My first post. Very similar to Coastside Fishing website here in CA. Just got my new 055 smoker last week. I was very excited. My wife about fell out of her chair when I told her how much I paid for it. I got the smoker as I am out salmon fishin every weekend and got sick of people smokin my fish for me and then keeping 1/2 as a fee. A couple issues. One of the legs on the smoker appears to be slightly shorter than the others so the smoker wobbles a little. However, when I put the drip pan under the smoker, it keeps it from wobbling. That was somewhat disappointing since I spent a grand for the smoker and expected it to be perfect. Am I just being too picky??? Anyway, I proceeded with seasoning the smoker per the directions. I was surprised about the amount of smoke coming out of the top left corner of the door. I have read several posts regarding the same thing and it appears that this may be normal. Some posts indicate that after a few smokes, that will go away. I have seasoned it several times for up to 14 hours to see if it goes away and it is still leaking. Doesn't this cause alot of moisture to be lost? Will this ever go away? I did smoke 2 full racks of spare ribs and used the hooks. Smoked for 4 3/4 hours at 225 with the Cookshack rub and coating of Apple Cider Vinegar. Used 2 oz of hickory and 2 oz of apple. I am partial to baby backs but figured that the spare ribs had more fat and meat on them and may be a good candidate for my first smoke. I did open up the door very quickly probably 3 times during cooking in order to spray them down with more vinegar. They turned out just OK. A little dry and not the falling off the bone as I had expected. May have been a bad cut of meat but I am concerned that it is the leaking from the door that may be the problem. Should I be marinating first? Great website and hope to be an active participant!! Sorry so long!
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