You can use 18" also that is what Arron Franklin does. He use two 18x30 inch sheets according to his book that has pictures in it also for you to go by.
Yep I have a Maverick and Thermoworks stuff also and it all does a great job. I just suggested something if your on a budget to get you going. I actually have way to many expensive things because this hobby can get in your wallet fast. Hint: Christmas is right around the corner. I am thinking...
I agree you need to know about how hot your smoker is running. Something like Steven said above will get you up and running on the cheap side and works fine. I had that exact thermo for 10 years and never had a problem.
Here is one I found for about 6-7 dollars...
I stopped by because you mentioned cumin and down just a little farther south than me (Houston) on the border they put cumin in literally everything. They make what I call blonde rubs with no paprika for there ribs,chicken, brisket and it is good. If anybody would like a recipe just send me an...
Here is how one of the masters pulls 30 pounds in like one minute. I have the claws but don't use them because I don't like it to look like angel hair pasta but of course my wife does. Why is that?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj8M6KOkyw8
I pull by hand when it's cool enough into thumb size...