Welcome!

**RonB** · March 3, 2019, 08:23 AM

Have you tried craig's list? You may find what you want there, or find someone who is willing to work with you.

**BRic** · March 3, 2019, 08:39 AM

Make sure you get a convection plate , charcoal basket , charcoal grate for main cook area . they are nice options to get .
I have these three option and i am happy that i bought them .

**NapMaster** · March 3, 2019, 09:43 AM

Will make a fun road trip to pick your rig . Take pictures and post so we can live vicariously through your adventures.

**Henrik** · March 3, 2019, 10:32 AM

That's great news, looking forward to seeing it in action!

A word on lighting the fire: Many people use charcoal or briquettes to start it. While it works, I've never understood why I should use more than one fuel. I just light some twigs and kindling with a match (I have fire starter matches, they are a little thicker). Then add some splits, and then thicker splits. All wood, all the way through. Very easy.

As for accessories: the convection plate is a must. But I see you already thought of that.

When you get it home, do a first dry run to see how it behaves. get a packet of wheat crackers or a loaf of cheap toast. Place the crackers/toast all over the grates. Now run it for an hour at your desired smoke temp. This will teach you:

- basic fire management techniques - when and how often do you need to add splits to maintain temp?
- does it have hot spots? Most smokers have, the trick is knowing where they are.
- move the convection plate around to see how temps in the food chamber changes.

The last advice about dry runs with crackers/toast is invaluable, you get to learn a lot about your smoker with zero risk.

**Max Good** · March 3, 2019, 12:24 PM

Everything you need to know about outdoor cooking is right here at AmazingRibs.com
Here's a list of wood suppliers - https://amazingribs.com/ratings-revi...cue-wood-chips

**Dadof3Illinois** · March 3, 2019, 12:44 PM

emtphillips check Craigslist for your wood or ask around for anyone willing to let you come cut up some dead fall they want moved out. You should have plenty of wood around that area. If not just search Craigslist down south if you. If your willing to drive a couple hours south you can get pretty much all the wood you can haul.

**Mr. Bones** · March 3, 2019, 12:54 PM

My guess is, yer gonna LOVE yer new Horizon, same same as I LOVES mine!

**xaugievike** · March 3, 2019, 02:42 PM

I'll be glued to your experience with the Horizon cooker. my primary interest in them is I can get one 20 mins away at Bass Pro....

**JeffJ** · March 4, 2019, 09:35 AM

I wish I had experience with this cooker. I saw one at Bass Pro last year, it was a 16" and MAN was that lid heavy. Quarter-inch thick steel ain't no joke.

**emtphillips** · June 23, 2019, 09:14 AM

Sorry to leave a few of you wondering for a few weeks.! We traveled to Perry, OK to pick up our customized smoker from Horizon Smokers. I can't say enough about this smoker. It is perfect for a backyard family smoker. Easy to learn the temp control. I did find while learning to maintain heat it burns smaller chucks better than 8" logs. I have cooked pork ribs and shoulders on it several times now. If you live close to Bass Pro go check them out. BUT if you want to purchase on, order it from the factory. The cost savings allows you to add accessories. Shipping is available, but my wife and I made a road trip out of it. We live in Central Illinois and traveled US Route 66 along the way and had a blast.!!

Attached Files

**JeffJ** · June 23, 2019, 09:30 AM

It looks awesome. Congrats!

**AverageJoe** · June 23, 2019, 09:31 AM

I belong to the local Bass Masters group and we meet monthly at Bass Pro. Talk about being hard to control the MCS. I am always over in the outdoor grilling section looking over all the items there. That is definitely a nice cooker you have there.