Brand new #2

[pappabear]

  I am a proud owner of a new #2. It shipped out Friday morning and I received it this morning(Monday). I am new to smoking so I have a lot to learn I'm sure.

 

[old sarge]

Enjoy the smoker Gary.  I think you will find the smoker pretty easy to use and the food you'll get mighty tasty. 

 

[pappabear]

Now to try and figure out what kind of wood to start out with and where to get it.

 

[Hank R]

Welcome Gary  from Western Canada.

 

[old sarge]

I am pretty much a hickory user.  Smokinlicious and Fruit-a-Wood are two solid sources. Deciding what to smoke first is a challenge. My inaugural smoke on an electric was ribs, same as when I got a stick burner.  Next smoke was a bone in butt; put it on at midnight and went to bed.  Didn't finish till sometime after 12 the next day.

 

[LarryD]

Now to try and figure out what kind of wood to start out with and where to get it.

I keep a selection of hickory, pecan, cherry, and apple on hand and find that covers the bases pretty well.  I use the big box store wood and it works just fine.  To avoid combustion (which can happen regardless of where you get your wood), I line the bottom of the smoke box with a double thick piece of aluminum foil and poke smaller holes in it than the smoke box ones.  This restricts the air-flow and has eliminated all combustion for me.

 

[tvrtrixie1]

I move mine into the garage and move the wife's car out whilst I smoke in the winter, just crack the door a little to let the smoke out and it makes the house smell great whenever you go out to check.dont let a bit cold stop you

 

[tomd8]

Hi Gary – Congrats on the new smoker.  You made a great choice.  This is my third electric smoker and SI is by far the easiest to use, smartest design and most durable (built like a tank), not to mention great customer service.  I do what a number of the folks have stated above, I move my smoker inside a greenhouse for warmer winter smoking but the insulation of the box doesn’t require that…I do (LOL).  I use big box wood because I have quite a bit from prior smokers.  I use foil to limit airflow to the wood avoiding ignition.  I have heard nothing but great things about Smokinlicious and Fruit-a-Wood products so they seem to be a great source as well.

My first smoke was inexpensive chicken thighs which turned out less than stellar due to a bitter taste caused by wood combustion (telltale ash not charcoal).  I now create a foil pouch containing the wood with minimal air holes and no problems since. Best of luck with it.  -  Tom