Need food smoker advice please

[SnyderShrugged]

I have just finished curing my first smoker and would like to get cooking today.

Any sound advice for a smoking noob?

Today I will smoke a large block of cheddar, 2 pork loins(that have been marinating since 8AM) and a nice cut of salmon.


I plan to do the cheddar first and have read to keep the temp below 90 and to smoke it for 30 min.


Am I on the right track or heading for disaster? LOL

[SnyderShrugged]

Oh and another quick question...do I use water in the pan for the cheese or leave it dry. I've read both on the web so far.

[SnyderShrugged]

Having a hard time keeping the temp below 100. any advice is appreciated

[Mark The Homer]

I'd like a better idea of what kind of smoker you have. Can we see a pic or a link?

Water will cool the temp, so use water in the pan.

Throw lots of damp wood chips on the fire. The more wet wood chips, the lower the heat.

It'll take you a few times to get good at it.

[kevin11]

haha, i thought you actually meant smoking.

[SUSkinsFan]

haha, i thought you actually meant smoking.

I thought the same thing. I thought he meant that he was going to cook after curing someone of a smoking habit.

[SnyderShrugged]

I'd like a better idea of what kind of smoker you have. Can we see a pic or a link?

Water will cool the temp, so use water in the pan.

Throw lots of damp wood chips on the fire. The more wet wood chips, the lower the heat.

It'll take you a few times to get good at it.


I bought a smoke hollow brand 34 " propane version. (It's tall and rectangular in shape) A friend suggested it as an inexpensive alternative to play with before I get a fancy one.

Not even sure if the gauge is correct on it, but I cant seem to get the temp down to under 100 degrees when it is on the lowest settings (both unit and tank)

I did try adding ice, think I shpould replace all the water with ice?

[SnyderShrugged]

I thought the same thing. I thought he meant that he was going to cook after curing someone of a smoking habit.



LMAO, guess I should change the title :laugh:

[Mark The Homer]

I"ve never used a propane one. All I can say is what I've already said. Just keep chucking wet wood on it. Putting it in the shade might help a little. Wind will cool it too. It's a little breezy today.

[twa]

Isn't there a way to cut down the flame?

If not opening a vent on the top will help,maybe.

sorry ,never used propane

added
You sure about the 90 part?

How can you get smoke at that temp?

[SnyderShrugged]

I"ve never used a propane one. All I can say is what I've already said. Just keep chucking wet wood on it. Putting it in the shade might help a little. Wind will cool it too. It's a little breezy today.


Thanks for the tips. I tried everything and just couldnt get the temp to stay low. I think I will do the meats first and get it filled with good staedy smoke, then turn off the heat completely and do the cheese for the last half hour. The cheese was starting to melt so I had to go back to the drawing board.

practice makes perfect!!

[SnyderShrugged]

Isn't there a way to cut down the flame?

If not opening a vent on the top will help,maybe.

sorry ,never used propane

added
You sure about the 90 part?

How can you get smoke at that temp?


Everything Ive read said that and once it went past 100 it did start to melt. Oh well, I'll keep modifying, it's my first time and expected some issues like these. Keep your fingers crossed on the pork loins though!

[twa]

Probably just get the chips smoldering then cut the flame off.

Never smoked cheese either.

[SnyderShrugged]

Probably just get the chips smoldering then cut the flame off.

Never smoked cheese either.

I tried some that a co-worker made and brought in to share. The best damn pice of cheese that I have ever had! I cant wait to learn how to do it properly!

[twa]

I tried some that a co-worker made and brought in to share. The best damn pice of cheese that I have ever had! I cant wait to learn how to do it properly!

Yeah, I've ate it ...it's great,I just have never smoked any.

Meat and veggies only. :laugh:

[Oldskool]

Do a search on this subject. I think I remember a thread started by Art a while ago about this. Apparently he is the man to go to for info on smokers and smoking.

Edit, here you go:

http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/search.php?searchid=402254

[SnyderShrugged]

Do a search on this subject. I think I remember a thread started by Art a while ago about this. Apparently he is the man to go to for info on smokers and smoking.


will do! TY!