I like to use cedar planks for fish. It adds a nice smoked flavor and gives me something to cook on. That helps for flipping etc. If you don't have one just be sure to flip a little as possible. Grill it hot and turn once after about 3-5 minutes. As far as the fish itself...a good rub and some grilled lemon is really all you need. A sauce is great but not necessary. Simple is better.
Looks great NWG.
I had a freaky fast cook with the brisket Friday night. I put it on at 10pm and it was at 160 by 3. I wrapped in butcher paper and dropped smoker temp from 250 to 225. It was at 203 by about 7. Only 9 hours for 13 lbs. On my MBE I've used 225 the whole way through and it would typically take 15 or more. I think I'll drop back to 225 next time and try and determine if it was the temp, the smoker, or a combination of the 2.
The brisket was tasty, though I wasn't entirely happy with the difference in doneness between the flat and point. I've never done it, but I may separate them before the next smoke and start the point early in hopes they finish closer in temp.
In the meanwhile, I threw a small butt on @6:30 this morning.
I'd like to upgrade my setup. Currently I have a weber kettle and and smokey mountain smoker. I like my kettle, but I'd like something that can get hotter. And my smoker requires constant temp monitoring - and since I live in a colder climate, I feel like I'm constantly adding fuel. Preferably, I'd like something that can grill and smoke, but without sacrificing anything. Without having to spend a fortune on something like a memphis grill, it seems like the grill that can do both is a kamado - specifically was looking at the Primo Oval. Will it get hotter than my kettle? What difference is there in time it takes to heat up? How is it as a smoker? Am I better off sticking with a dedicated grill and smoker separately?
I'd like to upgrade my setup. Currently I have a weber kettle and and smokey mountain smoker. I like my kettle, but I'd like something that can get hotter. And my smoker requires constant temp monitoring - and since I live in a colder climate, I feel like I'm constantly adding fuel. Preferably, I'd like something that can grill and smoke, but without sacrificing anything. Without having to spend a fortune on something like a memphis grill, it seems like the grill that can do both is a kamado - specifically was looking at the Primo Oval. Will it get hotter than my kettle? What difference is there in time it takes to heat up? How is it as a smoker? Am I better off sticking with a dedicated grill and smoker separately?
GB,
Battling the cold outdoor elements will always be an issue. Add more charcoal/wood to maintain the proper heat, work with the air intake/ exhaust & make mental notes of temps cooked in & what you've done to get the heat up. Make sure you have a T'stat.
Which do you do the most, cook or smoke & how much? There are a bunch of grills on the market that can do both and there are a bunch of combo's out there too. Any long (horizontal) grill can be used as a smoker by indirect cooking. Charcoal/wood on one end & food on the other. The Weber Kettle is not good for indirect cooking because all the heat is in the middle & there's no place to put the food off to the side.
A unit like the one pictured can be had for round $200 or less & they can do amazing things
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Im about in the same boat as you. My fiancé finally gave me the okay to splurge on a Komado Big Joe this summer and Im waiting to try and snag one at Costco. I looked for a while to decide on the one I wanted. From what it sounds like you are looking for I would get some sort of Komado. They can high heat grill, smoke, bake, etc. literally can do it all and does them well. There are a few of them at decent price points too. Primo, Pit Boss, Kong, etc are all good but not quite as much as a Komado Joe or BGE. You could even look at an Akorn for the first one for $200 and be able to really see if you like that style before buying a more expensive one. I decided on a Komado joe mainly for the attachments. The quality is as good as BGE but KJ comes with divide and conquer system, different types of grates you can buy and Im also really wanting to get the Joetisserie as well. Good luck with whatever you choose though 👍🏼
GB: the Char-Griller Akorn is a great way to get into Kamado-style cooking. It will get MUCH hotter than your current kettle and will allow for smoking, roasting, pizzas, etc with the purchase of the smoking stone. I used mine for about four years before upgrading to a BGE. It doesn't hold temp as well as the ceramic Egg, but it does a fine job, esp for only $250-300.
Went to Costco today, picked up a pack of pork shoulders. Was going to start them in the morning... but after injecting them and letting them sit for 3 hrs, I decided to get them in the smoker tonight and let them cook all night. Total weight is 11 lbs.
So... the plan is to mop them every 2 hrs until 12:30AM (that would be 5 hrs at 230F) and then put them in a foil pan and cover them and dial back to 220F. Should be close to being ready by 9AM or so.
Here you go GB. Should hold heat good, won't rust & has built in drink cooler. Can use your Webber top to help hold in the flavor & regulate the temp. Cost should be in the budget as you can probably find a used one for a deal. As a bonus, if you get too tore up & burn everything & it tastes like #2, you can blame it on the grill
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Here you go GB. Should hold heat good, won't rust & has built in drink cooler. Can use your Webber top to help hold in the flavor & regulate the temp. Cost should be in the budget as you can probably find a used one for a deal. As a bonus, if you get too tore up & burn everything & it tastes like #2, you can blame it on the grill
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