As I talk to more people about getting into smoking meat, questions come up regarding what are the products I like to use and have in my arsenal. So, below is a list of the various tools & products that I keep on hand and use while preparing, smoking and packaging the various food I cook.
Recteq Pellet Smoker
I’m currently using the RT-680 which is the older
version of the RT-700. Although I have done some upgrades so it
has similar features as the RT-700.
Weber Performer Charcoal Grill
I have an older version of this and the lighter went out
but I like having the extra “counter” space and
charcoal storage
FireBoard
I started with version 1 and recently upgraded to version
2 in December 2021
Competition Series Probes
The smaller tip is great for small cuts of meat (chicken
thighs) and still work with large roasts
Probe Organizer
They just wrap around for easy storage
Lumberjack Pellets
I go through A LOT of pellets in a year so buying in bulk
is a must and I also want quality, this delivers on both
accounts
A-MAZE-N Pellet Tray
Generally using this for cold smoking bacon since it will last
11-12 hours
A-MAZE-N Oval Tube
When I went some extra smoke, this will tuck in the back
of my smoker and stay lit better than the tray while cooking
Vacuum Sealer
The model I have (FoodSaver V3240 Vacuum Sealing System)
isn’t around anymore but there are plenty of good products
to choose from
Vacuum Seal Bag Rolls
I never know what size bag I need and buying in bulk saves a
bit of money
Bear Claws
I’ve used plastic ones before but the tips always melt
Bradley Smoker Racks
Not in stock often but I like these for the turned up edges to
keep things from rolling off and large enough holes for lots of
smoke to get through
Sous Vide Weights
Not just for sous vide, sometimes you need to weigh down meat
that is marinating or curing (mmmm bacon)
Rubber Gloves
Great for cleaning up without getting hands dirty or for taking
a little heat off when handling cooked meat
Welding Gloves
For when I need to move hot around things in the pit
Stiff Putty Knife
Works great to scrape off the buildup on the heat deflector
Metal Dust Pan
Scoop up all the stuff scraped out and also the extra ash that
gets built up inside
Grill Floss
(scraper for grill gates)
This works great to get around
the entire grate rod
Foil Pan
I use these to prep food, cook food and store leftovers in to
make cleanup simple and easy
Foil Pan Lids
I usually just cover with foil but these lids come in handy for
transportation since they are a little sturdier and don’t
rip when opening and closing like foil does
Food Container (small)
Mainly used when curing pork belly but works great for other
cures and marinades
Food Container Lid (small)
Unfortunately, the lid is sold separately
Food Container (large)
Again, mainly used when curing pork belly but I can do 2 full
bellies at a time instead of only a half
Food Container Lid (large)
Unfortunately, the lid is sold separately
Spice Container
I like to make larges batches of various rubs and want a
container with large holes in the lid