First Cook - What to Cook? Additional Steps prior to cooking?

Slashorn

New member
I will be receiving my rec-tec 680 in less then two weeks and after curing it, I will begin my first cook.

I am very new to using a pellet smoker/grill and am seeking some advice....What should be my first cook be?

I don't want to jump to brisket, but is there anything that is recommended for a first cook to learn a) the nuances of pellet cooking and 2) the nuances of the particular grill...any steps that should undertake before a first cook (checking for "hot spots", cooking bacon as first cook, etc.)

Thanks!
 

So Cal Smoker

New member
You can cook bacon if you like, line up slices of bread to test for hot spots, and run at very high heat to burn of any manufactures residue. However, for your first "Cook" I would suggest a pork butt. They are somewhat forgiving and you can have pulled pork for many different applications. What ever you cook have fun with it and remember, Failure is the highway to success.
Good luck and have a great cook.

Bill
 

KekePerkele

New member
Another newby here. Just got my GMG Boone rolled in and did the "burn in", now wondering what to cook ..... got some ribs in the fridge, I think I will put my special rub on for overnight Sat evening ... and give this thing a try on Sunday. Wondering how much I have to weer off my traditional program with this thing. Thinking 6 hours ~225 and sprayings with mixture of apple cider and beer (now and then) I know I will have to do ~20 racks of ribs before I get it right, fine, it will be a busy week ;) I don't like overly smoked ribs, and I don't like them "fall of the bone". I don't like them all soggy full of que', I like dry rub, dip'em in the sauce if you wish kinda way. I got my GMG because it was a very god deal and people seem to like them. When they rolled her in, I fell in love, she's my kinda girl we will do just fine, now I just have to figure her out. But HEY she came with an awesome manual !
 

scooter

Moderator
Agree with SoCal, pork butt is a good choice for a first cook. Very forgiving and it makes for lots of sammiches and leftovers!

Welcome to PS.com!
 

jimsbarbecue

Moderator
Don't forget Chicken. We cook between 225 and 400. Start low and finish high or just the opposite. Pellet grills are great with chicken and right now it is the cheapest meat to buy.
 

scooter

Moderator
Checking for hotspots is always a good idea with a new cooker. Get yourself a couple tubes of ready to bake bisquits. Place them evenly across the surface of your grate then bake them. When done you'll see exactly where the hotspots are by the color of the bisquits.
 
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