Secondly I rent an apartment. I have a wood deck and I would like to put the smoker on this deck. If I get some cement blocks or a piece of cement board, and a big drip tray, would this be an okay place or is it suggest to keep it in a yard away from a house?
I'll give you my thoughts on your 2nd ? 1st. Before purchase be sure and check with your apartment management about local code and be prepared to present that this is not a normal full wood burning smoker, which I'm sure would be denied. Be sure and mention you will only be using 6 oz or less on most smokes.
I have a few questions I am hoping someone can answer. I am considering the 1100 model. I want something I can set an forget. For example throw in some meat and go to bed or go to work and come back 7-10 hours later and it's done. Of course I know it may take some getting used to first but I am not looking for something complicated which will take baby sitting every few hours.
On your first ?, it is a style bit of lazy Q but it's not a "set it and forget it" either. While you don't and should not baby sit it, open door to check on, you do have to know a few things. 1) know your smoker 2) know what your smoking and approximate time it takes to get close to desired internal temp 3) know what your internal temp as smoke is in progress. There are devices (recommend you get) that will help you with this. For example say you want to smoke a 10 lb brisket at 225. You will need to know approximate time to get to your desired internal temp and a way to measure progress. When it reaches that target temp then you can open door for verification and pull it.
You should always go by desired internal temp, NOT time. It is definitely NOT complicated in any shape form or fashion.
I know I may not get the best results and that's fine. I am just looking for some decent bbq.
With a short learning curve, getting to know your smoker, reading up on how others do things and coming up with a method that you prefer, you WILL, get excellent results! Better than you can buy out and much cheaper. Far Superior than just "decent BBQ.
Will I be able use this smoker the way I want?
I'm not quite sure what you mean by that.
I suggest you spend time reading thru the forum, getting input from people who own these smokers and their experiences. Come up with a question and don't want to wait for an answer, use the "search function" ex search "brisket", or "1100" or "salmon" Whatever you want to hear what other owners have had to say.
Good luck with your choices, you will not regret buying a 1100, well you might, but just because you didn't get a 1400.
1500CXLD, Amerique, PG1000, Tappecue, Thermopen
Good Meat deserves a REST!
It's done when it's done and
If you're happy with the results, that's ALL that matters
Reply With Quote
