Newbie from Lititz, PA and Crystal River FL

[swthorpe]

Yes on the digital scale ... you will be surprised how little 2-3oz of wood really is!   At most, you might want to go to 4-5oz for some smokes, but generally you won't need more than 3oz as a rule.    Smoked turkey is a beautiful thing at Thanksgiving...you will love it.  Last year I did one turkey in the oven (traditional) and a turkey breast in the smoker - very nice.

If you haven't done so already, I would also suggest getting a remote thermometer like the maverick ET 732 or 733 ... this will be essential for monitoring the internal temps of your meat while smoking. 

[Smokster]

Hey Scott, welcome to the club and congrats on the new smoker. I have the #3 and for the extra $100 it is well worth it. Not only do you get the extra capacity, the #3 also has a 1200 watt heating element. 

Regardless of which model, they are all great units, but I love the capacity of the #3, especially having more shelves abailable when making Jerky. And if you plan on making jerky, get the fan, it works great.

Btw, I haven't tried brewing beer, yet, I am into wine making since it is my wife's drink of choice. I have about 200 bottles aging at the moment.

[BrewsandBlues]

That is an impressive wine collection! Would like to try making wine sometime. If needed, I have loads of info on homebrewing, how to get started, good "how to" sites, etc. There are several really good mail order companies that sell extract kits reasonably.

Extract brewing is sort of like assembling a model, they pre-measure everything, just need to boil, chill, and ferment.

Scott

[Smokster]

Thanks Scott. I'm going to have to take you up on that offer some time.  And that easier the better, pre-measured and ready to go.

About the wine, I would have to say that I got a bit carried away, but it is well worth it to make it in advance and let it age in the bottles.

[DivotMaker]

You guys are making me thirsty!!!

[mtmedic]

Brews, Welcome

I lived in Hernando for a few years. Worked in Crystal River. Went to Crystal Rive Wine and Cheese Co, great food, ie Pop's Pesto. Gonna love the #2!