New to smoking, please help

[joemets102]

I recently was given a Cabela's Premium Electric Smoker for my birthday. I've smoked two briskets on it and was very please with the taste and how easy it was to use. I do have several questions and if anyone could help that would be great.

1. I soaked the bradley bisquettes for 2 hours and they fell apart in my dish.When using the bradley bisquettes, do you need to soak them?

2. When using an electric smoker, do you need to soak wood chips?

3. I did not get a smoke ring on either of my two briskets, but I could still taste the mesquite smoke. How do I get a smoke ring and is it needed?

Thanks in advance.

[Wildcat]

Not sure about what smoker you have, but I am guessing a Bradley.

DO NOT expose the bisquettes to moisture.  Even high humidity can ruin them.

The Bradley smoker does not burn the bisquettes, it smolders them.  Because of this you will not get the chemical reaction that makes the smoke ring.  You can not taste the ring anyway.

I hope this helps.

[NePaSmoKer]

I recently was given a Cabela's Premium Electric Smoker for my birthday. I've smoked two briskets on it and was very please with the taste and how easy it was to use. I do have several questions and if anyone could help that would be great.

1. I soaked the bradley bisquettes for 2 hours and they fell apart in my dish.When using the bradley bisquettes, do you need to soak them?

2. When using an electric smoker, do you need to soak wood chips?

3. I did not get a smoke ring on either of my two briskets, but I could still taste the mesquite smoke. How do I get a smoke ring and is it needed?

Thanks in advance.

Hi  joe

I used to work at Cabelas and know the smoker good.

1. never soak the Bradly wood, its not made for that. Your Cabelas smoker should have had a wood pan for chips or chunks.

2. Soaking the wood chips, sawdust or chunks is a good idea in a smoker like you have. Bradley smokers are not made to have the wood soaked.

3. With most electric smokers you will not get a smoke ring. A smoke ring is just for looks, does not have anything to do with taste. If you desire a smoke ring you can use some Mortons Tender Quick.

nepas

[joemets102]

Thanks for your response. I'm hoping to smoke a pork butt soon, any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Caneyscud]

Joe,
Welcome to the board.  Tons of great people and information.  Wade in, ask a lot of questions and have fun!

Here is a link to the Pork Recipe Site.  It has several good ones.  You might have to modify a procedure to fit the Cabelas, but in general what works for one smoker works for all as far as recipe, time, and temperature.  For a first smoke, I'd pick one recipe - anyone that sounds good to you, then I'd follow it pretty much to the letter - no shortcuts!  The next time make the modifications that you deem needed, such as type of rub, amount of smoke, FTC or not, etc...  And yes, as you probably already know because of the briskets, sometimes it takes quite a while to smoke a pretty large piece of meat to succulent smoky tenderness!  But the wait and effort is worthwhile.  If you have any questions please ask.  We sometimes fall all over ourselves to help newbies.  It's our calling!

http://www.susanminor.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=89

Shakespeare
The Bard of Hot Aire
Pontificator Extraordinaire'

[joemets102]

Thanks a lot, there is a ton of good info on this site and seems everyone is willing to help out.

[bigcatdaddy]

You wont find a better site!!!

BCD

[Father Tom]

 ;D ;D ;D  Welcome Joe.  Follow Caney's advise.  He is one of the best on the forum.

Tom

[starship]

Welcome Joe,

as you see by now, this site is full of good people who love good food, and helping others cook it!