My WSM

[Kalrog]

I just ordered the Weber Smokey Mountain from Amazon for $204 and free shipping. Don't know if anyone else needs one, but that was a decent price and I am looking forward to smoking in addition to my grilling... Should be delivered on the 26th. Any ideas for breaking it in?

[Burnt Food Dude]

I assume you've never used a WSM before. Here is a link for some great info on how to use it.

http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/tipsfaq.html

I compete with 3 of them and hold my own against the big boys in the mid-west. Not consistantly yet but I'm getting it figured out. Got my first one 3 years ago and never looked back.

[JamesB]

Your going to love that WSM! I know that mine gets a good workout when ever I'm home for the weekend!

Break it in with some chicken, or pork butt, or brisket or...

Just be aware that it will probably run just a bit warmer on it's first few cooks until the shiney gets covered up on the inside... and the two best tips for a new WSM user: Read up on the Minion method if you haven't yet and remember to control the temp on the way up... much easier to get more heat than to try to cool the WSM down...

That Virual Weber site that BFD linked is a great tool for the WSM user.

James.

[Kalrog]

I assume you've never used a WSM before. Here is a link for some great info on how to use it.

http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/tipsfaq.html

I compete with 3 of them and hold my own against the big boys in the mid-west. Not consistantly yet but I'm getting it figured out. Got my first one 3 years ago and never looked back.

Already found that site. In fact that was the last factor in me deciding to go with it instead of putting it off for another few months while I saved up for a more expensive model. The depth of information there and the 18 hour cook times sealed the deal. Good stuff there (here too).

[Burnt Food Dude]

I see you live in Texas. I don't know how cold it ges there but in Chicago it get cold & windy in the winter time. I picked up a Guru pit minder & smoking jacket from here...

http://www.thebbqguru.com/

I only have a 1 but it makes using the WSM in cold, windy or rainy conditions a dream. It keeps your temp steady for the over night cooks so you can get some sleep. It can help use less charcoal.

Sorry, I didn't want to make it sound like a commercial. Its a great little aid to the WSM. There is another one on the market called the Stoker. It looks like it may surpass the Guru for versitality.

[Burnt Food Dude]

Here is a site that can help get you started on the WSM...


http://www.wiviott.com/

Its a great starting place.

[Kalrog]

Thanks for those - I'll take a look at them.

About the weather... a cold day in central Texas has a low in the 30s and a high in the 40s. MUCH different than Chicago (my dad is from there - I know the weather).

[bowhnter]

... Should be delivered on the 26th. Any ideas for breaking it in?

Thta was a pretty good buy.

I would put a couple pork shoulders or shoulder and brisket in. That would give it a long time to get some seasoning going on.

Like James mentioned it will run hotter the first few times, and catch your temps on the way up.

You may have to turn the lid or middle section a little sometimes to get it sealed up good.