New Smoker


 
T

Tony Moseley

New member
My new WSM just arrived this afternoon. I purchased it online with aimtofind.com for the amazing price of $239.99. Also adding a Maverick 732 and subsequent mods. I have been reading Gary Wiviott's book "low and slow" and he absolutely says not to use charcoal. This website seems to promote Kingsford Charcoal. Any thoughts for a beginner as I start on this journey of learning to cook really good and tender barbeque???
 
Tony,
Congratulations. If I see some smoke coming from the northwest, I'll know where it's coming from. I've read Low and Slow too, but I do use Kingsford blue. No complaints yet. I don't use charcoal lighter though.

In my limited experience I've discovered one fact. There's usually more than one good way to get acceptable results when it comes to smoking meat.

For example, almost everyone says to not use charcoal lighter. I don't because I can see the reasoning behind it. The fluid is oil based and could flavor the meat in a bad way. But, Myron Mixon of Jack's Ole South, who is one of the top dogs in the bbq world, uses fluid. He also cooks at higher temps that those recommended, especially brisket. Some use high heat and some use low, but both get good results.

Wivoit has a system that works and if you stick with it I'm sure it would work for you too. However, you can still get good results with some deviation.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Gary Hodgin:

In my limited experience I've discovered one fact. There's usually more than one good way to get acceptable results when it comes to smoking meat.
...you can still get good results with some deviation. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Agreed. I started with K and have used different briqs and lump over the years. I like the different flavors each produce. I've read the book too (recently) after using the WSM for years. Some good recipes in there, but I think a lil hardcore "my way or the highway" kinda attitude. I'm sure if I read 10 different books there would be 10 different ways to reach BBQ Nirvana.

Find your own way, laugh at your mistakes, welcome praise when it arrives, and most importantly HAVE FUN
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Smoke On
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Thank you Gary and Wayne. One thing I can tell you, there are some great people on this site and sure seem willing to help a newbie. I'll let you know what kind of results I have. Best regards,
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tony Moseley:
This website seems to promote Kingsford Charcoal. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I use Kingsford in all the recipes featured on www.virtualweberbullet.com/cooking.html because it removes charcoal as a variable when learning how to cook. The K you buy in TN is the same as I buy in CA and if you follow my recipes using K you'll probably get the same results I get.

Once you get familiar with your cooker and how it operates and get some successes under your belt, then you can explore other types of fuel.

Regards,
Chris
 
Welcome to the forum, Tony.

I have learned one constant from the input here, books, and other forums, and that is exactly what you said. There are many ways to achieve great results in BBQ cooking. Some are adamant that their method is the best, others are willing to acknowledge that different methods can yield the same results.

Best advice I can give is to study & learn, jump in and try cooking using different methods, but take notes. Having a reference from your cooks is the best way to repeat your successes, as well as learning what to do and what not to do. Be sure to post your results, good or bad, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Others have been where you are now, and on this forum, are a fantastic resource for just about everything you will encounter as you cook.
 
Congratulations to your new Weber!

Don't be nervous about trying new things. I have tried all kingsford. lump charcoal, and even all wood. Find what works for you and enjoy the experiments
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Hey Tony, congrats on the new smoker. Here are a couple of suggestions that I find very helpful. Get the book, "Smoke & Spice". Great book with tons of recipes, but even more info on means and methods. Everything is discussed, and all types of cookers are featured. Also, check out the website, "Amazing Ribs", and it's source, Meathead Goldwyn. A fantastic source for info on all kinds of equipment......he discusses his personal experiences with everything, the pros and the cons. Some of the recipes are to die for.

While there are literally hundreds of other sites and books, in my opinion, these are the 2 best as far as useful information and fantastic recipes are concerned........other than this site, which is the "Bible" of outdoor cooking, and the home of all of the best BBQ masters.
 
Alan,

Just received "smoke & spice" in the mail today. I have already been perusing "amazingribs.com", and in fact, "Meathead" is the one who convinced me to purchase a WSM. Thanks for responding and best regards,
 
Tony, you have found the best site on the internet for learning BBQ. My advice is to read, a lot. There is a lot of great info here. Read over the cooking topics and recipes that Chris has posted. Get familiar with the Minion Method. Read, get some ideas, and try them out. Take notes as you go along. Boston Butts are great for learning. The meat is cheap. They are hard to mess up, and as you cook them you get familiar with charcoal amounts, and temperature control of the WSM. There is no replacement for experience. You will develop your own way of doing things, and have so much fun along the way. Good luck!
 
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