First time smoker. Advice on thermometers and fuel.

[thekidfromkensington]

Hi Everyone,

I have just ordered a Landmann Tennessee smoker. From searching on here I know some people on here have some issues with them, but it really seemed the best available for my budget and ideal to get me started.

I have sent a message to Paul at bbqsmokingwood for a selection box as he seems to be the best.

I have a couple of chimneys I already use for my open BBQ/Grill.

My questions are about thermometers and fuel.

I have a Weber meat thermometer which I use already for grilling and can use for the meat, but I can see from what Ive read I'll need to get a thermometer to tell me the temperature in the BBQ itself as the one fitted in the lid is next to useless. Ideally I'd like a remote one so I don't have to keep lifting the lid of the BBQ up. Can anyone recommend a good one at the budget end of the market?

Ive seen this http://www.salterhousewares.com/salter_ ... timer.html which seems to be able to do both. Would I be able to have one probe inside whatever I was cooking and one resting on grill (propped up on foil etc so sensor not touching the metal) so I could get a reading of my BBQ temperature and meat temperature.

What fuel am I best using Briquettes or Lumpwood, when I grill I always use briquettes as they keep their heat longer, is this best for a smoker too? Are just normal supermarket Briquettes OK or is it worth shelling out on more expensive charcoal like the Weber heat beads?

All advice from what is clearly a very expert forum gratefully received.

[RHB]

It all depends on your budget really.
I use a Maverick ET-732 and it works perfectly for me. I can set the Kamado on 225 - 250F overnight and keep the remote beside the bed to keep an eye on it. Can't comment on the Heston model.
Personally I would recommend lumpwood for the smoker (Big K has been good for me) and Aussie Heat Beads for grilling. Briquettes burn hot are are ideal for grilling but lumpwood seems to burn longer.
I wouldn't recommend supermarket briquettes personally, they can quite often be filled with all sorts of cheap crap and will spoil your food. Now that you have purchased a smoker you have moved on from supermarket coals my friend
I also have a box of Pauls wood. Good choice.

[thekidfromkensington]

Thanks for this, at least I got the wood right! I kind of realised I'd need to move on to better charcoal anyway with the low and slow method and Ill go buy some decent lumpwood.

That thermometer cost half what I paid for my smoker so it's bit over budget for me Im afraid! I found this one which is also by maverick http://www.froogletec.com/digital-bbq-t ... ter-black/ it's from the US, but the shipping is only $12.75 so it's still pretty cheap, at about £25.

I can use my trusty Weber meat probe which has served me well on steaks, butterfly leg of lamb etc over the grill for years on the meat when it gets close to the end.

I just can't wait to get going now, hopefully all the kit will arrive in time for a trial run this weekend!!!