Thank you all for such informative posts. Helped me to decide on the LSG Mini. Had it for a week now and so glad. Smoked a 10 lb pork butt, 20 7-8 oz smoked sockeye salmon fillets to great mouthwatering success. Next up will be two spatchcocked 18lb turkeys.
I am brand new to smoking and you all gave such great advice that really reduced my startup time and learning curve. Can't imagine a pork butt being so good on my first try. Can't wait until I grow into the full capabilities of the Mini.
Haven't been fully able to maintain steady temperatures as yet but I think the pictures on page 147 showing the plate setup will be quite beneficial in solving that issue going forward. Am using the Fireboard with fan control.
Let me say that the LSG Mini arrived in beautiful condition, exceeded my expectations, and Chris and the LSG staff were truly excellent to work with. A 600lb smoker on standard wheels rolls and maneuvers so easily on our paver patio and walk way. I could not be more pleased.
My wife uses our Mak pellet grill (which we love BTW). We find it hard to maintain steady temperatures when the wind is blowing (and it blows here quite a bit). Also a bit limited in amount of food we can grill/smoke but it does things (grill) that the Mini doesn't. On the other hand, the Mini gives us a lot more food capability and seems impervious to the wind. My wife was a bit jealous when the pork butt in the Mini, my first ever smoking effort, turned out better than hers in the past. Actually, I think she enjoys me taking over that chore.
Again thank you all for such great advice, so much appreciated. If anyone is looking for a great smoker, the LSG Mini is proving to be a great choice.