Newbie with a WSM!

[D-dogg2011]

Hi Smokers

My WSM 57cm is on its way and am having my first BBQ this weekend. Unfortunately I am not going to have much time to practice. So I am after some advise from experienced smokers. I am gonna start by doing some brisket and spare ribs. Her are a few questions to get me started:-

What brand of briquettes to use and where to get them from?

Where to get my rubs from?

What wood to add to my briquettes and where to get them from?

Do I baste my meat whilst smoking or just keep the lid on to keep the heat in?

Sorry for all the q's guys, just wanna blow some minds at te weekend! I am in the midlands btw. Hope some one can help

[Eddie]

Welcome to the forum fella. You sure you want to do a brisket on your first cook? Brisket is one of the hardest things to cook. Why not just do a couple of beer can chickens, ribs and a good fatty? Most people get wood from gouldens. You should find it under BBQ smoking woods.
A very good selection of rubs can be found at American rubs and sauces company. I put a post on the BBQ news section. As for charcoal I would use resturant grade charcoal, heatbeads.
I hope this has help a little?
Eddie

[D-dogg2011]

Hi Eddie

Thanks for your advise, I will leave the brisket alone for a while then until I have had a practise. Just one thing what are you referring to when you say a "fatty". Sorry I am a real amateur! I will ordered some heat beads now then still don't know whether to go for lump or briquettes tho cos there is such a mixed opinion out there. Thanks for the help.

If all goes well I will post some pics at the weekend! Excited and nervous!!!!

[Eddie]

Where are you based? Lots of post on fatties on web site. If you want I can give you a recipe?

[paulfire]

agree on brisket, can be tricky. heatbeads definite, 24 hour delivery from barbeque world (toby, forum guru can supply too) heatbeads are briquettes. rubs and marinades are by the thousand- choose by taste from this forum but keep it simple at first (i just did a large chicken, salt pepper garlic granules, 2 pieces of cherry wood,3.5 hours at 225-235, 25 mins rest in foil- fantastic). don't be a skinflint with the fuel or booze, and have fun.
try chicken wings out - easypeasey- and great
enjoy

[keith157]

Agree with Eddie & Paulfire. Have a look at the supermarket shelves there are hundreds of rubs and sauces available depending on your taste.
Barbecuing is supposed to be fun, if you spend the whole night worrying about your first brisket at your first "bbq party" (and you will!!!) you won't enjoy it. Do a couple of beer can chickens, maybe a fatty as Eddie says (a perfect picture of a fatty http://www.bbbqs.com/Forum/viewtopic.ph ... y&start=10) ribs can be a bugger to start with, but if you can get good meaty ones go ahead.
There are lots of vids on youtube on making and cooking fatties.

[D-dogg2011]

Hi Guys

Thank for all y'all tips. Thanks for the links Eddie, wood is on its from Paul Goulden, he has been very helpful. Rubs and sauces ordered from the link you sent and picked up a couple of heat beads today.

Thanks again guys.

If all goes well I will post some picks at the weekend.

[chokethechicken]

How did it go?