tube pellet smoker thing

[ktgrok]

I bought one, thanks to a different thread. And have nothing to smoke, lol. Have to go to the store, what should I get? Want to start easy - can I just "smoke" some chicken thighs on the grill with it or something? Like, basically can I start just by grilling over indirect heat, like I normally would for something like that, but add the smoker tube for extra flavor? I don't want to do a long, huge experiment as my first try. Heck, not even sure I can light it with what I have on hand, lol. And can I "put it out" if I'm done before all the pellets burn? Or no, and I need to be careful how many pellets i put in. 

I'm also likely to cold smoke some cheese, because smoked cheese is yummy. 

[fairfarmhand]

I have zero experience with a pellet smoker. Mine is charcoal. That said, I found smoking a turkey breast very easy, whole chickens are easy. My sister in law does smoked bacon that is wonderful. I've done a pork shoulder/butt for pulled pork BBQ, and though it takes a long time (12 hours) it's my favorite. Get a good meat thermometer is my advice.

[Spy Car]

I have rarely had good luck smoking chicken.

The texture has always turned rubbery and the taste has been reminiscent of hot dogs. Worth a try as chicken is cheap, but if it ends up tasting like "processed meat" know you won't be the first to have failed. Don't let it put you off.

Something like a pork butt (or shoulder/picnic) is almost foolproof.

Ribs are good (a small step up in "mastery").

Brisket is a little tricker and takes the longest to cook, but is the ultimate smoked meat in the eyes of many.

Bill