Re: Just bought a smoker...........................
If you're cooking butts, try to hold grate temp to 250*. Cook until internal temp of butt is 195* or a little higher. If you're wanting sliced pork rather than pulled pork, cook to about 180*. You can get Taylor thermometers for $16.94 from Amazon. Buy 2 and get free shipping. You'll need 2 anyway. Apply a rub of your choice to the butts the night before, however, I just use salt.<br /><br />
<br /><br />No peeking and no basting. Everytime you open the lid, it takes a while for temp to stabilize. You can put apple juice or whatever in the pan, but it just smells better - adds nothing to the meat. The purpose of the water is not to keep the meat moist, but provide a heat sink. Lots of folks use sand instead. Clean-up is easier.