New Smoker

veldy12 · December 21, 2009, 09:57:43 AM

Hey guys - My name is Nate and I'm new to the forum and smoking in general. I read a lot of good things about the Bradley series and received the OBS as an early Christmas gift yesterday. I haven't had time to unpack it yet, but wanted to see if there was any general info I should know.

Do you recommend instant read or probe thermometers? Is there any heat loss with the probe that you can keep the display outside the smoker?

Any other items/accesories that are good to have?

I read something about seasoning the smoker before using it - what does that involve?

Any info shared is greatly appreciated - thanks!

Ka Honu · December 21, 2009, 10:18:52 AM

Quote from: veldy12 on December 21, 2009, 09:57:43 AMDo you recommend instant read or probe thermometers? Is there any heat loss with the probe that you can keep the display outside the smoker?

I'd go with a probe for "monitoring" and an instant-read for checking to make sure at the end of the smoke. The rubber stripping on the door keeps the probe wire sealed well enough to prevent any noticeable heat or smoke loss (although if you're concerned, you can drop the probe down through the top vent).

Quote from: veldy12 on December 21, 2009, 09:57:43 AMAny other items/accesories that are good to have?

Always good to have more ~~toys~~ tools. As you go through the forum you'll see lots of suggestions (too many for me to start listing this early in the morning before my second cup of coffee).

Quote from: veldy12 on December 21, 2009, 09:57:43 AMI read something about seasoning the smoker before using it - what does that involve?

Complete instructions are on page 9 of your owners manual.

Welcome to the forum - and congrats on a great Christmas present!

classicrockgriller · December 21, 2009, 10:32:31 AM

Nate, Welcome to the forum. After today you will have all the advice on toys for your smoker that you want.

Here's a couple of links to help you out.

Bradley forum recipe site: http://www.susanminor.org/forums/

FAQ's about your Bradley and the forum: http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?p=748#post748

How to post pictures on the forum: http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showpost.php?p=768&postcount=11

Reference Books: http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?t=102

Some of the things that come to mind that you might want to look into are:
Maverick-73 (remote temp probe)
Bubba Pucks
Auber PID
Jerky screens

And I am sure others will help with more items.

Good luck and if you have any questions just ask.

Ka Honu · December 21, 2009, 10:39:11 AM

Quote from: classicrockgriller on December 21, 2009, 10:32:31 AM... toys for your smoker...

Bad CRG! Bad, bad, bad! You're misleading the poor guy by imparting a frivolous label to "required accessories," "tools," and "system enhancements."

veldy12 · December 21, 2009, 10:45:14 AM

Thanks for the replies so far guys - I haven't had enough time to navigate this wonderful site to find the answer myself so I thought I'd just ask.

What is a Auber PID and what is it used for? (sorry if this is a dumb question!)

classicrockgriller · December 21, 2009, 11:17:11 AM

An Auber PID is a plug n play unit that overrides the controls of your bradley and it allows you to keep a tighter temp swing while smoking.

It is a must if smoking fish and neccesary for sausage.

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=72

The auber PID would be a nice compliment to the OBS.

ArnieM · December 21, 2009, 11:20:28 AM

Quote from: Ka Honu on December 21, 2009, 10:39:11 AM
Quote from: classicrockgriller on December 21, 2009, 10:32:31 AM... toys for your smoker...

Bad CRG! Bad, bad, bad! You're misleading the poor guy by imparting a frivolous label to "required accessories," "tools," and "system enhancements."

Agreed. Though CRG forgot one thing - some sorta meat ;D

JT-MO · December 21, 2009, 05:07:24 PM

I'm new as well, but I opened my OBS yesterday early for christmas. I got all the ~~toys~~ tools :) for it, pid, aluminum pucks, ET-73. Although I broke the battery latch on the ET-73 :( that plastic was to easy to break when I turned it the wrong way... or I don't know my own strength LOL!

I can vouch for the pid, it holds the temp at exactly what I want it to be.
I had the entire thing up and going in less than 20 minutes, it was that easy. The only instructions I had to look at was the auber pid so I know what the buttons do and how to program it and what the meaning of the letters, etc..

While the OBS was seasoning, I went ahead and cut up some pork spare ribs and a butt for smoking later this week (christmas dinner). However I had some pork trimmings left over and made 4 kabobs. I put them in with a little rub, 1 hour and 40 minutes of hickory smoke, apple juice basting, at 220 until the IT got to 190. After about 5 hours they were done and they were GREAT! Now I am really looking forward to Christmas dinner (pork butt)!

classicrockgriller · December 21, 2009, 05:20:21 PM

JT-MO, Congrats on a great Christmas present and sounds like you are on your way to some great smokes.

Besure and post pics, we love food porn.

drano · December 21, 2009, 07:03:03 PM

Nate and JT-MO,

Welcome and congrats on your Bradleys.
Yep, CRG covered the cool toys for adding to the Bradley.
Bubba pucks are good because they prevent you from burning the next puck at then end of your smoke.
The Maverick temp probe helps you monitor temps better.
And the PID--set it and walk away--the temp ain't gonna be more than 1 deg from set temp.

Sure you can spend lots on extra stuff, but its all about what works for you. Do you like sitting near the smoker w/ a cold one and monitor the smoking process, or do you want to set it and let it do its thing while you are off doing other stuff around the house? That will help guide your accessory purchases.

get smokin
drano