Hello from the centre of the BBQ universe... Cardiff...

Hi guys

Just saying hello. I've meant to get myself on a bbq board for some time... unfortunately I don't have a ProQ, only a Kingsford smoker cart, but I did recently pick up a ProQ cold smoker. Looking forward to swapping tips!

Hi Irish Admiral and welcome to the forum!

It doesen't matter what type of BBQ/ Smoker you have, it's all about the joy of cooking outdoors and sharing tips.

Let us know how you get on with the CSG, I'e got a bit of salmon smoking as I type this, been on since 1.30pm, so should be ready to come off at around 10.30.

Mack wrote:Let us know how you get on with the CSG, I'e got a bit of salmon smoking as I type this, been on since 1.30pm, so should be ready to come off at around 10.30.

Thanks for the welcome...

I've given the CSG a go with some cheddar and applewood dust: my first try wasn't too successful. The cheese smelt smokey, but a bit "green" if you know what I mean. I hadn't cleaned my smoker out after the autumn's BBQs - does that tend to affect it?

As long as the grates were clean, it shouldn't affect the taste.

How long did you smoke it for and did you let the cheese rest for a couple of days?

I popped it on some tin foil whilst it was smoking - the grille was clean, though as I said, i'd not cleaned the inside of the BBQ after the autumn.

First time I smoked it for a couple of hours with the vents mostly shut. I tried some immediately then a few days later, and it was still a bit green bonfire-like.

Just tried some again this evening, only an hour this time with the top vent half open, and bottom vents fully open. Smelt fairly similar to last time, but i've popped it in the fridge wrapped up in some foil and will try a bit tomorrow evening.

I'm just wondering if my apple wood dust is poor quality perhaps?

Not sure about the apple dust, if it's the stuff we supply, there shouldn't be a problem.

See how this next batch tastes in a couple of days time. If it's the same, try cleaning the smoker, or make a cardboard box smoker

I got the wood dust from the same place I got the CSG, though it was just in some round white tubs.

Will see how it turns out, if not, i'll try cleaning the BBQ then the cardboard box!

Well the next bit I did was a fair bit better. Certainly tasted better! Much more like what I was thinking, and I think having the vents open helped a bit. I still had some of that burnt smell hanging around, so I need to get a feel for whether that was down to the BBQ lid & sides not being cleaned or not. Will do a final test with the BBQ after Xmas, and then try it with the cardboard box smoker for a comparison...