Starting A Smoker?

[trapshooter]

I have a hot plate in the bottom of my smoker, then I have a plate of wood chips on it. Now what do I just turn the hot plate on or do I have to do anything else?

[Jimboy]

Originally Posted by trapshooter

I have a hot plate in the bottom of my smoker, then I have a plate of wood chips on it. Now what do I just turn the hot plate on or do I have to do anything else?

Dont do it in the kitchen , and keep the fire exterminator nearby.

[Kim473]

I think the hot plate is mostly for heat in the smoker and think you need to get the chips smoldering by lighting them up and puting out the flames. Have smoked a little in my bbq while cooking a big roast, takes a lot to get the chips going in there even. Think the chips need to be soaked in water a bit so they dont just burn up. I dont smoke so not an expert by any means. Search the web as there are lots tips about smokers and stuff.

[Rumtan]

I dont light the chips, I just let the heating element work its majic and smolders the chips. We do 4 pans full of chips per smoking session (depending on number of fish) but at least 4-8 hours of smoking.