you guys as basically a beginners guide to smoking. I know the recipe supercenter is out there, but as far as how to smoke something, I have no clue. As far as what kinds of meat to use, how long to cook it for, what to season it with, what kind of wood chips to use, and what to do to keep it from drying out. As well as any tips for me to get started. Any recipes that would be good for beginners would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance for all your help. (I already know that antifreeze makes an excellent marinade)
Posts: 59,949

01-19-2008, 04:02 PM	#20
Skip Towne Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: T-Town Casino cash: $10004900	Does the electric smoker have a smoke stack?
Posts: 69,689