Years back, my first smoker was an old cemented in outhouse that came with the house I bought. Bought a barrel stove kit and piped it in. Wasn’t the best setup, but got me started.

Doing less than 5#, the Dough hooked has worked for me. But yes there is clean up. But I get better extraction than hand mixing. My opinion only, might not be the best solution.

Appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

twilliams I did two of the same batches of sticks last weekend, one with the Sure gel I had left and the other with carrot fiber. I personally prefer the sure gel.
I remember someone posting what they used as a Sure gel substitute about a month ago because it was milk based product w/ phosphate.
I believe it was 3/4 C Nonfat Milk powder and 11.3 g cold phosphate per #5 meat block. I going to try it on a small batch of sticks tomorrow. Will let you know how it turned out.