I'm going to explain how to start a meat-smoking hobby with with $150.

I started smoking meats during the pandemic and have smoked dozens of rib racks, hundreds of wings, and a brisket or two. I'm still impressed by how delicious it is, and I'm consistently recieiving compliments.

Unfortunately, I missed out on years of this because I thought for sure it was an involved hobby.

You don't need a lot of money or space to make smoked meats

I also thought the following:

• I don't have enough space

• Meat for smoking is expensive

• Smoking meat is difficult

• It's not worth the time or energy

It turns out that these assumptions were completely wrong, and here's a step by step directions on how to smoke your first meats.

Step 1: Buy the cheapest barrel grill you can find with a drawer tray and a chimney

I bought mine at The Home Depot for $100.

It's important that the grill has a charcoal tray drawer and adjustable dampers, the flaps that allow for air adjustments.

Grab charcoal tongs, charcoal, lighter fluid, and chunks of grilling hardwood, like applewood.

Step 2: Order and install a grill thermostat

To smoke meats, you need to control your grill temp. Most of the flavor comes from the slow cook.

You can purchase a cheap digital grill thermometer or buy an analog one, and install it with a drill. This should cost no more than $20

Step 3: Smoke meats

Make chicken if you're short on time, or pork ribs because they're delicious and difficult to overcook

Soak your wood, start some charcoals, and use tongs to build a little fire. Then, add your meat and some wet hard wood to the coals.

Use the dampers to adjust the heat, more air is more heat, less air, less heat.

After a couple hours you and all your friends will be enjoying an amazing meal.