Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with Pro

Feel free to ask any questions, one of the experts will certainly respond, don't be afraid to ask anything, we were all beginners at some point.

Re: Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with

Postby Jgreenplastering » 02 Jun 2016, 20:22

5. I have a clay saucer in my pan and cover with foil. I don't use water as its a faff and a heat sucker imo. If using water add hot and as full as you can. 1 fill should be enough for a 6 hr cook but you'll probably need to refill on a 14 hr pulled pork cook.

Sorry forgot to ask this.
What do you mean when you say about a clay saucer with foil?
What does this do?


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Re: Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with

Postby BraaiMeesterWannabe » 02 Jun 2016, 21:45

a large clay plant pot saucer. Just stick it in the water pan and then cover the whole pan with foil.

The water pan just dry can make things run a little too hot. So hence the clay which acts as a bit of a heat sink in place of the water.

The foil just means fats and grease get caught on the foil rather than dropping in the pan so make clean up easier.
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Re: Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with

Postby Tiny » 03 Jun 2016, 07:08

All the things he said are spot on.......

Only thing I would add is I wouldn't cook chicken or a leg of lamb at those temps. would be shooting for 325-350, else the chicken skin will be rubbery and the lamb wont have an crispy outside.

I have done lamb leg at the temp you call but then have finished it by searing over hot coals direct to get the crust on.

I would also add if you want less strife in your life do pp and ribs for your mates, brisket is a tricky sod and very unpredictable. Pork and ribs are both forgiving but done well will rock the socks off your mates.

Try and roll with it and enjoy, its all good learning and there is meat.....:)
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Re: Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with

Postby Jgreenplastering » 03 Jun 2016, 08:03

Thanks both for the replies.

I plan on cooking a chicken today just to see how I go.

I'm guessing the chicken will take less time than the lamb anyway.

Tiny, would you still put the chicken in later than the lamb if on the bottom or both at same time for same cooking duration?


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Re: Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with

Postby Tiny » 03 Jun 2016, 09:22

I reckon your chicken will take half the time of the lamb so would def put in later, I don't have a charcoal set up so couldn't comment on top or bottom.....

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Re: Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with

Postby Jgreenplastering » 03 Jun 2016, 10:01

Tiny wrote:I reckon your chicken will take half the time of the lamb so would def put in later, I don't have a charcoal set up so couldn't comment on top or bottom.....

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Thanks Tiny


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Re: Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with

Postby Jgreenplastering » 03 Jun 2016, 17:59

So I've completed my first attempt at smoking.
Not sure how it's gone to be honest!

The chickens been in for about 3h 45m.
It's white throughout but I couldn't get the internal temp higher than 80-85 from the probe I put in. First time it was 70 and then the last time was 80-85 and I decided to take it out as I'm starving!

I had to refill the charcoal basket about 1.5 hours in.
Next time I'll def use briquettes, but I'm wondering if I've done something wrong?

Cooking temp was around 200-250.

Any help appreciated.


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Re: Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with

Postby Jgreenplastering » 03 Jun 2016, 17:59

[img]http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160603/c5a973062c92aa78f403dde984c6b529.jpg[/img]


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Re: Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with

Postby essexsmoker » 03 Jun 2016, 21:23

80-85F or C? I'll assume C. Why do you want to take it over 85C? Chicken is fine at 74C
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Re: Hi, virgin smoker in need of advice for first time with

Postby Jgreenplastering » 03 Jun 2016, 21:57

essexsmoker wrote:80-85F or C? I'll assume C. Why do you want to take it over 85C? Chicken is fine at 74C


Yes sorry, C.

My thermo prob shows chicken at 90?
I'm new to the internal temp guides, always just done it by eye.
Looks like I needlessly left it in then!
Thanks for your reply!



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