Question about vacuum packing instead of stretch wrap.

Louie_Sausage · April 24, 2011, 01:53:41 PM

I notice most everyone here uses stretch wrap after the rub for the overnight rest in the fridge (Pork Butt)......... will vacuum packing (food saver) cause problems?

Thanks!

first post btw, bought a DBS way way back in November and am finally going to use it. It's seasoned and ready for chicken today and a butt tomorrow. Great forum, loads of info here.

This will be my FIRST smoke ever! and I tend to over think EVERYTHING!

Thanks!

hal4uk · April 24, 2011, 02:03:27 PM

You can vacuum pack for overnight or so, but there's no need...
Vac-packing is for extended shelf life, usually in freezer -- like for months on end.

Stretch wrap is cheaper, and it's all you need for 12-48 hours of rub.

Louie_Sausage · April 24, 2011, 02:08:45 PM

ahh excellent!!

Thanks for the fast response. :)

Slamdunk · April 24, 2011, 02:47:00 PM

If you don't like cleaning your fridge out, put a pan or something underneath to collect any juices that make a break for it!!

My wife told me that hint in NO uncertain terms right after my first time ::) ::)

wyoduke · April 24, 2011, 03:21:26 PM

Vent wide open on birds lots of moisture on them or you will get black drip spots all over the bird
mine stuck wide open take the butt to around 200 and it will fall apart ;D

Louie_Sausage · April 24, 2011, 04:15:50 PM

Thanks for the Tips guys.

30min in with the chicken and the IT just hit 160...... somethings not right, had planned to smoke for 2hrs then finish on the grill for a crisp skin but at this rate looks like it will be done a lot sooner. Box temp with external thermometer is 225. hmmm.

EDIT: I reset the probe, think it will be ok now... reading 130 IT now, box is at 200 after opening it up. I took a lotta pics, being my first try, so I'll post my journal on the appropriate forum when done.

wyoduke · April 24, 2011, 04:32:33 PM

The probes dont like bone so that is something to watch

hal4uk · April 24, 2011, 11:07:57 PM

Hey Louie...

Another thing --- Both stretch wrap and (heavy duty) foil have regular uses when you're smoking stuff...
If you're a Sam's member or you have a GFS or such near you, you might want to buy an 18" roll of each.

They're like 10-15 bucks or so each, but save a lot in the long run.
Each roll will not only last a LONG time, but the extra width (over the 12" grocery stuff) comes in really handy.

Louie_Sausage · April 25, 2011, 07:11:02 AM

Thanks for the Tip. The stuff I'm using right now is 11" but its a BIG roll.

Next trip into Edmonton Alberta ( 2 1/2 hrs) I'll see if Costco has the wider rolls.

Thanks again, I would have never thought of looking for a wider roll thinking I had the biggest in town!