First smoke out! $70 BBQ-Pro in action!

SmokedOut · Newbie Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 41

Hey everybody, this was my first time ever using a smoker. After spending a while reading all the info I could find here, I headed down to Sears and picked up one of those BBQ-Pro smokers for $70. Then I stopped by the store and picked up a small (5-6lb) brisket that was already trimmed (Lesson learned - don't let the guy @ Fred Meyer do the trimming).
I brought it home, put it together, and immediately lit up a chimney to "season" it (and get an idea of how it works). Burned very hot (like 300*+) for many hours with both bottom vents 100% closed.

I left the brisket in the fridge overnight following the instructions from the Dr. Pepper Brisket thread.

Next morning, I lit up a very small chimney and used the minion method I've been reading about with a couple chunks of hickory.
I filled the water pan 3/4 full to hopefully lower the temp from what it was at last night.
Covered the brisket with a "wet rub" I guess you'd call it - close to the recipe for Roxy's Mustard.
Put the brisket on the lower grate when the internal temp hit 250*F.
I was able to keep the temperature around 250 the whole time. It did dip to ~230* and climbed all the way up to ~275* once, but I'm getting the hang of it.
This smoker seems to just like to cook really hot? Maybe because it's brand new?
The vents were never more than 10% open, and were 100% closed most of the time.

Anyway, here is a picture of my very first smoked brisket - I am very proud.

I cooked it to ~170*F internal, foiled it to 195*, then placed in the oven (oven was off) until dinner. I thought it was great, as did everyone who tried it.

Thanks for all the knowledge everyone! This site rocks!

Mrs. K.A.M. · Posted: Oct 07 2008 Post subject:

SmokedOut, Wow! Very Happy

, great job on your first one, looking forward to seeing more tasty pics.

Cranky Buzzard · Posted: Oct 07 2008 Post subject:

And you should be proud!!! That is a good looking brisket!

As you said, it takes a bit to get used to a new cooker and in time you'll be able to load it up, fire it off, head back inside for a cold one, and know the exact moment to go back out to check it.

Keep it up and keep the pics coming.

CB
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sleecjr · Posted: Oct 07 2008 Post subject:

Wow brisket on your first cook. Now that is jumping in with both feet! Good job!!
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k.a.m. · Posted: Oct 07 2008 Post subject:

SmokedOut, I am with CB thats a fine looking Brisket a great ring and looks moist. I imagine the more cooks you do the lower temps you will be able to maintain as it will be seasoning the inside of your cooker. Keep up the great cooks. Very Happy

T00lman · Posted: Oct 07 2008 Post subject:

your scerwed it starts with a brisket and one smoker next thing ya know your smoking 4-5 butts at a time then your asking for roxy,s mstard sauce (which is awsome ) you want a new smoker or two it never ends,

great looking chow welcome to the ring lot,s of great folk,s with lot,s of advice some good well you,ll figurer it out ENJOY
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roxy · Posted: Oct 07 2008 Post subject:

I think you got a BBQ Pro and not a ProBBQ... There is a difference... and its more than just in the name...
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SmokedOut · Newbie Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 41

Wow, thanks for the compliments guys! Before I found this site, I had absolutely no clue what a real BBQ was. You shoulda seen the smirk I got on my face the first time I walked out and saw the light blue smoke puffin out the top Mr. Green

I'm definitely hooked! Trying to decide what's next?? I sure love ribs.... Twisted Evil

SmokedOut · Newbie Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 41

Big Bears BBQ · Posted: Oct 07 2008 Post subject:

You did good.......................

Fatrat · Posted: Oct 07 2008 Post subject:

You did real well, the brisket still intimidates a lot of BBQ wanna be's. Keep up the good work, do your homework, and as previously stated, it starts with a single brisket, before you know it , it consumes all your time off ..lol.
Good luck

Ray
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Skidder · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 1720

Great job that looks as good or better than alot I've seen. I have an offset and a WSM but I'm going to check this smoker out. I have to go to Sears anyways.