New Member from Central Illinois

[blackbelt1955]

Hello Everyone,

Great Forum!   I looked here before deciding to buy a Bradley Smoker.  I've used your advice to get started.  I've smoked 3 times now.  First was 2 pork loins, then I did 2 pork butts, and most recently I did 4 pork butts ... each time taste and quality have improved. 

I'm looking forward to moving on to chicken and beef brisket. 

Once again, great forum!
Dave

[classicrockgriller]

Hey Dave, welcome to forum and congrats on your smoke success.
If you had G/L with what you have smoked (I'm impressed) then beef and chicken will be no problem.
If you need help, just ask.

[Hopefull Romantic]

Hey Dave congrats and welcome to the the wonderful world of Smoking.

Do you mind telling us which Bradley you purchased and what other toys you have.

HR

[FLBentRider]

W E L C O M E  to the Forum blackbelt1955!

It sounds like you are enjoying your new smoker.

[deb415611]

Welcome blackbelt1955!

[pkcdirect]

[squirtthecat]

Welcome aboard!  Whereabouts in Central Illinois??   We're practically neighbors...

[Quarlow]

Hey Blackbelt, Welcome. These folks will make you feel right at home. Best bunch of people you have the pleasure of chatting with.

[OU812]

Welcome to the fun

Sounds like your starting to get addicted to this thing called smoking.

If you are happy with the results of your butts then your already one up when it comes to smoking a brisket as they cook almost the same.

The chicken on the other hand you want to cook at a higher cabnet temp and keep the vent wide open, dont expect to eat the skin of the bird unless you crisp it on the grill or it will be like eating a peace of rubber.

[blackbelt1955]

Thanks for the warm welcome!  :)

I have the 4 rack Bradley.  Regarding other smoking toys, I have a remote thermometer and used it twice ... my last smoke was the 4 pork butts and I waited 8 hours into the process before inserting the probe.   Then I just watched it occasionally at the smoker. 

I bought a plastic cabinet to sit the smoker on.   I keep an electric cord and the bisquettes in the cabinet.  I put rollers on the cabinet so I can move it in and out of the garage with ease.  I also have a cover for the smoker. 

My address is Oreana, but I live in the country on the Sangoman river (5.5 acres).  I have a lot of oak trees (red and white), some hickory, and other varieties of trees.  I am in the process of figuring out how to make my own bisquettes. 

I'm looking forward to getting lots of tips from everyone.

Dave

[classicrockgriller]

blackbelt, be sure and check the specs on the bradley for you area and the "electric cord". There are some restrictions before you have a problem use a extention cord. Is it cold in Ill yet?
Good luck in your adventures.   CRG

[squirtthecat]

Welcome Dave!   I worked as a consultant (computer geek) at IP in Decatur for about 3 years.  That was back in the early 90s..   My job is in Springfield now, but I live south of here, just over the Montgomery county line.

CRG, I can answer that...   It was 46 when I was backing the Mrs' car out of the garage this morning.

Gonna get down to 39 tonight..    

[Caribou]

Welcome to the forum Dave!
Carolyn

[OU812]

"Is it cold there yet?" 

39 F here this morning  :-\

[FLBentRider]

77F here this morning.

Brrrrrr...

;D :D