Just got my first smoker

[*michaelsean*]

(02-19-2021, 01:21 PM)MileHighGrowler Wrote: And let me be clear, even though I prefer to stick burn (because I just enjoy it): you can make damn good smoked food on a pellet smoker.  It's easier to control, easier to manage and the food tastes great.  If you did a side-by-side comparison of a brisket from a pellet smoker and an offset, the offset would have some deeper smoke flavors, but it's not like the pellet would be bad at all.  I know some guys are super hardcore against pellet smokers and I'm just not that much of a purist.  I just don't want to fork over the cash for a pellet and I like managing a real fire because my inner caveman needs to be released every now and then is all.  So I just wanted to throw that out there, because there's a lot of hate for pellets in the smoking community.  

Charcoal is definitely mostly a tool (or a crutch, depending on size of smoker) for an offset.  

If you want to get in-depth on the topic, I recommend Mad Scientist BBQ on YouTube.  He talks a lot about how flavor comes from smoking, how to manage a fire, different types of smokers, etc.  As his name suggests, he dives into the chemistry of it all at times, but he's easy to understand and I really appreciate his approach of taking science into account to understand what makes BBQ work.  His most recent video was about using beef tallow on a brisket while wrapped.  My beef tallow should be arriving next week so I can try it out; the results were pretty convincing! 

Yes the only reason I would consider switching would be for the experience.  I like being out there with the smoker, but now I just pretend it's necessary. I think I'm going to try to make KC burnt ends when it warms up a little here. If i understand correctly, you take then entire fat cap off the point if you want to make those.

I've watched some of his videos.  Dude does like to talk.  I just saw one where he did a dry aged brisket.  I hope he's making some money because he spends an insane amount on his meat.  I'm looking for $1.99 brisket sales and he (and others) are buying wagyu from Snake River.