Food Smokers and Smoking Tips/Tricks/Techniques

Yes! Didn’t think to look in the contest. Gonna have to give it a try soon. Thanks!

 

What he said.

 

@2:57

"We pack assembly instructions and a cook book with every BBQ, so you'll be a success from day 1 and can call yourself a real backyard hero."

I don't know why that struck me as funny. Probably because I've been at this (grilling on Webers at least) for nearly 20 years and don't think I'm ready to call myself a 'backyard hero'.

 

well, lest ye forget... there are stipulations to not be a noob, amateur, or wannabe backyard cook...

 

We're all backyard heroes!

 

I'm a jukebox hero...

 

I gotta say, that was a real epiphany for me. My dad and grandpa always had Webers, so I've been around them pretty much my whole life, but I got my first one for myself when I was about 22, I think. I'm 37 now, so saying "nearly 20 years" is taking a little liberty in rounding up, but that's still quite a bit of Weber time. The frequency of which I fire up the grill has fluctuated, but damn if it hasn't been a staple.



In before @Cold Iron laughs at my Weber rookie status

 

Sadly, I think my first weber kettle purchase was... only a couple years ago! I used some knock offs and rocked a char griller duo for years and a weber genesis along the way. I finally came to my senses and got the 22 and 26 within about 6 months of each other. and now add in the Ranch. My Weber Curve is getting steep! As was pointed out on SMF, I need the 14" Smokey Joe so I can have a better spread! Then I'll work on getting the WSM series...

 

There are probably a good 8-10 more you need for the collection. I honestly have to say I haven’t had a gas grill in probably 6-7 years now and can’t really see myself going back. I like the convenience of them but much prefer the flavor you get from charcoal or my pellet pooper.

 

Im afraid to admit ive forgotten what a charcoal grill flavor gives.

 

For sure. The convenience is awesome, but I've been propane grill-less for a bit now.

Grab a free or cheap kettle off of CL or FB. always cheap or free ones. good to have around.

 

Gf doesnt like "clutter". Struggle is real

 

I was right there with you I had traded the convenience for the flavor wood/coal gives. Now I don't think I can ever go back.

 

You could do one of the two in one units. One side is gas the other is coal. Gives you the best of both, a friend of mine had one I think he bought it at Sam's Club.

 

Ya I just can't do it. I've honestly been looking for a smaller Weber on CL for cheap. I love my Traeger and the food coming off it is great but with it's size I end up burning a lot of pellets for some small meals at times.

 

I haven't fired up the grill in at least 10 years!

 

I just started this year doing the charcoal thing. Been using nothing but a gas grill for years but I had been craving good smoked food, it's hard to even find a restaurant around here that does BBQ decent and baked ribs with liquid smoke weren't going to cut it. Now I have to the pit barrel and a Weber kettle and keeping an eye out for a good deal on a WSM or something else if it comes up. Until I started watching this thread more and started watching some youtube videos I never knew that a kettle could be used for more than dumping in some hot coals and searing stuff, knowing how to use its versatility is a game changer.

That being said I still use the gas grill for doing a decent amount of stuff like small chicken tenderloins for salads and to tear up for sandwiches, grilled salmon and halibut, corn on the cob or other veggies I'm not trying to add flavor to or if I am just going to sear some small steaks. I also use it for the searing part of a reverse sear that started on the kettle like pork chops or a tri-tip roast. I find it's easiet to just setup the kettle for the slow and have the gasser hot and ready so I don't have to figure out a way to keep the charcoal cool enough for the slow but then get it hot enough to sear on.

Having the right tool for the right job always makes things easier. If you can learn what each one excels at and how best to use it I think they all have their place.

Edit: Damn, didn't plan on writing a dissertation on outdoor cooking when I started typing that

 

Yes they all have their place, I used the gasser for everything for a long time. Once I learned about the charcoal chimneys which made it faster for me to bring that up to temp is when I stopped using the gasser (well to be honest the FL heat/humidity took it's toll on the burners so I just didn't rebuild it). Then I switched completely to my Traeger after I learned how to use it well. Now I would like a small charcoal again to do the quicker things on. I keep looking at CL but around me they are always stupidly over priced or don't exist, I don't want to get a cheapo Walmart one because the climate here will kill it in a season or so.

 

Anyone using a second grate on the 22" kettle?? Like a second tier. If so, what is it??

 

$29 Outspark Warming Cooking Rack/Smoking Rack for Weber, Char-Broil Charcoal Kettle Grills and Ceramic Large Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe Classic, Pit Boss K22, Louisiana K22 Grills, 17 3/4" SS Grill

https://www.amazon.com/Outspark-War...a-765439114471&psc=1&ref=&adgrpid=77503953588

like this? I've seen these before