Warning: My high tech smoker purchase taught me a hard lesson

Back in the day, I learned on an offset stick burner that needed constant attention. You got to know the fire by sound and smell, not numbers. Last year, I switched to a fancy electric model with all the bells and whistles. My first cook was a mess because I trusted the built in timer over my gut. The ribs came out dry, and I realized I had lost touch with the process. Now I mix old school methods with new tools, but the basics still matter most.

3 comments

3 Comments

robert_craig2mo agoTop Commenter

Can you RELATE to trusting a timer and wrecking dinner too?

fisher.reese2mo ago

Remember my timer went off for roasted broccoli but the inside was still cold. The real problem, @robert_craig, isn't the timer lying. It's me not checking the food itself. I've learned my lesson with chicken that looked done but was totally raw inside. Now I use a meat thermometer every single time. Trusting the timer over your own eyes is a sure way to ruin a meal.

brookes371mo ago

Yeah, timers are just a rough guide, not a guarantee. I've pulled out pasta that was still hard in the middle because the box said ten minutes. Now I always taste test or check with a thermometer before calling anything done.