First time smoker!!!

Hello all. First timer here. Hoping for some advice help---


My wife gave me an early Father's Day gift this weekend.

A Brinkmann Vertical Charcoal Smoker from Walmart--like 60 bucks.

I used it today and had several problems after I cured it last night. I am hoping for some advice/help info please--


1. Smoker temp--the small book said I need to keep the heat at least at 250F. Wow. That was next to impossible! There doesn't seem to be an easy way to feed charcoal/wood because all the ash stays in the big charcaol bowl. I had to put a grate over it and very carefully dump it to keep the coals but dump all the ash to be able to add more charcoal.

2. Should I drill holes in the bowl so the ash will fall to the bottom?


3. How good is this smoker really for a newcomer? I have plenty of experience grill with charcoal--

4. Is the general rule of thumb about an hour per pound?


Thanks all. Great site and great info! Looks like I will be here awhile reading!


JoeyP

icemn62 said:

Put a grate over the charcoal bowl. The ash will fall thru, and the lit coals will continue to burn. You have a good smoker to learn with, it is the tool I learned the craft. after a few cooks you will be turning out some great quality Que. I always figure about 1.5 hours per pound.

GOTO cattle call and give yourself an intro. We don't bite, but we will give you lots of good information.

Click to expand...

Thanks all for the advice.

Icemn62--I really don't understand this? Where do I put the charcoal then? on top of the grate/bowl? If I fill to bowl all the way over the top, it almost reaches the bottom of the water bowl.
--I will take your advice the a go to cattlecall tonight for the intro--

Thanks
Joeyp

JoeyP130 said:

Thanks all for the advice.

Icemn62--I really don't understand this? Where do I put the charcoal then? on top of the grate/bowl? If I fill to bowl all the way over the top, it almost reaches the bottom of the water bowl.
--I will take your advice the a go to cattlecall tonight for the intro--

Thanks
Joeyp

Click to expand...

Joey, with a little looking, you should be able to find a round grate that will fit inside the charcoal pan but not go clear to the bottom of it leaving an ash space beneath the burning coals.