13 Mistakes Beginner Meat Smokers Make
Even seasoned pitmasters make mistakes from time to time, but knowing what to avoid when you’re learning to smoke meat can save you a lot of trouble as you dive into the world of smoking. Here are 13 common mistakes beginner meat smokers make—and how to steer clear of them.
1. Starting your smoker too late, or not giving yourself enough time
Smoking meat isn’t something you can rush. It takes time to get your smoker properly preheated, and it often takes longer to cook your food than you might expect.
Large cuts of meat can take upwards of 18-20 hours to smoke, so if you’re short on time, steer clear of classic big cuts like brisket or pork shoulder. Instead, go for quicker options like sausages, chicken thighs, or fish.
