First cook... lessons learned...

[Chris Stanek]

Well... I did my first cook in a kettle. It wasn't a disaster, but it wasn't great either. I tried smoking some sliced beef ribs. These are cross cut ribs I get sometimes at SAMS. Both of my Mavericks took a dump so I had no idea what temp I was at... which brings me to the first error..

Lump vs regular old Kingsford. I always use lump in my big smoker. It didn't work well for the kettle. First, I tried to use the Weber charcoal baskets. I had a chimney of lump that tried to dump into the baskets. It went about as well as you'd imagine. Anyway... the rib meat was edible but that's about it. Later, I dumped the baskets onto the grate and added some more lump so I could cook some lobster tails. The problem with lump is that You can't spread it out even. I had some really hot spots with other spots just medium. There was no rhyme or reason to the zones. I just couldn't get an even fire with the odd shaped lump. It get caught in the grate, etc.

The tails weren't ruined, but they were just okay. One was undercooked a bit, so I had to toss it back on for a couple of minutes.

I'm a bit disappointed, but I know it's mostly just the breaks of newbie mistakes. I certainly went through all of them when I started smoking, so I guess this will be no different.

Next week, I'm gonna go simple and just cook the Rib Eyes I got waiting.

 

[Stuart S]

Wow, you posted almost exactly what I intended to post after my first cook on an OTS. Until Saturday I owned a gas grill that was a cheap knockoff of a decent gas grill. It crapped out and I couldn't get the tubes out due to poor design. I went to my local home depot to look at new ones with my wife and finally convinced her that charcoal was the way to go. I bought the lump as I liked the fact that I was natural wood and nothing else.

Had almost the exact same experience with the lump charcoal that you did and she wanted to go out and get a gas grill yesterday after a disappointing result on some burgers. At one point I was at 400 degrees at the grill, but as soon as I opened the lid to put the burgers on the temp dropped to 250 and never came back up.

It's going to rain for a few days so my plan is to get some Kingsford and read up on here to make sure the next cook is a success and I don't en up with another gas grill on my deck.

Any advice for a newb?

 

[Chris Stanek]

Yeah, it was really frustrating. I've cooked with charcoal many times simply using my smoker rig. I have a big Brinkman offset which actually works quite well, but it's just a bit of a hassle.

Everything I did yesterday was wrong. I lost count how many times I had to take the grate on and off, just not thinking things through. I just fumbled aroudn with the lid the grate, the coals, everything. I burned myself 100 times. To add insult to injury, both my Mavericks are broken. The displays are all messed up like the LCD panels got damaged.

Whatever. It happens I guess. I did look at my Weber gasser many times yesterday wishing I just would have fired that up instead. Lessons learned though. It'll be fine next time.

 

[Joe S.]

I use kingsford before but I love these hardwood briquettes. It will get easier after a couple cooks. How much did you have your vents at the bottom opened?
http://www.humphrey-charcoal.com/charmore.html
If I cant get humpreys I get royal oak.
http://www.royal-oak.com/39

 

[Chris Stanek]

It wasn't so much a question of controlling the fire, but more just trying to get it even. I was using Royal Oak lump and there was just too much variation in the size. I couldn't get it spread out evenly enough. That and when I initially started the slow cook, the fact that one of the charcoal baskets got hotter coal than the other was another problem. If using the charcoal baskets, are you supposed to put the charcoal in them first then light? I don't see how dumping from a chimney into the baskets would get thenm even since the coals in the bottom of the chimney are going to be hotter.

 

[CarolB (CAB)]

I had a similar experience when I was experimenting with lump and natural briquettes. I did a little better with the hardwood briquettes but I had the same results as Stuart with the temp never coming back up. The steaks were all decent but I just never got that wonderful sear.

I've been using the WSM as my grill and have had really good results with KF Competition but used up my last bag a couple of months ago and have not seen them yet at HD or Costco.

I told the hubby that if he ever sees KF competition briquets to buy 10 bags for me. He thinks I'm kidding.

I just picked up Rancher hardwood briquette (under the Trader Joe brand) so I'll be giving that a shot this weekend and hopefully it won't be the same meh results as the other brand I tried. Full disclosure, I know much, if not all, of the problems with my grilling is...me.

Been grilling on a gas grill for so many years that I knew going in would take some practice. It would have been better if my first charcoal grilling didn't turn out so good (using KF Comp of course) since expectations was set high.

 

[TroyRedington]

getting super even cooking with lump can be challenging

I've found it's best to always ramp the charcoal for zoned heating first, at least then you KNOW where the hot spot is. then you can avoid the hot spot, or disperse it to even things out.

i've been using lump for 5 years. the pros far outweigh the cons

 

[Stuart S]

I had my lower vents open between 1/4 and 1/2 inch at first, then opened them fully when the temp dropped hoping to stoke them up. I think I might have to use more smaller pieces and stack them into a higher pile in order to really get the temp up. If I'm cooking a couple of steaks, or around 8 burgers, how much lump should I be using? I had 3/4 of a chimney full and it didn't seem like it was enough...

 

[MKEvenson]

Chris, because of the irregular shape of the lump, I think it better to use fire bricks to section off your hot zone. Also you can cut your lump and make them pretty even in size or at least small enough so that they can be evenly distributed. I like lump and use it exclusively for all my cookers except when I use my Smoke EZ. It just takes practice. And if in the end you would rather use briquets, go for it!

Mark

 

[DK Smith]

Chris how is your setup? My temps really dialed in on my kettle when I started foiling the bottom grate. IMO the key to kettle slow cooking is having the right setup.

 

[Mike Purnell]

Canadian Tire sells RO natural briquettes: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST...252Blb.jsp?locale=en I prefer the lump but their briquettes are good too.

I usually slope the fire too using 3/4 of the charcoal grate. This gives me a hot, medium and cold zone.

I bought this book when I first started with charcoal, it's now my bible: http://www.amazon.ca/Webers-Ch...g-Live/dp/0376020474

Keep practicing, it will get easier and way more fun than gas.

 

[Chris Stanek]

Thanks for all the advice. My setup was haphazzard at best since I'm new to the whole kettle thing. I always use lump in my big smoker because with the firebox, it doesn't really matter much.

The cook was sorda spur of the moment and I just didn't think things through very well. The whole thing felt awkward.

Here are some of my questions now that I've thought about it:

1) when using the weber trays for indirect, do you fill them with lit charcoal or some combination like a modified minion?

2) I want to install a permanent lid thermometer. I figured I'd just drill a hole and make it happen. Pros/cons to this and where would be the best location?

Thanks again.

 

[PaulFisher]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Chris Stanek:
Thanks for all the advice. My setup was haphazzard at best since I'm new to the whole kettle thing. I always use lump in my big smoker because with the firebox, it doesn't really matter much.

The cook was sorda spur of the moment and I just didn't think things through very well. The whole thing felt awkward.

Here are some of my questions now that I've thought about it:

1) when using the weber trays for indirect, do you fill them with lit charcoal or some combination like a modified minion?

2) I want to install a permanent lid thermometer. I figured I'd just drill a hole and make it happen. Pros/cons to this and where would be the best location?

Thanks again. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

1. When I cook indirect on my Performer I don't even use the baskets, I just lump my charcoal in a pile on one of the sides then cook my meat on the other side.

2. Here is a picture of the lid of a Performer which should give you a good idea of where to place the therm.
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

 

[Mike Purnell]

As Paul said, place the thermometer near the handle. Or you can place a thermometer in the top vent to avoid any drilling: http://www.virtualweberbullet....en1_photos/trend.jpg

As for the baskets, if I'm cooking for 2 hours or less I place all lit charcoal in the baskets. Longer cooks/smokes over 2 hours, I will put some lit over top of unlit. Modified minion as you suggested.

When cooking direct, I don't use baskets because I find them too small.

 

[Chris Stanek]

Alright... this should all help. The one thing I always tell people about cooking is that just because you're good or great at one thing, doesn't mean you're automatically adept at something else... learning my own lesson here I guess.

I think this weekend I'll try something a bit more straightforward... maybe hamburgers!

My Weber Rotis and Riboloator should show up any day though, so I may have to give that a shot... we'll see. I went ahead a bought another rotis for the Weber gas grill I have..it's been one of those things I just never got around to doing for some reason.

Thanks again for the tips. I'll report back as I progress and post up any noteworthy pics.

 

[TroyRedington]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PaulFisher:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Chris Stanek:
Thanks for all the advice. My setup was haphazzard at best since I'm new to the whole kettle thing. I always use lump in my big smoker because with the firebox, it doesn't really matter much.

The cook was sorda spur of the moment and I just didn't think things through very well. The whole thing felt awkward.

Here are some of my questions now that I've thought about it:

1) when using the weber trays for indirect, do you fill them with lit charcoal or some combination like a modified minion?

2) I want to install a permanent lid thermometer. I figured I'd just drill a hole and make it happen. Pros/cons to this and where would be the best location?

Thanks again. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

1. When I cook indirect on my Performer I don't even use the baskets, I just lump my charcoal in a pile on one of the sides then cook my meat on the other side.

2. Here is a picture of the lid of a Performer which should give you a good idea of where to place the therm.
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 </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Whoa! That's MY performer. Literally. My back deck, my grill.