Meat Smoking Q & A

Learning how to smoke meat can be perplexing at times, especially when you're just starting out. If you're puzzled, first check to see if your question has already been answered here. If you don't find the info that solves your problem, submit your question in the form provided. The more information you provide with your question, the better.

Because of the number of questions received, I can't guarantee that every one will be answered. First priority will be given to questions that are detailed, descriptive, and haven't already been covered here.

If you have a solution to one of the questions below, or would like to comment on what's been said, feel free to say what's on your mind. You can answer or comment on any of the questions asked here. Share your opinion. Share your knowledge. There's usually more than one answer to a question...

And to ask a question, just complete the form below, and please, include a picture if you have one. A good picture can be really helpful.

See what others have said.

Size of Brisket for Smoking 
Do the briskets used for smoking have to be large or can I smoke a 4-5 pound brisket with the same results?

keeping the smoker temperature up  
I recently bought a char-broil gas fired smoker.
The smoker temp got up to 200 deg but when I put the meat in it dropped to 150 and I couldn't get the ...

Multiple Boston Butt Smoking Time 
I am preparing to smoke two Boston butts. They will be smoked in one torpedo - top rack and middle rack. I have prepared my rub and they are marinating ...

Apple and Spice Brine Instructions Needed 
I want to use the apple and spice brine but I have a question.
Your recipe states simmer pieces in orange and apple juice for 15 minutes.
Than later ...

Soot on the meat when smoking 
There is soot build up in the smoker and now it's getting on the meat. What am I doing wrong?

Woods For Smokeing ? 
What woods do you recommend for smokeing? I've been useing oak and green apple for deer and fish.

Morton's Tender Quick In Canada 
Where can I buy Morton's Tender Quick in Canada?

Summer Sausage Smoking- Is Cure Necessary? 
We are new to smoking..We just got an electric smoker..We hunt and have some elk and deer scraps that we want to grind and turn into summer sausage, approx....

Nut Shells- Using Hickory Nut Husks For Smoking 
I need to know, can you us the outer thick shell of a hickory nut to smoke with? I have a lot of them and I would like to us them if they were usable.
Thanks,...

Tri Tip Cooked In Oven 
I'm making tri-tip in the oven and the recipe is for 2-3 lbs, but I'm making 12-15 lbs. Do I have to double the cooking time? 2-3lbs cooks in 40 minutes ...

Shelf Height Position In Smokers 
I have 5 different heights for my shelves in my smoker. How important is the placement of the shelves when smoking. Do you get a better product if placed ...

Smoked Bratwurst 
How would you suggest smoking some Chicken Bratwurst? I am not a beer drinker or user.

I am thinking of smoking with Pecan wood, at about 200, for ...

smoking pork tenderloin- fat side up or down 
I just got a gas smoker and have been told to cook with the fat side up by one person and fat side down by another. Can some one tell me which way is correct....

Home made Icebox smoker temperature safety 
Hi,
Love your site. I'm learning a great deal and thank you and all of those who participate.

I have fashioned a smoker from an old icebox. It's approximately ...

NC Pulled Pork Using Fresh Butchered Pig...Amazing! 
Took your advice about scoring the skin on the butchered pork shoulder. This piece of meat turned out amazing. Thanks for all the help.

Rusty charcoal water smoker- Is It Safe? 
Is it safe to use a charcoal water smoker which shows signs of rust internally?

Watching the pros 
Love your books! Love your website even more! Started BBQing a few years ago after a man I met from Texas turned me on to it. ( He explained to me the ...

NC Pulled Pork Using Fresh Butchered Pig... 
I've just recently gotten into smoking. My first two attempts came out amazingly, thanks to the information I've gotten from this site.My question is... I ...

Trouble maintaining temps 
I'm new to smoking and my temps fluctuate between 300 and 150 degrees. I can not maintain a good smoking temp between 225 and 250. My charcoal seems ...

Smoking Turkey Whole vs. Cut Up 
I have been smoking turkeys for about 30 years. It is usually an all night proposition of tending the fire and sleeping on the floor; too smelly to get ...

controlling slow cook temperature 
I have the small brinkman barbaque pit with the fire chamber off to the side. I am just starting to use the indirect method of slow cooking.I plan to use ...

Smoking salmon on a small weber grill 
I live in an apartment and don't have room for a grill and a smoker. So, can I smoke salmon on my small Weber grill - it's a "Smokey Joe" I think. I'm ...

Humidity In a Smoke Oven 
I will have the opportunity to use a smoke oven, where I can adjust 3 parameters: time, temperature and humidity.
I am pretty clear about time and temperature,...

Smoke- Controlling Smoke in Offset Smoker 
How do you get the offset smoker "smoke" to be nearly colorless? I seem to have a lot of smoke coming from mine even though the temp is between 225-250....

Firebox Size For 200 Gallon Smoker 
I have a 200 Gal. tank,thats now a smoker
(LAYS FLAT).
How big should the firebox be?
Any plans or ideas would be great.

THANKS- Phil

Water or no water in pan when smoking ribs? 
I just found this web page and LOVE it!!!! My name is Bruce and I love to cook, bbq and especially use my smoker. My wife and I travel in our 5th wheel ...

Tender Quick- Where to buy 
I am looking for a place to buy Morton's Tender Quick. The stores around here don't know what it is.

Is there another option for this product?

smoked salmon 
Why does my salmon when smoked stay mushy on the inside and hard on the outside?

KansasCityStyleBBQSauce 
Can brown sugar be substituted for white sugar? Or would it make it to sweet.

Do you have any recipes for Kansas City BBQ sauce?

smoker seasoning 
I purchased my third gas smoker and the sales person suggested that I rub the inside of the smoker with vegetable oil and turn the smoker on until the ...

Brisket Bark Tastes Nasty! 
When I smoke a brisket or salmon the bark of the meat has a nasty taste.

The wood I use is Hickory.

Any ideas why that happens?

Want Non-Electric Smoker 
hi

i just returned from visiting my sister where i was introduced to her pellet smoker and was impressed by the method of cooking...i am back in canada ...

Pork Fat & Sugar Appetizer Recipe 
I like to smoke these little appetizers in the last hour of smoking larger items.

Cut any type of smoked sausage (I like kielbasa) in 3/4" rounds. Cut ...

Wrapping Briskets In Foil 
I need an opinion about using foil when smoking briskets.

Do you suggest wrapping a beef brisket in foil to speed up the cooking? How long should I ...

Should I Buy Electric Smoker? 
I am a long time barbecue chef on my Weber grill. I want to buy a smoker and was leaning towards an electric smoker because they seem to be able to smoke ...

Luhr Jensen Little Chief Smoker Problem 
Hi,

I have a Luhr Jensen little Chief smoker with no temperature control.

In the book that came with my smoker it always says to brine the food ...

Brinkmann Charcoal Smoker Too Hot 
Hi I've just become a subscriber and I need some help.

Smokers are not a very largely used item in Australia so I don't have anyone to call on for advice....

Beef Butt Tenderloin 
First my comment - love your site and have used the suggestions with great success.


Question - have you ever tried smoking butt tenderloins (beef)...

How To Smoke Tender Beef Ribs 
Hi,

I'm looking for a way to cook my beef back ribs so that the meat will "fall off the bones". I tried to slow cook them for 10 hours and even pulled ...

Smoking Turkey Sausages 
I have been searching for instructions and recipes for smoking turkey. I bought a smoker for the purpose of smoking turkey sausage and also turkey legs....

Tough Outer Layer on Smoked Meats 
Just entered the world of smokers. I have a gas/water (BBQ Grillware from Lowes)smoker. I noticed my first couple tries of baby back ribs and pork chops ...

Black Bitter Smoked Meat 
Hi,

I have a pit smoker that I've been cooking briskets and ribs in. Why does the outside of what ever I put it turn black instead of brown? It always ...

Deer Hind Quarter 
I just found your site, and it's probably a little late for this, but I'm going to smoke a deer hind-quarter tomorrow, and I'm not real sure how long per ...

Homemade Refrigerator Smoker  
Your site is great!

I fashioned a smoker out of an old 9 cubic foot all metal refrigerator. At first I fired it with wood, then I tried a two-burner ...

Reheating Previously Smoked Turkeys 
I smoked two turkeys yesterday and want to freeze one of thm to eat later. What's the best way to reheat a smoked turkey that's been frozen?

By the ...

Making Spare Ribs In Oven 
Hey there,

I am trying to make some ribs this weekend but this will be my first try doing so. I need help.

All I have is an elctric oven and a ...

Smoking Venison Leg 
Hi,

With deer season almost here, I was thinking about trying to smoke a venison leg this winter. Do you have any advice for smoking a deer leg? (the ...

Propane Meat Smoker Recommendation 
I am a novice smoker and have not bought a unit yet. I'm thinking that I'd prefer gas. I want a good quality unit under $250. I would also like a good ...

Partially Smoking a Turkey to Finish Later 
Hello Sir,

I have a question to ask.

Can you start smoking a turkey say three or four hours and then put it in the fridge, and then start over the ...

Curing a New Meat Smoker 
I just bought a new Brinkmann electric smoker. After I get it put together, is it ready to start smoking in? Is there anything I should do before smoking ...

Smoked Brisket Flavored With Coffee 
Hi,

I've heard of smoked brisket recipes that are flavored with coffee. I'm not sure how to use coffee in the recipes. Should I marinate in it, use ...

Smoking fish in foil 
In your article about smoking catfish, I was wondering if you lay the meat on the rack of the smoker or put it in foil? How about other fish? Thanks and ...

Smoking with Match-Light Charcoal 
Is it safe to use Match Light Charcoal(charcoal with pre-soaked lighter fluid on it) to smoke meat?

Smoking Bison Roasts 
Just got my first smoker, a MasterBuilt Electric. Going to start with two bison roasts. Due to much lower fat content, would really appreciate any suggestions ...

Indirect Grilling with a Water Smoker 
In addition to smoking I am interested in using my water smoker for indirect grilling. There are occasions, such as weeknights, when I want to indirect ...

Southern Boy Moving West - SW Colorado Smoke Woods 
I am moving from the deep south where we have lots of good woods available for smoking and barbequeing. I am moving to the Rockie Mountains of southwest ...

Can't get the temp up 
I just bought a smoker and last night I did a dry run to season it. I could not get the temperature high enough. Last night I just used charcoal and ...

Chewy spare ribs 
I received a smoker for Fathers day. I tried smoking ribs in it yesterday. The ribs were in the smoker for about 5 hrs. The temperature never went over ...

best way of measuring smoker temperature 
We recently purchased a CB600X Gas Charbroil Smoker. My husband loves it with the exception of the temperature gauge. He set it a 225 degrees but I think ...

cooking basics - hard to reach smoking temperature 
Hi,just fired up a "bbq-pro" charcoal grill with offset smoker box model cooker. It was hard to get heat past 150 until we added wood to the brickettes ...

getting started with my first smoker 
I just bought my first smoker and was planning on smoking ribss this weekend using hickory wood. but how do i get it started? do i need to throw preheated ...

2 Boston Butts 
I sent in a thank-you message for how my first Pork in the form of a 10 lb Boston Butt turned out last week. I left the excess fat on and put it on fat ...

Water Pan-Mesquite Wood 
Can I use mesquite wood chips when I smoke my Ribs? I just bought a vertical smoker..do you have to put water in the water pan when smoking ribs or turkey?...

Smoking Duck 
How about smoking duck- both the breast and the "dark meat"? I have not seen very much on this topic.

In western Washington the obvious wood is alder ...

Smoking a whole beef ribeye 
What kind of tips would you have for smoking a whole beef ribeye?

not enough time to fully smoke a meat 
If you don't have enough time to fully smoke your meat can you continue the next day and if so, what would be the best way to store it until you can begin ...

Smoking Shell On Shrimp 
I got a smoker about a month ago and have had very good success so far. Your site is great with step by step instructions, recipes and insight. I tried ...

How to dry woods for smoking 
I recently cut some limbs from our cherry tree. It's one of these - http://www.arborday.org/TREES/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ID=9 . A flowering cherry tree ...

Is soaking wood chunks necessary? 
I have a new Brinkman Propane Vertical Smoker and have been reading different views on soaking wood chips and chunks. Most people say it makes sense to ...

Smoking Pork Steaks 
New to smolking.

Do you have any recipes for smoking pork steaks? I don't know where that cut of meat comes from or if it has a different name.

Should ...

Smoking bone in turkey breast 
I saw your section on smoking a whole turkey, but I was wondering if the 30-40 minutes per pound would be the same for a bone in turkey breast?

Smoking 15lb pork shoulder 
I'm having a family reunion, and I 've decide to smoke a 15lb pork shoulder in a charcoal smoker. how long will this take? I 'm guessing an 1hr1/2 a pound ...

smoking a turkey-brined or not 
Do you have to brine the turkey first or could you just season it up and smoke? If you do brine it do you still use dry rubs inside and wet rubs outside?...

Time-per-pound for smoking tri tips 
I picked up some good tri tips from a local butcher ~3 lbs per, ~3" thick. Any rough rules of thumb on the length of time per pound?

I have Brinkman ...

Do Long Smoking Times Make Meat Dry? 
I recently just purchased an electric smoker, and our family loves it. I am confused, though...

Wouldn't cooking for an extended period of time cause ...

When To Use Water Pan In Smoker 
When smoking meat, must a pan of water always be used? Does the water pan always have to be filled with water?

Royal Oak electric smoker 
I have a Royal Oak electric smoker that won't smoke. I set it up per the instructions, turned it on high and 3 hours later I atill have no smoke. The temp ...

Placing Baby Back Ribs In Vertical Smoker Top or Bottom Rack 
Hello...My charcoal H20 smoker has 2 racks. Question is can I put one rack of Baby Backs on each rack or do they need to go on top or bottom? Do not think ...

Can you use green smoker wood? 
Should smoker wood be seasoned like firewood or can you use green wood? Also, do you use chips or chunks if smoking on a gas grill with the wood packets?...

Kosher Brisket - How is it best smoked in a water barrel smoker? 
Hi, I was given a Charbroil water barrel smoker on loan recently and I smoked my first brisket for the holiday weekend. I used a basic dry rub on a 10 ...

Should the smoker "smoke" all the cooking time? 
I'm using a gas smoker and your country style rib recipe. I put hickory chips in the chip box. They had soaked in water for 2 hours prior to smoking....

Firebox Size - How Big? Building Homemade Smoker 
hi my name is jason. i am building an offset smoker pit along with a friend, its our first attempt and i have my design figured along with the dimensions....

How to determine smoking time when combining meats? 
We are smoking ribs and pork loin - our directions give directions for both - 45 min's per pound - but since they are 2 seperate meats, is it the same ...

smoking seven whole chickens how long 
Never smoked before and my ? is, does the cook time increase with more birds used. About how long would you offset smoke 7-4lb chickens without using a ...

Determining temperature of meat smoker  
How do you know the temp of your vertical smoker if it doesn't have a thermometer?
Should I use an oven thermometer in the top vent?

Wood for grilling Is Magnolia Safe 
Is magnolia safe for grilling? A lightening strike recently felled a large magnolia in our yard and we are wondering if it is safe to use for grilling....

Hand me down meco smoker no instructions  
I would like to know how much charcoal to start out with and if I should use chunks or chips for smoking in it?

Wood-heat-humidity? 
Did a Que last Thursday. Brisket,turned out very good with nice color and bark-smoke ring was fanaminal (at east 1/4". I pre-burn ALL my wood in a barrel ...

smoking a 6lb brisket how long 
How long should it take to smoke a brisket that goes about 6 LB. I am using a charcoal smoker with charcoal and mesquite wood chunks? It also has a bowl ...

Jerky Brine Recepies-Using Morton Tender Quick 
I am using Mortons Tender=Quick for my cure but need to know the water to curing salt. On the package it states for curing use 1 cup of Tender Quick to ...

Sheet Metal Smoker Plans Wanted 
I am currently using a store bought side box smoker. It is of fairly sturdy design and it was in the $250.00 price range. It is my first smoker and I ...

wood chips how many foil packs to add 
For a gas grill, how many packages of wood chips do you put into the grill and do you have to change them out or do you just leave the same ones in there?...

Checking internal meat temps in smoker.  
I have an electric smoker. I have yet to use it. It says to keep the door closed. How do I know when the chicken's internal temp reaches 160 and is done ...

what is a smokin grill 
I have this thing and it's called a Smokin Grill but I have no idea how to use it. Someone gave it to me and they never used it!

Woods for smoking - What trees can be used 
What about cherry or pear and why kind of hickory are you talking about when u say hickory. I own a tree service so I have many differant woods at my disposal,...

Different woods and their different flavors 
Have you ever gone over the different smoking woods and what the wood actually does to the flavor of the meat i.e. too strong flavor or too weak and are ...

Bitter after taste from ribs and brisket? 
Recently purchased new, small electric smoker. Instructions were to pre cure smoker by adding wood and then turning on smoker for a few hrs. This done;...

When and how to use a water pan 
I recently bought a Mastercraft electric smoker. I want to smoke beef ribs and beef brisket. In the past I had an inexpensive electric kettle type upright ...

pork shoulder roast smoked 
My roast is temping at 170 and it is falling apart, so does it still need to go to 190 or so cause I'm afraid it will be over done and dry.

smoke box on side of pit smoker 
When smoking meat, does the wood and fire go in the pit or the smoker box. a standard oblong grill with side smoke box.

Cleaning My Smoker After Using 
What's the best way to clean my smoker after use?
Should you line the shelves with foil?

Smoking a pig 
My wife and I have purchased a 60lb full pig for a pig roast at our horse barn. I would really like to smoke it on my smoker. It's your basic backyard ...

cold smoking - want plans to build cold smoker 
i am looking for plans to build a cold smoker,and also how to do it,i would like to cold smoke a hind quarter of venison this fall.
this sites great

Smoked cheese - tips for smoking cheese 
Do you have any tips for smoking cheese?

field dressing a smoked bird? 
How do you prepare a bird for smoking? Do you skin the turkey or pluck the turkey?

Smoking an uncooked pork Shoulder Ham 
Smoking an uncooked pork Shoulder Ham? What is the best method. I am think a sweet rub and then cooking until internal temperature of 150 F?

Best Brand of Chili Powder For Brisket Rub 
Which brand is recommended when making your own sweet chili brisket rub?

Rub Quantity to Meat 
I see many recipes for different rubs yet don't see any reference (unless I'm missing it) to how much meat (in pounds) a normal rub recipe would be for....

Cold Smoking Salmon In An Electric Water Smoker 
How do you cold smoke salmon? I have made gravlox but want to make Lox which is brined then cold smoked. I have an electric water smoker.
Liz

New Smoker Questions 
If I want to smoke a small whole turkey, some beef jerkey and a half of a salmon all together would the flavors and or different marinades drip on one ...

Smoking 2 different meats Masterbuilt Smokehouse 
Hello!

Today I purchased a Masterbuilt 30" Electric Smokehouse. (I am a COMPLETE "smoker rookie," so went electric...dont make fun!) Can you please ...

Brisket-Smoking Fat Side Up or Fat Side Down 
Slow smoking brisket - should it be fat up or fat side down?

smoked ribs vacuum sealed 
If I smoke and vacuum seal baby back ribs how long will they last whether I refrigerate them or not?

Rookie Smoker 
I have a char-broil H2O electric smoker that my wife bought at a garage sale, so there were no instructions. I love to grill but this is my first time ...

Using an electric smoker 
I recently bought a Royal Oak electric smoker. So far I've smoked some spare ribs, and a brisket for Easter. Both turned out great!

My problem is, I ...

new smoker but no instructions 
My wife bought an electric smoker at a garage sale and ther were no instructions. This is the first time that I've ever tried smoking. I'm doing a pork ...

Smoked chicken thighs 
I had this recipe from you and lost it -Smokey Herbed Chicken Thighs-Where do I find it

Vertical Electric Smoker Meat Placement 
If I was to smoke several meats does it matter what meats are placed where in the smoker? My smoker has three racks.

We have only used it one time....

Gas smoker temperature too hot 
I have a vertical gas smoker. I'm having trouble keeping the temp low enough. Even with the vent fully open and the temp control on the lowest setting....

smoking old freezer meat 
Can you smoke meat that has been in the freezer a little too long ?

Fishy Flavors 
Hi Smokerbill!!!
We have a Bradley smoker that we use regularly for smoking salmon and trout. We have never used it for anything else!!! (Drat - what ...

injecting citrus before smoking chicken 
I want to inject my chicken with citrus (orange, or lemon ) before smoking, is this feesable?

Smoked beef steak nuggets 
I'm looking for a recipe for smoked beef steak nuggets. I have bought some (Tillamook) and liked everything but the price. I haven't tried to make my own ...

Smoking New Zealand lamb chops 
I have a Brinkman electric smoker that has a fixed temperature of approximately 250 degrees F. I would like to smoke (4) racks of New Zealand lamb chops ...

Smoking catfish on a weber dome charcoal grill 
I have always wanted to try smoking catfish on my weber grill but i dont have a brine recipe and have no idea how to smoke the catfish. I was wondering ...

Smoking a Tri-Tip Roast 
I have a large Tri-Tip Roast that I got from Smart and Final. I want to smoke it. I plan to smoke it first and then finish the cooking process on the ...

newbie 
We have a new electric smoker (cabela's) and are trying it for the first time. With the old (non-electric) smoker the wood chips were soaked prior to ...

New to smoking! 
Hi,
I wanted to find out more information about smoking... apples! Yes you heard me right, apples. What are the best apples to smoke? How long do they ...

Smoke Sausage How Long 
How long do I smoke a polish sausage?

smoking a fresh ham 
Hi

We have an electric smoker and some fresh hams. Looking for good ideas as far a rubs, brines etc. We have never smoked a ham before.

thanks ...

smoker wood choke cherry 
Hi, just wondering if i can use a choke cherry tree as smoking wood in my smoker?
What other woods can I use?

smoked ham 
Is the recipe for smoked ham requiring a ham that has not been cooked or one that is already pre-cooked?

thks
Jeff M.

baby chicken time 
How long will it take to smoke a 5lb baby chicken?

Smoked Hot Wings How Long 
I want to smoke a whole lot of chicken wings.
How much time should I allow for these to smoke?
I have a brinkman electric smoker.

beef jerky in a smoker 
Can you cook beef jerky in a smoker?

Is the wood suppose to burn 
I just bought an electric smoker and my first time using it I put 5 wood chunks (soaked for 20 min) on top of the lava rocks and about 45 minutes late ...

What goes in water pan 
What do you add to the water bowl in the smoker?

Turkey thigh smokin times 
I am brining 4 good size turkey thighs tonite for tomorrow, at what temp and how long should I smoke them?

Indoor Smoking Fish 
I live in an apartment and would like to smoke fish. I worry about the amount of smoke that will be produced. Will my neighbors be affected?

Smoking with coffee beans 
On Iron Chef America recently they had coffee beans as the theme ingredient and the Iron Chef used them in a stove top smoker. Could that actually work ...

Refrigerating Smoked Pork Butts 
How long will smoked pork butts and ribs hold in refrigeration?

How to smoke cheese 
What would be a good method to smoke cheese? What temp would be good to try to maintain while smoking a block of cheese, and how long should the cheese ...

"tar" Inside of my smoker 
I have been using my smoker for a few years and it has developed a large ammount of "tar" on the inside. Is this just added seasoning to my food or am ...

sausage smoking times 
I am interested in the times for smoking sausage.
ps. Love your website!

Harry

smoking cheese (trippy, dude) 
I love the taste of smoked cheese from the grocery store but have read conflicting things on the net about it. Cheese smoking plate, wrap in moist paper ...

Water Smoker Smoking Brisket  
When smoking a Brisket in a water smoker, should I cover the meat in Kosher salt to keep it from burning/drying out over the 10 hr. smoking time? or just ...

Smoked Meats not Moist and tender 
Hi, we are completely new to cooking with smokers. I purchased an electric smoker for my husband for Christmas of 2007. Last year we used it twice and ...

new to grilling/smoking 
Although I have grilled before I am still a novice,I want to buy a smoker and to start off with I was thinking of getting a vertical 3 in 1 type.
I have ...

how to smoke a tri tip slow and good 
I need a good recipe on how to smoke a tri tip roast about 3 lbs

Wet smoking wood versus dry wood 
Is it better to use more dry wood than using less wet wood? I have heard that wet wood produces white smoke that is overpowering, and dry wood produces ...

Brisket -fat side up or down? 
When smoking a brisket should you have the fat side down or up?

Smoked Teriyaki Chicken 
I'm cooking for a friends wedding Saturday. Today mother of the groom asked me if I could do some teriyaki chicken as some of them would like it rather ...

Magnolia wood for smoking 
I usually use pecan wood for smoking beef sausage. However, I have a source of magnolia wood. All I know is that magnolia is a hard wood. Can it be used ...

New to smoking, HELP! 
I have a couple of questions. I am new to smoking and just trying out my Masterbuilt Electric smoker. Today I tried smoking chicken breast. (Note: The ...

regulating temp in barrel smoker 
I have a barrel type smoker-one on it's side as the cooking area and a smaller one attached to it as the fire area. i can't seem to keep the temp at a ...

smoking chicken wings 
I have never smoked chicken wings, and was wondering at what temp, and how long I should smoke them.

Higher Altitude Smoking 
We have tried several times to smoke a brisket in Albuquerque, NM - we were always extremely successful with our method, smoker etc... in Tennessee and ...

Pork butt time 
Hi,

I'll be smoking 3(8lb pork butts) at once, and just wondering if it will still take an average 1.5hr per lb. And what would be a good starting temp ...

Pork spare ribs shelf life 
How long can you leave pork spare ribs in the frig before you need to cook or throw them out?

boneless loin smoking time 
How long does it take to smoke a 2 pound boneless porkloin on an electric smoker?

smoked baby back ribs in big green egg 
I'm new at smoking meats. I've tried bbq'ing ribs before but did not turn out well. I have a big green egg that should work well for smoking. Can you suggest ...

smoking with soaked pecan shells 
Has anyone heard of smoking meats(briskets) with soaked pecan shells? I've been saving my shells all winter. Does anyone know what kind of flavor this ...

smoked pork loin in oven 
How long do I put a smoked pork loin in the oven and at what temp? Do we cover it? I don't want it to dry out.

boston butt smoking 
I am cooking a BOSTON BUTT for the first time and i am wandering if I should use a mopping sauce or a dry rub or inject the meat so it doesn't get too ...

Low Carb Substitute 
Some recipes for brines and rubs call for sugar or brown sugar. I am on a low carb diet. Can Splenda or the low carb brown sugar substitute be used with ...

smoker temperature 
what should the temperature in my smoker be? I have a Brinkman, ($99, water smoker, electric, cylindrical type). It seems to stay around 235 degrees....

beef ribs 
I have a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker with digital temp. comntrols. I want to smoke beef ribs (the inner Fred Flintstone in me) but the one time I tried ...

Simple smoked salmon question, how long to brine? 
I have 2 1/4 pounds of salmon, the best I could find, about 3/4 to 1 inch in thickness. I'm using a basic brine with kosher salt, brown sugar, and water....

Soaking Wood 
This fall, I bought a Klose barbecue smoker. It has a firebox large enough to take split cut logs (16"-18"). Up until recently, I've been using wood chunks,...

metal wood chip box in electric smoker 
Can I place a metal wood chip box next to
the heating element on a Brinkmann electric
grill/smoker and get the same effect as
placing wood chips on ...

Fresh Bacon  
I have resently aquired a 10 lb fresh Pork Bacon and would like to try to cure and smoke my own. I am thinking about curing the bacon with a simple cure ...

Is it Still smokin' ? 
We have put Ribs, Turkey, chicken, Fish, Veggies...
in the Smoker, it starts out smoking visibly and then for awhile, you can't see any smoke.
My Question ...

Windscreen 
Where can I get a good 3-sided windscreen for a vertical propane smoker? I was putting on a brisket this past weekend when the weather turned against ...

Smoking seafood during Lenten season 
What type of seasood can be smoked and what typed of fruits and vegetables can be smoked? If any I will need some recipes. I refrain from eating meat ...

Brisket For Homemade Pastrami  
When you make homemade pastrami do you have to use brisket? Can you use other types of beef? Also, do you have a good pastrami recipe? thanks!

Turkey Leg Splinter Bones 
I once got a smoked turkey leg and it was great. Since then all the turkey legs have had lots of splinter bones. What is the difference in the turkey legs ...

pork thats been frozen!!! 
Can you smoke a ham or bacon that's been frozen??

charcoal grill with smoker box attached 
I have a charcoal grill with a smoke box attached.
I have lost the directions and I don't know how to use the box attached to the grill. Do you put ...

Sassafrass For Smoking 
Any comments on using Sassafrass wood for smoking?

Caramel Dipped Pretzel Rods 
I am going to dip pretzel rods in caramel. Is there anything I have to add to caramel so it won't be as hard when it sets back up or will plain caramel ...

Scrambled Eggs Recipe With Flour 
Hello
I start to work in a nursing home with 350 resident and for breakfast they serve scramble eggs. When we do them they add flour to the batter and ...

Best Charcoal To Use 
Who has the best charcoal out there and what do you recommend????

Landry's Grilled Red Snapper 
A while back we ate at Landry's Seafood House. I had the fresh Grilled Red Snapper. I would like to know what seasonings they put on their grilled fish....

Pork Shoulder Picnic in Oven 
Hi
I am looking to get some info on cooking pork picnics in an oven because I don't have a smoker. It has been so long since I cooked one of these. Well ...

Liquid Brines for Jerky 
We love our electric smoker, but cannot seem to find jerky brines that can be soaked versus rubbed. Where can you direct me. (i see they sell boxes of ...

Smoking two kinds of meat at once 
Would it be ok to smoke a pork loin and a beef prime rib at the same time...and what chips to use..?

smoking virgins.... 
My husband and I have bbq'd plenty but are still smoking virgins. We bought a HUGE pork shoulder roast from Costco to make our first attempt with but we ...

Little Chief Temperature 
I just got a unit at a garage sale and wonder if its temperature will be hot enough to cook pork or if it will only smoke the meat and then I'll have to ...

Smoking Jerky With Ribs 
Hi,
I'm going to be smoking some ribs this coming weekend and wanted to make some jerky also. Can jerky be made in the smoker at the same time I'm smoking ...

Looking for accurate digital meat thermometer 
I have been having disapointing results with "stay in the meat while cooking" digital thermometers.

They continually under-temp, resulting in over cooked ...

tri tip 
I have a vertical water smoker and I want to smoke a tri trip along with some pork ribs. How long do I smoke the tri tip?

Deer Shoulder Temperature 
How do I tell when deer meat is done. What is the safe inside temp?

Smoking Bone In Pork Picnic 
I have a 12 lb pork picnic bone in I will be smoking for Super Bowl. My question is what's the best temperature to maintain and approximately how long ...

Smoking Chicken Leg Quarters 
How should I cook some chicken leg quarters on my water- smoker? I'm looking for something with a good bbq flavor.

Smoking Spiral Cut Ham 
How will a pre spiral cut ham smoke compared to a regular hamm ? I bought a regular half ham and used the Easy Ham recipe from your site and it did great....

Freezing Raw Brined Poultry 
I would like to know if after you have had a bird in the brine for over nite if you can freeze it for smoking later on? Hope you can help me.

Can You Marinate and Rub a Brisket? 
Generally, I prefer to marinade my brisket for 36-48 hours in a vinegar base marinade, to help with tenderness. I find the flavour given from the marinade ...

Storing Smoked Meats 
What procedures should be followed to store smoked salmon, briscut or pork? Should the meats be frozen until ready to use or is refrigeration satisfactory?...

Smoking Brisket, Ribs, Pork Butt 
Good Morning!

I have been TRYING to imporove my skills at smoking meat and have had marginal success. I bought myself a char-griller Duo with smoke ...

Laura Ingalls Wilder first book 
How old was Laura Elizabeth Ingalls wilder when she wrote her first Little House on the Prarie book?

How To Smoke Bratwurst? 
Hi, Love your website and thank you.

Just got a smoker for Christmas so I'm a rookie. I've tried a few things with varying results. I was wondering ...

Pork Riblets 
How do I make Pork Riblets receipe for dinner?

home raised chicken, tough as a buzzard. 
my son has started to raise chickens. Not knowing much these chickens are Road Island Reds, should be butchered at 16 weeks. Well, that didn't happen. Now ...

Smoking Chuck Roast 
What are the do's and dont's of smoking a chuck roast? Help please. I have a Masterbuilt smoker. I have smoked ribs, turkeys, pork loins, but never smoked ...

Mountain Mahogany For Smoking 
I'm a native Sierra Nevada boy. Nothing compares to the unique flavor "Mountain Mohogany" provides for anything smoked. Is there anything native in the ...

Help in the kitchen-Cleaning Cookie Sheet 
I'm pretty confident with my outdoor cooking skills , it's trying to use the oven in the house baking some soda biquits without catching the house on fire ...

Smoker Not Getting Hot Enough 
What is the best way to get lots of heat in my smoker? The vent stack is not that hot after two hours of burning lump coal.

Smokin Ribs 
I have tried smokin ribs twice now and both times they look like they are cooked medium but were on the smoker 5 hrs.

Grilled Portabella Burger Nutrients 
Could you give me the info on the ""grilled portabella burger"...like the calories..fat count..etc.
This sandwich is the bomb and can't wait to have it ...

When Is Smoked Sausage Done? 
How do you know when the meat is done?

How smokers work 
How does a smoker work & what's the best built smoker?

smoking half a brisket 
I have a brisket, approx. 9 lbs., need to halve it to fit into my smoker. How will this affect cooking
time?

Getting smoke flavor in my cajun microwave 
Hello all,
I just built a cajun microwave. Yea I know....look it up on google and you will see what it is. It is basically an outdoor oven....or duch ...

Wild pork spare ribs in oven 
I've got a slab of wild pork ribs, have all the marinades. What's the best way to cook them in an oven?

Vertical Water Smoker Only Reaches 170 Degrees 
I've had a vertical water smoker for a couple years, have used it maybe 15 times. I start charcoal brisquets in chimney and poor them into pan when the ...

Variety of Food 
Just received my first smoker and excited to dive in. Is there a good method to say cook a turkey, fish and maybe hamburgers in one cooking? I have read ...

Boneless Pork Loin Smoking Time 
How long do you smoke a boneless Pork Loin on an electric smoker?

What smoking temperature is correct for pork loin? Do you wait for the smoker to ...

Smoking Meat In Winter 
We bought a smoker at the end of last season (during a great sale) and have used it a few times. I've loved it and everything we've made in it, and was ...

Crisp Smoked Turkey Skin 
I recently smoked an 11 lb. turkey. I put it into a brine, dry and wet rubbed it prior to cooking. and several hours into the smoking I wet rubbed it ...

Adding Woodchips to Smokerbox 
When I notice that the amount of smoke has decreased, I need to add more chips to the box. Do I throw the new chips in on top of the old, blackened chips,...

Smoked Hot Wings Recipe 
Any suggestions on making hot wings in a smoker, or a recipe?

Stovetop Smoker on Smoothtop Range 
I have an electric smoothtop range. The range manufacturer's book states not to use a pan SMALLER than the heating element, but does not address using ...

Reheating Smoked Turkey 
I purchased a smoked turkey for Christmas. I need to know how long it needs to be cooked and at what temp.

Smoking Rib Tips 
How would a person smoke pork rib tips, or riblets?

Oven Temperature For Heating Smoked Turkey 
At what oven temperature and for how long do I heat a smoked turkey?

Cooking Time Prime Rib 
I have 2 twelve pound prime ribs to cook in my smoker at the same time. Do I base my time on the 12lbs or the combined weight of 24lbs and why?

Overcooking Smoked Brisket 
I know I want to smoke at a low temperature for longer, but can I over cook the brisket? I am looking to have it on the smoker for around 16 hours, is ...

Time For Medium Done Brisket 
What would a good cooking time be for a two pound brisket to make it medium in a propane smoker?

Time For Smoking Pork Shoulder 
How many minutes per pound will it take to smoke a pork shoulder at 200 degrees?

How Long To Smoke Boston Butt 
I'm cooking a six pound Boston butt on an electric smoker. How long should I cook it on medium?

Smoking Chum Salmon 
We have smoked chum salmon in a Little Chief smoker with great success in the past. The last couple of times the fish has come out with a mushy texture ...

Smoked Pork Loin Water Pan 
I am using the apple smoked pork loin recipe and wanted to know if I need to put water in the water pan in my smoker or should I use anything else in ...

Smoking a Half Turkey 
Is it still possible to smoke half a turkey? Are there additional steps to take or modified ones? I live in Colorado. Will the cold weather affect the ...

Smoking Large Turkey Breast 
I have an electric smoker. How long should it take to smoke a ten pound turkey breast, boneless and skinless?

Sweet Smoked Turkey Recipe 
I would like a receipe to make a great sweet tasting smoked turkey. And please include the best kind of smoking chips to use.

Tough Smoked Chicken Skin 
I am pretty new to smoking foods, but every time I smoke chicken or chicken wings, the skin comes out tough and rubbery. nothing like the ones I have ...

Smoking Turkey With Water Pan 
When smoking a turkey, should I use a water pan. Or does a turkey come out better without one.

Recipes for Royal Oak Smokers 
I have had a Brinkman electric smoker for years and love it, it has worn out so I just recently purchased a Royal Oak Electric smoker model # E1609B it ...

How long does smoke need to be present? 
New to the smoking process. How long does should it be emitting smoke when cooking? My wood chip box stops producing smoke after about 45mins-1hour. Should ...

Electric Smoking Turkey 
How long do I leave a turkey in an electric smoker?

Smoked Pork Sausage-Smoking Wild Pork  Not rated yet
How long should I smoke 5lbs. of wild hog sausage, and what temperature? I am using apple wood and a gas smoker.

Making Dutch ROOKVLEES - Dutch smoked beef  Not rated yet
I like to make Rookvlees but this is a dry cured beef, hung for several days and then smoked for several days.That's what I think but I like the proper ...

adding an electric vented smoker to the kitchen   Not rated yet
I'm remodeling my kitchen. One of the things I want to add is a vented smoker of real good quality that will hold up to 50 lbs. I have read a lot about ...