The Eagle’s Choice
The number one key to success while smoking, baking and grilling is having a cooking system that you enjoy using and are comfortable with. I love every smoker and grill out there! One of my favorites is the Big Green Egg. The Big Green Egg is a ceramic cooker that is a relative of the old “komodo” smoker. The versatility of the Big Green Egg is incredible. It is a smoker, grill and oven. I smoke large cuts of meat low and slow for 16 plus hours, use it to sear steaks at 700 degrees, and I use it to bake pizzas and bread. You name it and you can cook it on the Big Green Egg. I personally have three of them that I cook on (XL, Large and Small). I also have a Horizon old fashioned steel "stick burner" off set smoker that I really enjoy cooking on "old school style". It is a 24" inch beast that my brother trailer mounted for me. The trailer has a wood rack and dual propane burners. I use this rig to smoke for large crowds. There are many great smokers and grills out there to choose from. Many specialty BBQ stores have regular demonstrations using various types of grills and smokers. Some smokers are very easy to use and to maintain heat. These include electric and pellet smokers. Others like the Big Green Egg are also very easy to maintain temperatures but do require time and experience to get use to. Old fashioned "stick burner" steel smokers definitely require some time and patience to maintain temperatures for low and slow cooks. I feel like this is real BBQ though and the time spent is always fun and worth it! If you plan on purchasing a old fashioned type off set "stick burner" steel smoker, I would highly recommend buying one that is at least 1/4" thick steel. You will not find these at the big hardware or chain stores. The ones at these stores are very thin and you will struggle maintaining temps. 1/4" steel smokers will last you a lifetime and for many generations to come. These smokers will be carried at your local BBQ specialty store. Companies like Horizon and Yoder make great old fashioned smokers. These smokers will definitely cost more but are well worth it. The old saying "you get what you pay for" definitely applies to steel smokers. Spend some time at your local BBQ specialty store and ask a lot of questions! The main thing – have fun! Feel free to email me anytime with questions: info@eaglerubfoods.com
Tips and Terms
Here are some tips and terms about smoking, grilling and baking: