Noob from North Carolina

JMSetzler

Greetings from Valdese in Western North Carolina

I found this forum during my research of ceramic cookers.  I do not yet own one but I have at least made the decision to purchase a Large Big Green Egg sometime during the next several months.  Last spring, I decided I wanted to try my hand at low and slow meat smoking, so I purchased the 18.5" Weber Smokey Mountain and used it with great success.  Shortly after that I purchased a Weber One Touch Gold charcoal grill to make the switch from gas to charcoal grilling.  Shortly after that, I built an ugly drum smoker that is just awesome.  Shortly after that, I gave my gas grill away and have moved completely back to charcoal cooking outside.  The quality of my grilled and smoked foods has improved dramatically since last April.

Here's a peek at the UDS:



I went another step further and made a mini smoker out of my Smokey Joe portable charcoal grill...



With the success I have had with these cookers, my urge to cook more stuff outside has just grown out of control.  I have had mixed successes cooking non-meat items on my grills and smokers.  I suppose this is the main reason I have decided to become and Egghead.  It appears that the efficiency and control offered by the BGE system will be just what I need to take my outdoor cooking to the next level.  I'm eggspecially looking forward to getting my homemade artisan breads on the grill!

While I'm saving my pennies to make this purchase, I'll be wandering around in this forum to see what else I can learn from you guys.  With any luck I'll be an egg owner in June or July!

Cheers...

IrishDevl

Welcome, that UDS is fantastic - love it.  

piney

JMSetzler, I also think the UDS is a great design. I live in Gamewell glad to have a neighbor aboard.

 

JMSetzler

JMSetzler, I also think the UDS is a great design. I live in Gamewell glad to have a neighbor aboard.

 

Nice to meet you!  Gamewell is just a short trip up the road from here. 

ChokeOnSmoke

Well done on the homemade smokers!
Welcome to the forum and enjoy the EGG when you get it home.

JMSetzler

The ITCH to get the egg is pretty difficult right now.  Due to this poor economy I'm going to have to suffer through a little wait to get it.  I am planning to build my own table for it as well. 

FlyingTivo

You can start by posting your Artisan Bread recipes!!!

Felipe

The Naked Whiz

I'm pretty sure that Mr. Toad lives in Valdese!

mustgrill

Saw you on You Tube. Your vids are great. I would patent that barrle smoker with that Digiq and make some cash. that thing looks like ti will get it done. Tell us more, please.

paulheels

Played ball with a guy from Valdese. Nice UDS. Gonna holler at u about it. There was a mini feet down in Augusta GA, I live in Aiken , SC. I think they still have some lathes with stand for sale. Goin to the place tomorrow will let u know.



Paul

mustgrill

We live in Hendersonville, NC

paulheels

Not too far, we are 3 hrs from Asheville. Would it be worth it for you to drive. They are about $250-300 less than retail

JMSetzler

The entire story of the UDS is here, along with photos and costs.  These things can be built a LOT cheaper than I built mine, but I'm very happy with what I have...

http://bbq.setzler.net/the-uds/

paulheels

Yeah. But I can't find a damn drum. Help me! Hep me!

JMSetzler

I found mine on craigslist.  Some areas have easier access to these that others but you should be able to find one for $20 or less if you shop around on craigslist.

Gato

Dang paulheels, am I gonna have to send you a drum full of boudin. Two birds with one stone

R2Egg2Q

Hey brother JMSetzler, welcome aboard!  Glad to see you made a decision on the Large vs XL Egg.  Have you considered an Eggfest demo egg?  The savings could get you an Egg earlier and could be worth the drive.  Here's one in May that's a few hours away: http://www.mountainegg.com/DemoEgg.php

JMSetzler

That looks like a good deal but I'm not sure if I will be ready to get one by then or not.  I'll have to see what the money looks like by then and if they are still available.