Just bought my first Cookshack!

Hi Kevin, welcome to the forum.

First run the smoker with 4-6 oz of wook in the woodbox on about 225* for a few hours. It will take probably at least 4 hours to burn all the wood, maybe longer. After that, cook a big fatty pork butt to 195*. Be sure and cover the top of the woodbox and the floor of the smoker with foil and poke a hole for drain. Use a thermometer probe down the top smoke hole and into the meat. Your set.

Take good notes, experiment, have fun!

Kevin,

Don't forget to put a pan under your smoker to catch the grease.

Welcome!

Make certain to read Lessons for new users a time or two!. It's invaluable.

If you are looking for times, temps and recipes, come to the Forum, don't go by the book sent with your smoker!!!

Good luck & have fun!

Welcome to the forum.

Read the thread "lessons for newbies" at the top of the Open Forum. LOTS of good lessons there.

Smokin'

Just a note. You will get some pretty extreme temperature swings with your 08. 30-40 degrees. Don't sweat it. Play the average temp and you'll be fine.

Steve

hdis2002,

Are the temp swings just with the 008? Or do you get the same with the 009 and other models?

Thanks

they all experience temp swings as the element cycles on and off. Ignore it. Just turn the dial and walk away! It will be tough not "messing" with stuff for your first few smokes.

I think you will get swings with anything electric. It cycles on then off. No problem tho..!

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the advice. I have already read through a ton of great tips in the forum. According to my tracking information, I should receive the unit tomorrow. I plan on seasoning the unit tomorrow afternoon. Then, maybe Wednesday, I will do my first butt.

Thanks!