Food Smokers and Smoking Tips/Tricks/Techniques

Because I can’t seem to leave well enough alone with anything, I am looking to “supplement” my MES30 with another type of cooker. I have been doing some pretty heavy research for the past week or so and I’m really not any closer to deciding what I want. So I need some help being steered in the right direction.

I have not necessarily decided against any type so I am open to any and all suggestions.

 

Just picked up a Weber Kettle, now to put it together but here is the one I grabbed. My bigger pit will be for bigger smokes. Looking forward to get some meat on the grill but thunderstorms and rain all weekend.

 

nice tricycle rack

 

There is no “right” or “wrong” direction IMO. I’ve had just about every type of smoker over the past 30+ years. The only one I never liked was a propane cabinet type. I’ve cooked on a MES30 for years, still do. Can’t recommend an AMAZN smoke generator enough for one of these. Stick burners are awesome if your the type person that likes fiddling with the fire and such. I mostly use a pooper these days, the set it and forget it thing appeals to me. Like I posted above, I threw a couple of butts on before bed, knowing they would be ready around noonish today.

 

It saves space from storing in garage. Also patent design let me know if you want in on it.

 

Slider process

 

Yeah the whole “There’s no wrong direction” is why I can’t figure out what I want lol.

I might be leaning towards something a little more labor intensive than a pellet feeder. Specifically either a Kamado or a WSM.

I’m also keeping an eye out on Craigslist for any deals, but there doesn’t seem to be much in my area right now.

 

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/for/d/charlotte-weber-22-kettle-grill/6853883405.html

 

I saw that, but I’m not sure about a kettle. If I needed a do all rig, I’d be all over that. I think I’m looking more for a dedicated smoker with a bit more capacity. Thanks though!

 

how much you looking to spend?

 

Weber 26” should be enough space. You can smoke and grilll. Way more space then a BGE and WSM. It can fit 4, 7-8lb pork butts and a whole packet brisket multiple ribs if you use a rib rack, etc

To give you an idea

 

agree on the 26"er...







lots of space. compared to a 22 anyway. Still like having other smokers for bigger cooks though.

 

found a sweet brisket that fit in the wsm so went ahead and tried it, chickened out of the weber kettle smoking. It just seemed to small.

 

Not necessarily on a strict budget, but I don’t want to take out a second mortgage for one either lol

I completely forgot Weber made a 26” Kettle. That might be worth considering. Thanks!

 

Pork shoulder seasoned and will be ready to smoke in the new kettle tomorrow. Any tips as this will be the first cook in it. I am running a batch of coal through the kettle now, and oiled the lid and grate seasoning it now.

 

We’ll see how this turns out.

 

Pork butt is super forgiving. Toss it on anywhere from 225-250 or even 275. It'll hit the stall around 150-165*. You can put in foil pan and wrap with foil to help speed it up. Let it go til 200-205*. If there is a bone, it should pull out clean and easy. Rest at least 30 mins. Hour preferable. Shred and eat

You can make a finishing sauce too. Few posts up are a couple.

 

Sounds about right. If you don’t mind a slight kick, chilli powder is a nice touch either to add some flavour

 

Out a buddies having a shot or four, just lit a chimney of KBB in his Webber kettle, listening to some Whiskey Meyers. Going to do burgers, brats and dogs. More to follow, maybe...

 

So no different then my other smoker, I am used to my stick burner so just not trying to ruin this meat. Will post some pics of the results. Thanks man.