three years.
Moderator: British BBQ Society
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Backyardsmoker
- Twisted Firestarter

- Posts: 260
- Joined: 02 Mar 2013, 12:18
- First Name: Ben
- Sense of Humor: Cider makes me laugh ;/
- Location: Moira, Derbyshire
three years.
I can't believe it's been three years since I last posted. Had a lot going on in my life, but finally things are settled.
Last time I was here I was building my own smoker. It worked amazing. Really good results. I haven't smoked anything in 16 months. So this year I'm upgrading my smoker this spring and getting back on it.
Last year I was running my own cafe which took up all my time and then I worked at beefeater in Burton upon Trent for 13 weeks. I went in as a grill chef and with in two weeks I dominated the grill. That was something which normally took 8-12 months to achieve. Due to really shit hours and money I left. I now work in a chemicals factory in swadlincote with really good pay and hours. Meaning more time in the garden.
I'm still doing outside catering for weddings and parties but this year my big buy is a small hog roaster.
A gas one but when cooking for a client you need consistency and for a quality product. Gas roasters generally take 3 or 4 hours less time than charcoal. Looking forward to this.
Anyway, I'm back and I'm staying. And I'm going to be sharing my journey with upgrading my smoker and my hog roasting venture.
Last time I was here I was building my own smoker. It worked amazing. Really good results. I haven't smoked anything in 16 months. So this year I'm upgrading my smoker this spring and getting back on it.
Last year I was running my own cafe which took up all my time and then I worked at beefeater in Burton upon Trent for 13 weeks. I went in as a grill chef and with in two weeks I dominated the grill. That was something which normally took 8-12 months to achieve. Due to really shit hours and money I left. I now work in a chemicals factory in swadlincote with really good pay and hours. Meaning more time in the garden.
I'm still doing outside catering for weddings and parties but this year my big buy is a small hog roaster.
A gas one but when cooking for a client you need consistency and for a quality product. Gas roasters generally take 3 or 4 hours less time than charcoal. Looking forward to this.
Anyway, I'm back and I'm staying. And I'm going to be sharing my journey with upgrading my smoker and my hog roasting venture.
-
derekmiller
- Site Admin

- Posts: 642
- Joined: 02 May 2012, 12:20
- First Name: Derek
- Location: Cotton End, Beds
Re: three years.
Welcome back Ben.
Often wonder what happens to people who come on and then disappear....
Often wonder what happens to people who come on and then disappear....
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Backyardsmoker
- Twisted Firestarter

- Posts: 260
- Joined: 02 Mar 2013, 12:18
- First Name: Ben
- Sense of Humor: Cider makes me laugh ;/
- Location: Moira, Derbyshire
Re: three years.
Cheers
In my case life got in the way. Opening my own cafe, young children and much more in between.
In my case life got in the way. Opening my own cafe, young children and much more in between.
-
essexsmoker
- Rubbed and Ready

- Posts: 1093
- Joined: 31 May 2013, 18:32
- First Name: Ant
Re: three years.
Hi Ben. Would be interested to see your your smoker pics!
Re: three years.
Hi I've succumbed to buying my first smoker. Ill be getting it from USA via uk shop mid February . Any tips on thermometers ?
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essexsmoker
- Rubbed and Ready

- Posts: 1093
- Joined: 31 May 2013, 18:32
- First Name: Ant
Re: three years.
Maverick. Great unit.
Re: three years.
Thanks fellow Essex member . I bought a thermospike for £10. Looking at maverick too
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essexsmoker
- Rubbed and Ready

- Posts: 1093
- Joined: 31 May 2013, 18:32
- First Name: Ant
Re: three years.
Maverick is the way to go long term. Don't need the posh new one, the older unit is good.
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essexsmoker
- Rubbed and Ready

- Posts: 1093
- Joined: 31 May 2013, 18:32
- First Name: Ant
Re: three years.
Maverick is the way to go long term. Don't need the posh new one, the older unit is good.
I have a thermapen too. I'd say both are essential tools.
I have a thermapen too. I'd say both are essential tools.
- BraaiMeesterWannabe
- Rubbed and Ready

- Posts: 539
- Joined: 02 Sep 2014, 08:51
- First Name: Iain
- Location: Dorset UK
Re: three years.
Totally agree - Maverick is great. Old unit (732) has more than enough features imo
