Hi Gary – Congrats on the new smoker. You made a great choice. This is my third electric smoker and SI is by far the easiest to use, smartest design and most durable (built like a tank), not to mention great customer service. I do what a number of the folks have stated above, I move my smoker inside a greenhouse for warmer winter smoking but the insulation of the box doesn’t require that…I do (LOL). I use big box wood because I have quite a bit from prior smokers. I use foil to limit airflow to the wood avoiding ignition. I have heard nothing but great things about Smokinlicious and Fruit-a-Wood products so they seem to be a great source as well.
My first smoke was inexpensive chicken thighs which turned out less than stellar due to a bitter taste caused by wood combustion (telltale ash not charcoal). I now create a foil pouch containing the wood with minimal air holes and no problems since. Best of luck with it. - Tom
