Using a smoker… plus grilling and cooking

[logan82]

I have done pork butts on my 22" Weber. Only two 4# butts at once. One chimney of charcoal lasted almost 10 hours and I didn't have to adjust the temp much. Just a couple times through a whole day. Pretty airtight.

[CheezWizHed]

Pulled pork is about a 12-hour cook plus a couple hours to rest, so something to consider if you want that for lunch.

 

Yeah, I'll re-emphasize this point. If you want "convenience", you don't want to smoke. Smoke is low and slow; it takes time. My fastest smokes (i.e. a turkey) still take 3 hours (and technically 300 degrees for a turkey might not really be "smoking"). Smaller pork butts can go 8 hours or a brisket split in half (the thick way) can be 6 hours. But generally, you have it going all day.

[NeedMoreFans]

I have a Kamado Joe Classic 2. I grill and smoke with it, it's great for making pizza, and the charcoal doesn't really take that long to heat up. When I'm simply grilling, I light the charcoal, then go prep whatever I'm going to grill and make as a side. By the time I'm prepped, the grill is ready to go. I bought it for its smoking capability and it hasn't disappointed me. I can easily get 12+ hours at a consistent temperature, though there was a bit of a learning curve getting to that point. Ribs take 4-5 hours, and my favorite thing is smoking my own bacon (pork belly is cheaper per pound than store-bought bacon and it's so much better).

 

I also have an immersion circulator and sous vide a lot of different foods, often finishing them on the grill/smoker. I actually really cheat with brisket and sous vide it for 24 hours then smoke it for 2-3 hours. I've also sous vide steaks, chops, etc and finish them on the grill and they are fantastic.

[Marc Newfield of Dreams]

I use a Masterbuilt propane cabinet smoker. Can fit a good amount of meat in there, but the larger packer cuts would be too big for it. Gives a better smoke than electric.

 

Temperature takes a little babysitting depending on the conditions, but much less than charcoal did.

[BMuch25]

I do appreciate everyone's input. After the 4th of July, I will probably pull the trigger on a Traeger Timberline 1300. I would be able to use it for quick grilling of burgers for the family on weeknights and smoking on weekends. It's not cheap so any last words of advice?

[CheezWizHed]

Well, as soon as I can find one, I'll be buying a Char-Griller 980 - charcoal gravity smoker. Kind of like a Traeger, but not wood pellets. I finally wore down my wife for the $600 price tag. Last night on the news, they were talking about the company selling trips to space (20 miles up) on a 6 hour trip for $125k. I said that would be really cool... she said, "I'd rather you buy the smoker". So boom, done deal! .

 

Unfortunately, the company has been having some issues getting them in stock, so I either buy it sight-unseen or wait. But reviews have been really good, so I might just pull the trigger.

[Marc Newfield of Dreams]

Has anyone used pellets in a cast iron smoker box? I was thinking about trying it, but I'm a little concerned about them igniting more easily than the soaked chips.

[CheezWizHed]

Are you thinking of this because of cost/convenience? Seems like pellet stoves get the reputation of not having much of a smoky flavor - thought I don't know that personally.

 

FYI, My Char-Griller 980 is on the way. Arrives next Wednesday!

[MrTPlush]

Last night on the news, they were talking about the company selling trips to space (20 miles up) on a 6 hour trip for $125k. I said that would be really cool... she said, "I'd rather you buy the smoker". So boom, done deal! .

 

I use the same logic on my wife. For instance I’d talk up a Traeger to the point where she gets the feeling I’m going to buy it regardless of her opinion (I wouldn’t) and then I’ll smack her with the idea of the $600 Char-Griller. She will think she is getting an incredible 50% off deal and would pretty much push me in the car to go get it.

 

Sometimes I feel like a slimy car salesman…almost.

[Marc Newfield of Dreams]

Are you thinking of this because of cost/convenience? Seems like pellet stoves get the reputation of not having much of a smoky flavor - thought I don't know that personally.

 

Mainly tinkering/some convenience. If I can load up that box and not have to shuffle new chips in every hour that would be nice.

[CheezWizHed]

Yeah, I understand. I've used charcoal for 20+ years; most of the time I don't mind the tinkering and kind of enjoy the "art", but other times I want to set it and forget it. Char-griller comes in Wednesday though I'm not 100% sure when I'm going to be able to fire it up...busy week!

[GAME05]

When you get it be sure to fire it up without food first to burn off the manufacturing grease.

[CheezWizHed]

When you get it be sure to fire it up without food first to burn off the manufacturing grease.

 

[sarcasm]Dude! That's the best part! I bought a gallon of their grease just to keep the new grill flavor going![/sarcasm]

 

Yeah, the first two cooks will be a burn-in followed by seasoning with canola oil. I'll try the toast test on my second cook to look for hot spots.

 

The bigger question is when... of course, this week is crazy busy.