I have a bbq/smoker combo and I’d really like to learn how to smoke meat. I don’t really have anyone in my life to teach me. I know how to bbq, with propane, so most of my help would need to be centered around the prep, fire making, and smoker specific items I’ll need. I have the smoker and a meat thermometer and that’s it, so I know I’ll need to get more stuff. Anyone know any good videos or articles that really go over the basics of smoking?
What kind of smoker do you have?
I’ve got an Oklahoma joe smoker/propane bbq combo. Half the chamber is a propane bbq the other half an offset smoker. So I’ve been using the bbq side only since I bought it.
Well I’ve never used an offset so I don’t have specific advice. Figuring out how to manage the fire and avoid big temperature swings will be key. Youtube is your friend here.
Really what you want is to learn how to dial it in so you don’t have to babysit a fire all day. I have to fight my wsm to run at anything but 225, but it took some practice.
I was constantly fiddling with vents at first. And my temps were running like 300, dropping to 185, back up to 290, 210 and dropping…
Making small adjustments and waiting at leat 15 minutes for things to level out were the keys here.
Start with a bone in pork shoulder (aka pork butt.) Pork butt is very forgiving. You can do a basic rub, throw it on and play with fire all day to learn your smoker. The end result will probably still be delicious pulled pork. And if not, well at least you only spent $20 on a pork butt instead of $70 on a brisket.