Vent: I had to pick between a big offset smoker and a pellet grill for my first real setup

I saved up for a year and finally had about $800 to spend. It came down to a classic Oklahoma Joe offset or a Traeger pellet grill. Everyone online said the offset was the 'real' way to learn, but the pellet grill was so easy. I went with the offset, thinking I'd master fire management. The first month was brutal. I ruined a whole brisket, about 15 pounds, because I couldn't keep the temp steady overnight. My wife joked the smoke alarm was our new dinner bell. I stuck with it, though, and after maybe six cooks, I finally got a feel for the air vents and wood chunks. Now my ribs are decent, but man, that learning curve is steep. Has anyone else almost gave up on an offset before it clicked?

2 comments

2 Comments

richard_shah7d ago

That "smoke alarm dinner bell" line got me... my first time trying to cold smoke cheese in a little bullet smoker, I didn't realize how much smoke it would make on my apartment balcony. The whole building got a bit fragrant and I had some explaining to do to the neighbors.

jadeg817d ago

My first brisket attempt set off every smoke alarm in a three block radius, lol.