RJ from Virginia Beach


 
RJ Banks

RJ Banks

TVWBB All-Star
Hello all. I have been snooping around the site for the last year or so waiting to join until I finally pulled the trigger on buying a WSM. Well today was that day! I ordered a 22.5 from Lowe's which they say I should hopefully be able to pick up on Monday. (It seems so far away).

Have been grilling since I was about 12, but never had the patience to try smoking. But I was always the first in line to get some when anyone every made anything. About a year ago I acquired a Charbroil smoker from my father in law and it sat around til about six months ago. Finally decided to try it out with decent results, but quickly realized I needed something better. After going thru some trial and error (and a lot of money at the butcher), I finally felt worthy enough to upgrade to this beauty.

Its going to be hard to pick it up and make myself hold off on trying it out until I do the modifications I want. I am excited to become a part of this community and looking forward to possibly be able to give advice and ideas that may help someone else. I have already learned so much from the people on here just reading others posts, I hope it doesn't give me a false confidence. ;)
 
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Hi RB, I bought my Smoky about 2 years ago after a lifetime of grilling on other types of BBQs, & I have to say that the more you use it the better you get.

I think it can be a pretty hard machine to master so don't lose heart if your ribs don't turn out as moist and tender as your local rib-joint's the first time (or 2nd or 3rd or fourth time, for me anyway!) I just kept on looking for more info on whatever I was trying to cook, and learnt so much from the experiences of others...

The hardest bit I found was getting the temperature to stay steady for long periods of time. I started with heat beads (which are supposedly easier to use, but I disagree totally now) and water in the pan, but I've found I can get more stability using lump charcoal and sand in the pan. From waht I've read opinions and techniques vary wildy, I can only put this down to variables such as different brands and qualities of beads and charcoal, and who know how many other variables there may be. I must admit I found it a bit frustrating at times, but it's paid off to persevere. The first time I got a really good smoke-ring on rack of ribs was a great feeling (and flavour!)
 
Welcome. I'm sure you'll get the hang of that cooker with few problems. They do seem to take a couple cooks before they settle into their optimum performance.
 
Thanks all for the welcome. Just got some crappy news from a friend of a friend at Lowes. Said my order didn't make it on their stock truck that came in and will most likely not make it til the following week. The wait is killing me. Haha
 
Hey RL, I'm actually in Chesapeake. Born in the Beach. Just use that cause most people not from the area know that better than Chesapeake. And as we know Chesapeake/Va Beach/Norfolk might as well be one area.
 
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