Pre heat smoker for chicken legs and thighs?

[petecofishing1]

1st try at legs and thighs tomorrow.  Put chicken in and start or pre-heat to desired temp?  Thanks

 

[jcboxlot]

No pre heat

Cook at 240 or up, no need for chicken low and slow.

 

[DivotMaker]

No pre-heat, but I always use 250 on poultry.

 

[Limey]

No pre-heat, no water container. Cook at 250 if you are not by-passed and 350/375 if you are bypassed with an Auber.

 

[petecofishing1]

Thanks for the info.  Have a 3 D.  Does that meet the criteria for bypassed?  Do not know what that means. 

 

[Limey]

Yes, a 3D is like having a #3 with an Auber and the stock controller bypassed.

 

[petecofishing1]

Alrighty.  Thanks. 

 

[DivotMaker]

Jeff, I have the capability to go to 375, too, but still use 250 for poultry.  I've gone as high as 325, in the attempt to get crispy skin, but all it does is shrink it terribly - makes the chicken look half-dressed!  Now, I don't worry about crispy skin.  I just want the skin to stay covering the meat, for moisture.

 

[petecofishing1]

Thanks Divot Maker.  Trying 275 as I hang out in recliner.  Not fully comfortable with programming yet.  Followed directions included with smoker.  Started to beep and showed end after about 20 minutes. Took probe out of thigh to try to finish the smoke and will check internal temp after 1 - 1 1/2 hours. 

 

[DivotMaker]

275 is the upper limit, for me, Jeff.  Let us know how they turn out!

 

[petecofishing1]

Turned out moist. Nice strong hickory flavour.  Leftovers tonight were surprisingly still moist and tasty.  Will set down to 250 next time to compare but much better than I anticipated.