Hello All!!

[bigboy74]

I am new to smoking meats and have been looking at smokers for several months now. I have read tons of reviews on different kinds of smokers. Finally made a decision to buy a Smokin-it #2. Ordered the smoker yesterday and am waiting on its arrival!!! Cant wait to have some home-brews smoke some butts, baby backs, and my favorite country style ribs! Now I have to make the hard decision of which to smoke first!
Cheers
Bigboy

 

[Thin Blue]

OH!  You have been bitten by the smoke bug.
Congrats you will have fun and eat well also.

 

[Bigumdaddyo]

Welcome Bigboy!! I am new here as well and so is my smoker. I started with baby backs last weekend and they were fantastic! Getting ready for the 4th with a 12 pound brisket. happy smoking.

Bigumdaddyo

 

[swthorpe]

Welcome, Big!  Just as you said, I spent quite a bit of time researching different options for smokers and settled on the #2 back in January.  Haven't looked back and been smok'in every weekend.  You will not be disappointed...these units are very sturdy and hold temps great.  I suspect you will have your new smoker early next week, if not sooner (usually about 3-4 days).  Be sure to season it before your first smoke (instructions I believe come with the unit).

For a first smoke, I suggest something that won't require a lot of time, like chicken thighs (for excellent pulled chicken), wings, or even a couple of whole chickens (I do two at a time in my #2).  Chicken usually needs 3 to 4 hours, or you could go with babybacks for 5 hours.  No matter what you decide, I am very sure that you will be delighted...let us know!

 

[afratki]

Welcome to the club bigboy, my story is about the same as yours except I ordered the #1.

The experimenting is half the fun!

 

[DivotMaker]

Welcome to the club, BigBoy!  You made a really good choice, and won't regret it.  Be sure to follow the instructions on seasoning - 3 or 4 chunks of the sample hickory for about 4 hours, with nothing onboard.  Also make sure to foil the bottom and smoke box cover before cooking on it, too (and don't forget to poke a hole in the foil for the drain hole).

I would suggest taking it on its maiden voyage with something "easy" to get the feel for the smoker.  Swthorpe has some good advice.  For my first smoke, I did a Boston butt (13 hours), but that's just me...go big or go home!  ;D

Keep us posted on your progress, and let us know of any problems - this gang is definitely here to help!

Many good smokes ahead of you!  Enjoy your 4th!

 

[es1025]

Welcome, you have purchased an awesome piece of equipment.  I agree with Divot (Tony) regarding seasoning and buy an industrial size heavy duty aluminum foil.  In my initial smoke, I did baby backs using a modified 3-2-1 method. Enjoy, this forum has a lot of seasoned smokers, I learn some new each time I come to the forum.  Tonight at midnight, I am starting an 8#pork butt, and yes I am foiling at 165.
Enjoy!

 

[UWFSAE]

Welcome to the party, Bigboy.  If you have any questions, just post them and you'll have a slew of folks willing to share opinions, facts, myths and theories ... and all of them well-meaning and worth a look.

Good luck with your inaugural smoke!

 

[DivotMaker]

Has your smoker arrived?  Curious minds want to know!! ;D

 

[old sarge]

Welcome and happy smoking to you you.

 

[shausmann]

Welcome BigBoy! I also purchased a #2. You are gonna love it. Lots of great folks on here and customer service is great.

Enjoy!