With today's lifestyle of striving to eat healthy and nutritious foods, a factor to consider is the importance of reducing fat intake.
One of the best ways to cut down on fat in your diet is to use a low fat method of cooking, such as smoking. As a pellet smoker
uses natural wood pellets, the savory wood flavor is cooked into the meats, reducing the need for high sugar-based sauces.
SMOKER ENVIRONMENT
1. WHERE TO SET-UP THE SMOKER
With all outdoor appliances, outside weather conditions play a big part in the performance of your smoker and the cooking
time needed to perfect your meals. The Pit Boss®, because of its double wall construction, should be considered as a 3 season
smoker, depending on where you live. All Pit Boss® units should keep a minimum clearance of 305mm (12 inches) from
combustible constructions, and this clearance must be maintained while the smoker is operational. This appliance must not
be placed under overhead combustible ceiling or overhang. Keep your smoker in an area clear from combustible materials,
gasoline and other flammable vapors and liquids.
2. COLD WEATHER COOKING
As it becomes cooler outside, that does not mean that smoking season is over! The crisp cool air and heavenly aroma of
smoked foods will help cure your winter blues. Follow these suggestions on how to enjoy your smoker throughout the cooler
months:
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If smoking at low temperatures fails, increase the temperature slightly to achieve the same results.
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Organize – Get everything you require ready in the kitchen before you head outdoors. During the winter, move your
smoker to an area that is out of the wind and direct cold. Check local bylaws regarding the proximity of your smoker
in relation to your home and/or other structures. Put everything you need on a tray, bundle up tight, and get it done!
•
To help keep track of the outside temperature, place an outdoor thermometer close to your cooking area. Keep a log
or history of what you cooked, the outdoor temperature, and the cooking time. This will help later down the road to
help you determine what to cook and how long it will take.
•
In very cold weather, increase your preheating time by at least 20 minutes.
•
Avoid opening the smoke cabinet door any more than necessary. Cold gusts of wind can completely cool your internal
temperature. Be flexible with your serving time; add about 10 – 15 minutes extra cooking time each time you open the door.
•
Have a heated platter or a dish cover ready to keep your food warm while making the trip back inside.
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Ideal foods for winter cooking are those that require little attention, such as roasts, whole chickens, ribs, and turkey.
Make your meal preparation even easier by adding simple items such as vegetables and potatoes.
3. HOT WEATHER COOKING
As it becomes warmer outdoors, the cooking time will decrease. Proper dress is important when it gets really hot: shorts,
shirt, shoes, hat, apron and a generous slab of suntan lotion is recommended. Follow these few suggestions on how to enjoy
your smoker throughout the hot months:
•
Adjust your cooking temperatures downward. This helps to avoid unwanted flare-ups.
•
Use a meat thermometer to determine the internal temperature of your foods. This helps in preventing your meat
from over cooking and drying out.
•
Even in hot weather, keep the smoke cabinet door closed at all times.
•
You can keep foods hot by wrapping them in foil, and placing them in an insulated cooler. Stuff crumpled up
newspaper around the foil and this will keep food hot for 3 to 4 hours.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS