Welp... I got an insane deal that I couldn't pass up on a brand new performer deluxe... so here's my story.
This is my maiden cook on the new pit - I never had a kettle, so I'm a complete charcoal newb when it comes to kettles (i've had numerous smokers). Anyway, I was not happy w/ the meal, but it did turn out some good pr()n!
Long story short is I need to learn the cooker and how to manage the temp... I was able to get up to 400 degrees with the lid closed and vents all the way open, but I was unsure of how hot the indirect area was compared to the direct side of the grate... either way, it's a learning curve and it just get's me stoked for my next cook!
Brought the performer deluxe home... it's a beaut'
Picked up some sirloin "filets"... thought this would be a decent way to break it in since I didn't want to spend too much on steak.
Got the grill up and running w/ some B&B Oak Lump...
Too much draw on too little fuel? Propane tank died down, but still has some left... oh well, charcoal was pretty well lit anyway.
Got the bok choy and some broccoli on the grill skillet, little bit of S&P and EVOO, also some taters with evoo and melting pot garlic & wine seasoning, and the steaks rubbed w/ some montreal, indirect, reverse sear:
Decided to ditch the grill skillet, was getting in the way:
Final plate - I burnt one side of the steak, and didn't get grill marks on the other... I overcooked the steak and undercooked the broccoli and tater... the ONLY thing that was up to standard was the bok choy... I'd definitely do it like this again... you have to snip the dried out leaves off, but the hearts are so good and tender. Decided not to show the burnt side and overcooked shot.
Oh... and last but definitely not least, here are the beverages!!
Troegs Java Head - Delicious stout, good alcohol, but not boozy since it's not imperial... very light body for a stout.
Troegs Hop Back - Not my thing, too sweet and malty, was expecting more hops, but this was pretty old, so they probably all gave way to age.
Otter Creek Fresh Slice White - Really good white IPA, wish I actually had it fresh... it was juicy and citrusy, great beer.
Mikkeller Black Hole - Great stout, high alcohol content, aged about 5 months, not boozy, very drinkable and yum, loved the actual coffee grounds at the bottom of the glass, great touch!
Evil Twin Molotov Cocktail - One of my favorite Double IPA's - If you can find this in your area, drink it and drink it well. Be careful, it'll get
This is my maiden cook on the new pit - I never had a kettle, so I'm a complete charcoal newb when it comes to kettles (i've had numerous smokers). Anyway, I was not happy w/ the meal, but it did turn out some good pr()n!
Long story short is I need to learn the cooker and how to manage the temp... I was able to get up to 400 degrees with the lid closed and vents all the way open, but I was unsure of how hot the indirect area was compared to the direct side of the grate... either way, it's a learning curve and it just get's me stoked for my next cook!
Brought the performer deluxe home... it's a beaut'


Picked up some sirloin "filets"... thought this would be a decent way to break it in since I didn't want to spend too much on steak.

Got the grill up and running w/ some B&B Oak Lump...

Too much draw on too little fuel? Propane tank died down, but still has some left... oh well, charcoal was pretty well lit anyway.

Got the bok choy and some broccoli on the grill skillet, little bit of S&P and EVOO, also some taters with evoo and melting pot garlic & wine seasoning, and the steaks rubbed w/ some montreal, indirect, reverse sear:

Decided to ditch the grill skillet, was getting in the way:

Final plate - I burnt one side of the steak, and didn't get grill marks on the other... I overcooked the steak and undercooked the broccoli and tater... the ONLY thing that was up to standard was the bok choy... I'd definitely do it like this again... you have to snip the dried out leaves off, but the hearts are so good and tender. Decided not to show the burnt side and overcooked shot.

Oh... and last but definitely not least, here are the beverages!!


Troegs Java Head - Delicious stout, good alcohol, but not boozy since it's not imperial... very light body for a stout.
Troegs Hop Back - Not my thing, too sweet and malty, was expecting more hops, but this was pretty old, so they probably all gave way to age.
Otter Creek Fresh Slice White - Really good white IPA, wish I actually had it fresh... it was juicy and citrusy, great beer.
Mikkeller Black Hole - Great stout, high alcohol content, aged about 5 months, not boozy, very drinkable and yum, loved the actual coffee grounds at the bottom of the glass, great touch!
Evil Twin Molotov Cocktail - One of my favorite Double IPA's - If you can find this in your area, drink it and drink it well. Be careful, it'll get
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