New to electric

[mplslakes]

Good morning.  Just picked up a used model 2 last week.  Have been smoking for many years, first on my Weber gas with wood chips in foil, then was gifted a Big Green Egg for Christmas about 2.5 years ago.  Love my BGE, but it takes work to keep it on point.

Had a little Masterbuilt propane smoker that I was also gifted about five years ago that I've used a few times up at the lake (also have a Weber kettle up there).  That one has been awful, burns the bottom of everything no matter the temp or time, which means I almost never use it.  Decided to get an electric for up at the lake... love smoking but don't want to monitor it like I do at home.  Hoping my model 2 is big enough for family gatherings... will see!

 

[kymonopoly]

Welcome from Western New York.  I think you'll find the SI to be a wonderful addition.

 

[Lonzinomaker]

Welcome to the group.
The #2 will hold 4 racks of ribs (you have to cut them in half), 2 smaller pork butts and 2 turkey breasts. 
I suggest you try it out a few times (and post pics of the smokes) before you take it to lake so you have a good idea of how it works.
One of the nice things about these smokers is you don't have to tend them at all. I don't wrap ribs, and only look at them when getting close to finish time.
If you don't have a small scale to weigh your wood, suggest you get one.  Start out with 3-4 oz of your favorite chunk wood and then scale up or down to your taste.  It is very easy to over smoke and get bitter smoke flavor in one of these.

 

[mplslakes]

Thanks, yes, planning to give it a run at home this week.  I have a scale and lots of chunk, so should be all set there.  Have definitely gotten the message about not too much chunk, even the guy I bought it from gave that advice (we spent a good 20 minutes talking about his experience with the SI2).

 

[lcdearman]

Welcome from Central Texas. I have a #2 analog and love Lazy-Q. I smoke more often than I would otherwise. I have a chip screen in my wood box and I put a layer of foil under it. My wood always turns to charcoal during the smoke now, no more ash. After reading your intro, I am even happier that I went with my #2 instead of the Masterbuilt propane smoker I was considering.

 

[swthorpe]

Welcome from Delaware!  You will love the #2 ... I know I do!  Let us know if you have questions, but I think you will find the land of Lazy Q quite relaxing!  Cheers

 

[mplslakes]

Welcome from Central Texas. I have a #2 analog and love Lazy-Q. I smoke more often than I would otherwise. I have a chip screen in my wood box and I put a layer of foil under it. My wood always turns to charcoal during the smoke now, no more ash. After reading your intro, I am even happier that I went with my #2 instead of the Masterbuilt propane smoker I was considering.

When you use chips are you still using the same general amount given as guidance on chunk?  The guy I bought it from threw in his stash of various chips (he had the screen, too) but I wasn't sure since folks on here mainly use chunk...

 

[Lonzinomaker]

Chunks are the slowest burning, so smoke longer for the same weight as chips.
I use the same amount (YMMV).

 

[old sarge]

Welcome from SE Arizona.

 

[OldeSmoker]

Welcome from SW Missouri.

 

[Glock_21]

Welcome to Lazy-Q from Oklahoma.

I think you have found what you are looking for as far as a "hands off" smoker.  These things are truly a "set it and forget it" method for most cooks.