Newbie Question Section

[itschris]

Hey guys, is there a thread or faq somewhere that answers the standard set of questions that everyone new to smokin will eventually ask?

For instance... basic starting guidelines on:
1) how much coal do i need to start with? What brands?
2) how much do I add and when.. best way to do so?
3) how much wood to use and when?
4) what temp and how long for ribs, butt, briskit?

I don't want to be the guy that's constantly asking the questions that have been repeatedly answered, but stepping into this... you quicly realize that conceptually it's very easy: get a smoker, light a fire, maintain a low temp for a long time, and bingo-great bbq. The rub is (excuse the pun) it's really not that easy. Success is in the details and I need a good starting point.

 

[MilitantSquatter]

Chris - Plenty of info here...

1) Go the the Roadmap at the top of this forum for lots of good info...
2)Also read the Bandera 101 document on the homepage for lots of basic info..
3)The search function is the other great source...

4) We're all here here to help you get you on your way by asking questions but it's well worth you're time to read old threads and search to get grounded in the basics and then ask question on things you've read that may still not make sense or you need to adapt for your situation.... a lot depends on what type of cooker you're working with,

 

[Norcoredneck]

What kind of cooker do you have?

 

[Scrooge Fan]

Hey guys, is there a thread or faq somewhere that answers the standard set of questions that everyone new to smokin will eventually ask?

For instance... basic starting guidelines on:
1) how much coal do i need to start with? What brands?
2) how much do I add and when.. best way to do so?
3) how much wood to use and when?
4) what temp and how long for ribs, butt, briskit?

I don't want to be the guy that's constantly asking the questions that have been repeatedly answered, but stepping into this... you quicly realize that conceptually it's very easy: get a smoker, light a fire, maintain a low temp for a long time, and bingo-great bbq. The rub is (excuse the pun) it's really not that easy. Success is in the details and I need a good starting point.

I found the book Smoke and Spice by Jamison and Jamison a good place to start. Lots of great information and good recipes for rubs, sauces and meats of all kinds. Plus some sides.

Some of the information you are seeking will depend on the cooker. Do you have one now, or have you got that far yet?

If you post what you want to cook, and what you plan to cook it on, you'll get all the help you need from this group. They've always been there for me, and there ain't nothing they don't know. (about bbq, that is)

Good luck.

 

[jgh1204]

Don't worry about asking too many questions. It does help to do a search first, but if you are not finding what you want, ask.

Sometimes things need to be re-addressed from time to time and there are new members everyday who might bring a fresh perspective to a subject.

 

[Brauma]

Chris, by now youve probably gotten your answers from KC's Roadmap.

In case you're still looking for things to search for, search "Minion Method" in the QTalk thread.

I have an old offset Bandera with a homemade basket. I load it with unlit charcoad then dump a load of pre-lit from a chimney starter on top.

Once I get a coal bed, I go to all wood.

 

[Meat Burner]

Chris, welcome to the forum. Now go over to Cattle Call and introduce yourself to the group. That's the place to start.