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Smokey Mountain Smoker

Posted on 10/25/16 at 7:53 pm
Posted by sml71
Run if you hear banjos.
Member since Dec 2005
4310 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 7:53 pm
So I got one of these as a wedding present. I've never had a smoker before, but love the idea of getting good at at.

Things I've learned so far, though...

1. I pretty much can't believe anything I read online about smoking. Really...nothing.

2. Smoking time is much quicker with this thing than anything I've read anywhere on the subject. I mean, unless I take it out within a couple of hours, chicken breasts will be way overdone and awful by going low *and* slow.

3. Everything comes out extremely salty if I try using a rub, no matter how lightly.

4. It's almost impossible to use too little wood, unless the only flavor you want is smoke.

Am I doing this wrong? And how might I smoke a Thanksgiving turkey without boring everyone between now and then by practicing every weekend and serving up turkey?
Posted by Btrtigerfan
Disgruntled employee
Member since Dec 2007
21487 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 7:58 pm to
quote:

how might I smoke a Thanksgiving turkey without boring everyone between now and then by practicing every weekend and serving up turkey?


Turkey

quote:

I pretty much can't believe anything I read online about smoking.

Google the minion method. I have the WSM and I can smoke for 12-14 hours on a single load of coals and get great results.

Virtual Weber Bullet is a fantastic resource for getting the most out of your cooker.
Posted by jmon
Mandeville, LA
Member since Oct 2010
8419 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 8:05 pm to
quote:

Virtual Weber Bullet is a fantastic resource for getting the most out of your cooker.


Just this...
Posted by BRgetthenet
Member since Oct 2011
117720 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 8:08 pm to
quote:

I have the WSM and I can smoke for 12-14 hours on a single load of coals and get great results.


Ever do any long smoke jobs, like a 20-40 hr type deal?
Posted by golfntiger32
Ohio
Member since Oct 2013
12486 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 8:08 pm to
Also I would recommend checking out Cajun Bandit accessories. The door is a major improvement over the tin foil one that comes with the smoker. Also the high airflow fire ring is good as well. I would also buy a maverick wireless temp probe the thermometers on the dome are notoriously inaccurate.
Posted by PapaPogey
Baton Rouge
Member since Apr 2008
39511 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 8:10 pm to
quote:

1. I pretty much can't believe anything I read online about smoking. Really...nothing.



It's all personal preference

quote:

2. Smoking time is much quicker with this thing than anything I've read anywhere on the subject. I mean, unless I take it out within a couple of hours, chicken breasts will be way overdone and awful by going low *and* slow


Obviously temperature determines the length of the cook. If you don't have one already, get a meat thermometer this way you pull it at the correct internal temperature and it's impossible to overcook. I do chicken often, and it's always chicken thighs. I enjoy dark meat and it is a lot juicier than white meat like breast. I typically go around 250-260 for chicken and it takes less than 2hrs. I pull chicken when internal reaches about 165-170. Perfect every time.

quote:

3. Everything comes out extremely salty if I try using a rub, no matter how lightly.


check the ingredients of the rub you're using, or make your own with less salt. I use several different store bought rubs and my meat has never been overly salty (and I usually like salty food)

quote:

4. It's almost impossible to use too little wood, unless the only flavor you want is smoke.



I use 5 or 6 chunks of pecan or apple and i've never thought it was overly smokey.



First and foremost I would tell you to get a meat thermometer and it will make your smoking much more enjoyable instead of going strictly based on time which is influenced by too many variables to really stay consistent from cook to cook. This board recommends Maverick. You can get them for around $60 on Amazon. Good luck.


eta: I own a WSM as well
This post was edited on 10/25/16 at 8:14 pm
Posted by Btrtigerfan
Disgruntled employee
Member since Dec 2007
21487 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 8:14 pm to
quote:

Ever do any long smoke jobs, like a 20-40 hr type deal?


No. I haven't It smokes best at 210-250F. What in the world could you put in there that would take 40hrs of smoke?


Cold smoking sausage and boudin can be done with an "A-Maze-N" tray in the firebox instead of charcoal.
Posted by Saskwatch
Member since Feb 2016
16573 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 8:52 pm to
Sounds broken. You want to sell it to me?
Posted by 8thyearsenior
Centennial, CO
Member since Mar 2006
4280 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 8:59 pm to
Who smokes chicken breast? How do you think these lean arse pieces of meat would come out good? You have a ton to learn about cooking and honestly aren't ready to use a smoker.

You really should just sale this thing for the good of it and everyone else around you. A lot of places do thanksgiving catering, you should call them now.
Posted by TigernMS12
Member since Jan 2013
5531 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 9:06 pm to
Go to Amazingribs.com and read anything and everything. They guy knows his shite.
Posted by Btrtigerfan
Disgruntled employee
Member since Dec 2007
21487 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 9:10 pm to
quote:

8thyearsenior


You're so cool.
Posted by lacajun069
franklinton
Member since Sep 2008
2089 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 9:21 pm to
Get your self a GURU and you will have a perfect little smoker. Wrap meat in butcher paper if you must wrap..
Posted by lacajun069
franklinton
Member since Sep 2008
2089 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 9:23 pm to
Digital Q GURU.
Learn to make Dutchess Wicked Beans in that WSM damn near perfect side for everything.
Posted by Btrtigerfan
Disgruntled employee
Member since Dec 2007
21487 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 9:26 pm to
quote:

Get your self a GURU and you will have a perfect little smoker.


I have an Auberins controller. It works great for overnight smokes especially when its really cold outside.

Most times, I set the dampers myself and keep monitor the Maverick temps.
Posted by Tiger Ryno
#WoF
Member since Feb 2007
103106 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 9:35 pm to
Will keep steady when you go past 35 hr smokes?
Posted by haricot rouge
Baton Rouge, La
Member since Sep 2006
848 posts
Posted on 10/25/16 at 10:31 pm to
quote:

Who smokes chicken breast? How do you think these lean arse pieces of meat would come out good?


I smoke boneless skinless breasts all the time with great results. Marinate overnight and smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours around 225 degrees. Water pan in smoker may help keep moist, along with occasionally spray with Apple juice.
Posted by sml71
Run if you hear banjos.
Member since Dec 2005
4310 posts
Posted on 10/26/16 at 7:09 am to
quote:

Who smokes chicken breast? How do you think these lean arse pieces of meat would come out good? You have a ton to learn about cooking and honestly aren't ready to use a smoker.


I actually get some great results with them...it's just taken a lot of trial and error to get there.
Posted by BRgetthenet
Member since Oct 2011
117720 posts
Posted on 10/27/16 at 6:12 pm to
I'm in day one of a three day smoke job that should be done by the end of game 4.

I'll bump this with pics when I pull the meat.

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