I'm finally getting my smoker!

[itschris]

After hemming and hawing for about 2 weeks here (thanks for all the advice btw) I'm finally getting my smoker. We're going to drive down to Ft. Myers to Bass Pro to pick up my Cimarron Deluxe. I think it'll be an excellent rig for my needs and the turkey fryer thing just adds some additional flexibility and for the money... you just can't go wrong.

I have two quick questions:
1) The gas lighter - do I just dump the lump in the firebox and use the log lighter to ignite, or is there some other method I should use.

2) I know everyone recommends a charcoal box. Where/How does that sit in the round firebox - what orientation as in how far from the bottom since it can't rest flat against the round shape of the firebox? Where can I get one or can I build one?

I won't get back until around 11pm tonight, but I plan on putting it together first thing. I don't think I'll be using it for the 4th, but I may start playing just to see how to control temps. I'm still unclear on how much charcoal to use, and when to open vents vs add new fuel, but I'm sure that will come in time.

[jbrink01]

1) Dump the lump onto the charcoal grate (included). Put a paper towel under the grate. Light paper, turn on gas. Wait 10 - 15 minutes and you'll be rockin'.

2) Load it up pretty heavy tomorrow with lump and open nevts wide. Let it run itself out. Some guys season their pits. I never have and had no adverse effects. If you want to season your brand new pit, rub the inside of the cook chamber down with lard before cooking.

[cayenne]

1) Dump the lump onto the charcoal grate (included). Put a paper towel under the grate. Light paper, turn on gas. Wait 10 - 15 minutes and you'll be rockin'.

2) Load it up pretty heavy tomorrow with lump and open nevts wide. Let it run itself out. Some guys season their pits. I never have and had no adverse effects. If you want to season your brand new pit, rub the inside of the cook chamber down with lard before cooking.

When I get a new pit...definitely do a pretty high heat 'burn-in' to burn off the chemicals/paint, etc that is left from manufacturing.

When I do this...I often spray or rub the inside with veg. oil...just some oil, papertowels and lightly cover inside surfaces I can easily reach...and then fire it up and let it go.

I'm gonna do this to my little hondo jr. I got yesterday evening...put it together tonight..fire it up....and let it burn overnight...and try to use it tomorrow.

[Papa Hogg]

Congrats on the new pit...it's always fun to get a new toy :biggrin:

[jbrink01]

Exhaust open wide, always. Just ask Beam Boys.

[BBQ_MAFIA]

Good luck with the new pit.

[biffleg]

Congrats on the new pit! Look forward to the food pron!

[DaChief]

Congrats....send pics

[we'll smoke u]

Congrats....send pics

What Dachief said ..........send pics

[jbrink01]

Make sure the gas stays on if it's windy out. On my 3 door Horizon I had a mishap a couple years ago when prepping for a catering job. Lit gas, went to next task, noticed a bit later gas was out. assuming it was only a minute I lit it again.

My 3 door Horizon weighs 3750# (3/8" steel is nearly 1/4# per square inch). The susequent explosion took all of the hair off my right arm, blew all of the doors wide open, and covered my driveway in accumulated soot and grease. My wife said there was a really big fireball. Oh yeah, it also bowed out my firebox door about 1/4". BE CAREFUL!

[tony76248]

Definitely spray the interior with PAM or a generic equivilent prior to doing anything whether you season it or not. That said, I have always seasoned. You might want to monitor the hot spots too. Get a couple tubes of prepared biskuits from wallyworld and place them around the grates and find out exactly where the hot spots will be. Obviously you will have them near the firebox....just look for the other places as well.

[Norcoredneck]

Definately use Pam. Lot easier than oil and brush. Biscuit test for sure. Congrats on decision. Allow time for assembly, should be about 12 pack give or take 2.:twisted:

[tumpedover]

Congrats on the new pit!!
I also agree on the seasoning thing.....It's always been something I've done with new or re-worked pits......as a matter of fact I'm gonna be spraying and re-seasoning my Smokemaster tomorrow after re-working her!!:wink:

[gunrunner2491]

Congrats on the new edition, be sure to post pics.