18.5" Arrived Today! 1st Smoke ?'s!


 
C

Chris in Mi

TVWBB Member
So my 18.5" showed up today, planning on first cook this Sat.

So I am somewhat undecided what will be my smoke! I really want to smoke some ribs, but i remember reading somewhere here that ribs are not recommended for a first smoke, but a pork butt, or maybe a pork loin. Any reason why? If you guys/gals suggest no ribs, then it will be a pork loin.

Regardless of what I do try to cook, I plan on the minion method (coffee can style), maybe 20(ish) lit. If ribs, about 4-5 hrs. Loin, about 1-1.5 hrs depending on how thick, per lb. These times seem "in-line"? Planning on about 225-250* if possible due to being new!

I THINK I will have a Maverick 732 as well, as long as it shows up in time!

Any other suggestions? Also, how much does rain effect smoker temp? There is a slight chance last I knew. Do have n "eazy up" if need be.

TY!
Chris
 
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I did butt on my first cook because it is forgiving. I also did 2 whole chickens. Sine they are cheap I didn't worry about messing them up. You should be fine with ribs. That was my second cook and they went off with ease and cooked fairly quick. I would put up the easy up for rain. Water can go around the lid and get in the smoker. I left mine uncovered for a week and it got water in the bottom. Good luck and have fun.
 
This is just what I "heard"... I do not have a WSM (Yet), but I've heard people saying to do a pork butt or shoulder first due to the long cook and fat content. I've read that when the WSM is brand new and has not developed a "coating" on the inside yet that it can be drafty and therefore difficult to really lock in temperatures. But after you've done a few cooks on it, and have started to develop a a coating inside then it's good to go.

Again... not my first hand experience. Just what I've "heard" around the forums.

Good luck.
 
I would do both... Pork butt on bottom rack And ribs on top. I'm sure you will do fine. Besides we can help as you go if you get stuck.
 
Personally, I built-up to a pork butt cook as its quite the time investment. For my first run, I smoked 4 chicken halves (for lunch) then followed up with ribs for dinner. Started smoking around 10am and finished near 5 or 6. If you've got the itch for ribs, by all means smoke some ribs. No reason not to if that's what you want. This is suppose to be enjoyable, so enjoy! And take pics! :)
 
TY to all!

Unfortunately I didn't get time yesterday to put together the wsm, let alone go buy food. Plus the weather is kinda crappy today, and as Chad mentioned, it's suppose to be enjoyable, so I will wait on the first cooking.

I did cut a piece expanded metal I had for the charcoal rack, so mod #1 done, and my Mav 732 showed up as well! :cool: And to top it off, a co-worker gave me a chimney for FREE!!!! He said he is done with charcoal, so saved a few more dollars there!!!

I may try to pick up the Stanley handles today as well as a coupe eye/square u bolts for the charcoal rack, then start putting it together.

And I will take pics!!!

TY again!
Chris
 
Stay out of the rain. Here is my first cook...

IMG_0910.jpg
 
Alan,

That is a monster! Looks great!

First smoke is under my belt as of yesterday! Ended up smoking a pork loin, used a butter infused olive oil w/ a garlic pepper rub!

Of course a couple pics!



Smoked w/ cherry wood!



TY for all the help! Temp stayed pretty consisntent, just edging above 280* near the end, & that was with the smoker in full sun from about 1/2 way on!

Heading north to the in-laws this coming w/e, may take the wsm with, just not sure what to cook.

TY again!
Chris
 
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