The “Author” has spoken and low… we have our next response to the “What Would I Change About My First BBQ Smoker?” question from Mr. George Hensler.  He competes in BBQ with the Who Are Those Guys BBQ Team, he writes books (See our post on his book, Startin’ the Fire – a guide to starting up a competition BBQ team), and now he shares his thoughts with us here at the BBQ Smoker Site.

Here’s George’s response to our one question interview:

My first smoker was a $200 offset from BBQ Galore. If I had it to do over, I would purchase a unit with better temperature control than this unit. For the first two years I had it, I fought to maintain a consistent temperature which, in my humble opinion, is paramount when trying to cook good que. I did very little research before buying the unit (mistake) and went on a “non queing” salesman’s advice, which proved to be a huge mistake.

I still have the smoker, and use it several times a year just for the grilling space, no more fighting the primitive air draft system on that baby for me!

Folks, this is why I maintain this blog.  So many folks have jumped into the BBQ Smoker game without performing the most rudimentary step… doing some research!  Heck, even talking to a few teams at a local BBQ Competition would have given George better initial feedback than he got from the “non smoking” sales dude.  I’m sure George would agree.

George now cooks on a Caldera Tall Boy smoker, Onynex oven and… wait for it…. a Weber Smokey Mountain BBQ Smoker!  Man, are those babies popular!

If you want to ask him more about this specific smoker, give him a shout over at the Who Are Those Guys? BBQ Competition Team Facebook Page.  You should also check out the Who Are Those Guys? website and check out Georg’es Startin’ the Fire site as well!   If you are curious about what it takes to get a competition BBQ team up and running, it’s a great read.

UPDATE: See responses we received from those interviewed here.

What Would I Change About My First BBQ Smoker? – John Dawson

Folks, with this response to my one question interview, the Patio Daddio himself – Mr. John Dawson, of Patio Daddio BBQ brings it with some awesome insights and even more awesome pics!  Be sure to visit his blog, leave a comment on a post or three… and enjoy the BBQ goodness he serves up.

As for what John Dawson would do differently if he had to get his first BBQ smoker setup running again – read on to find out…

In all honesty, I don’t know that I’d do anything differently. My first “real grill” was a Brinkmann Smoke ‘N Pit Pro that I bought at Costco back in 1995. In the years prior to that I did barbecue, but it was on others’ grills, as I lived in Air Force barracks and apartments where grills weren’t allowed.

That Brinkmann (I call her “Black Betty”) is still on my patio and I use it constantly. In the photo below, you can see me using it at my first competition back in 2006. You also see my first smoker, a Weber Smokey Mountain that my wife bought me for Christmas in 2005.

Unfortunately, the current lines of consumer grills like my Brinkmann are made from vastly inferior steel and craftsmanship, so I don’t recommend them.

As for general advice, I’d say that the most important things to consider are the following:

1. What kind of cooking do you want to do? If you want to do simple straightforward charcoal grilling, and maybe a little low-n-slow barbecue, you really cannot go wrong with a Weber kettle. If you want convenience and are willing to forego charcoal flavor, go with a quality gas grill like a Weber Genesis. You can add a little wood flavor by using a smoker box or foil pouch with some chips.
2. How much capacity do you need? My advice here is to buy a grill that has more cooking space than you think you’ll typically need. The extra space will come in very handy when you need to cook for a larger crowd. It also will give you room to do two-zone cooking. In short, go bigger and you’ll grow into it.
3. What features do you need? Many grills these days are loaded with all kinds of features that may or may not be useful to you. Features like side burners, infrared searing burners, thermometers, lights, etc. can be handy, but they can also be a waste of money if you don’t need them. I tend to advise people to go simple at first.
4. Buy quality! Nothing will frustrate your enjoyment and success with barbecue faster than a junk grill. It may be tempting to buy a cheaper unit, but you’ll just end up buying another one in a year or two.

Check Out These Great Pics of John’s BBQ Smokers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is John’s original first “real BBQ smoker” he referenced above  - the Brinkmann Smoke ‘N Pit Pro he calls “Black Betty.”  Nice job, on the full frame-off restoration on Betty, John!  I know she appreciated the new clothes!  Most women do!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, baby.  This is one heck of a nice Ugly Drum Smoker!  John built this himself, along with one other that he uses in Pro-level BBQ Competitions.  Love that side mounted air intake! John’s been cooking on these UDS monsters professionally since 2008, and he’s done pretty well!

Whew!  Now that’s some high quality BBQ info right there, friends.  I feel like I’ve been to school!   Thank you, John for sharing this with our readers.  Folks, show John Dawson from Patio Daddio BBQ some love by visiting his website.

UPDATE: See responses we received from those interviewed here.