Ok BBQ GAF I finally got round to putting my new smoker together. Whole house is kind of upside down since we're decorating too right now, but here she is!
Don't worry I won't be using it that close to the oil tank of course but half the kitchen is also in the back garden right now hence the location. Needed to ask if I've done the grill setup right since the instructions were practically non existent. Came with a top rack and bottom rack which I assume I've gotten right. Not really sure what the point or benefit of a second rack is tbh.
I still need to get a couple things like a digi thermometer and the briquettes/logs. Don't want to break the bank on the thermometer so if anyone has suggestions for a good yet affordable wireless one would be awesome. There's lots on Amazon but I get a little worried that many of the cheaper ones won't be very reliable. I remember some recommendations coming my way a few pages back which I'll have to go over again and see if they're in my price range.
It mentioned in the instructions too that the grills have a coating that needs cooking off. I assume I can do that using just briquettes? I figure I should probably also wait til I have a thermometer to do that and use it as a chance to try get used to balancing the temperature through air flow. Also how important is the lighting chimney? I intend to grab one at some point anyway just trying to get started asap but working on limited cash. Also need a very good heat proof mitt and that's a high priority.
Glad to just finally be close to starting now! Would have loved to get the Webber but that was more than 4x the price I got this for so even if I only get a couple years and some practice in I won't be flying blind anymore and know what to look for when I'm happy to put a bigger wad of cash down on one.
The two digi's I'm looking at are
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06ZYBNGDC/ and
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014DAVHSQ/ if anyone can vouch for either.
What's the best thing to clean with to preserve it by the way?