I'm born again

[SoonerWood]

I finally see the light, I'm now a charcoaler.


I'm switching to charcoal full time after being a longtime gas griller. I've been cooking with charcoal the past few cookouts and the taste is just so much better. I'm sold.

So...now I need a grill.

What's the opinion on these? http://www.kamado.com/

I like the durability and easy maintenance aspect. As well as the numerous ways it can cook food - it charcoals, smokes, broils, and even bakes things like pizza.

Anyone used one?

[GottaHavePride]

I had never heard of those before, but they look awesome. I don't have $1000 for a decent-sized one, though.

[SoonerWood]

I doubt I'd get the mosaic version, just a black textured one. They're about $300 cheaper. Although that green mosaic makes it look sorta like Godzilla, which is always cool.

http://www.kamado.com/Kamado%20Pictures%20017.jpg

[mrowl]

the weber is still my fav...

but the one you listed look cool.

http://ai.pricegrabber.com/product_images/1044000-1044999/1044570_640.jpg

[SoonerWood]

Actually has anyone used ANY of the kamado type grills? Are they all as miraculous as advertised?

[BeetDigger]

the weber is still my fav...

but the one you listed look cool.

http://ai.pricegrabber.com/product_images/1044000-1044999/1044570_640.jpg


Word. At about $85 (unless your brother gives you one like my brother gave me one) they are a great deal. Well worth the money.

[etouffee]

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/1281/gfg8ou.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[StoopTroup]

I think I would have shaved and gutted the dog before cooking it.

http://www.kamado.com/images/5OCEAN%20BLUE,%20NO%20WE%20ARE%20NOT%20GOING%20TO. jpg

[SoonerWood]

Thats what's great about these cookers. It shaves and guts the dogs for you.

[achiro]

I am told that it doesn't get better than the green egg.

http://www.biggreenegg.com/

[Hamhock]

I too am a recent convert. My conversion experience went like this:

Hamhock: Ya'll wanna have hamburgers.
MIL: Are you going to use charcoal or propane?
Hamhock: Propane
MIL: Why don't I just cook them on the broiler in the oven. There's no difference.

Did you here me?!?! Burgers in the oven!!!!

I've done some research. Alton qued a leg of lamb the other night and went over some highlights he would want in a grill. Cast iron grates, adjustable coal height, ability to add coals/wood without moving food, cleanout tray. I have a couple more places to check, but I think I'm gonna get this one:

http://images.lowes.com/product/039953/039953514548.jpg

[crawfish]

I am told that it doesn't get better than the green egg.

http://www.biggreenegg.com/

Thank you, Sam-I-Am.

[SoonerWood]

I am told that it doesn't get better than the green egg.

http://www.biggreenegg.com/

I was told the Kamado was significantly better, Of course, that was coming from a Kamado owner. I also heard the BGE had some problems with the interior ceramics breaking.

In my research so far, I find BBQ equipment is along the same lines as audio equipment - everyone likes what they own the best. :D

I don't like the standard charcoal grills, and more interested in one of these ceramics since they are extremely low maintenance, incredibly durable and from what I understand, cook much better than the standard 50 gallon drum cut in half.

[OklahomaTuba]

I too am dissappointed with my gas grill. I was thinking of getting a weber just cause of that.

[colleyvillesooner]

My dad uses the Big Green Egg. Juiciest steak I've ever had. He cooks fish, chicken, beef, everything on that grill and swears by it. They rule.

[OUAndy1807]

this thread took place about a year ago, rookies.

[colleyvillesooner]

I have a Weber I got at Wal-mart. Use it at least 2 times a week. Will be firing it up tonight for the Finals.

[BeetDigger]

I too am a recent convert. My conversion experience went like this:

Hamhock: Ya'll wanna have hamburgers.
MIL: Are you going to use charcoal or propane?
Hamhock: Propane
MIL: Why don't I just cook them on the broiler in the oven. There's no difference.

Did you here me?!?! Burgers in the oven!!!!

I've done some research. Alton qued a leg of lamb the other night and went over some highlights he would want in a grill. Cast iron grates, adjustable coal height, ability to add coals/wood without moving food, cleanout tray. I have a couple more places to check, but I think I'm gonna get this one:

http://images.lowes.com/product/039953/039953514548.jpg



Sam's Club currently has these, or a model that is really similar, in their stores. I think that they go for sub $200. $195 seems to be the number that I remember. The adjustable height for the coal is a great feature.

Has Norm chimed in on this thread by the way? Hard to think that a bbq thread would come through with nary a comment from Norm.

[SoonerWood]

this thread took place about a year ago, rookies.

I think it 'fires up' every year about this time. Pun INTENDED!! YEAH!

[MamaMia]

They always have some really nice ones displayed at the State Fair.

My husband has to have a disposable grill. He makes this really huge mountain-shaped pile of charcoal, pours on a gallon of charcoal lighter fluid, lights it and offers the 6 foot flame up to the charcoal Gods as he picks up the grill and shakes the coals into submission.

[49r]

TASTE THE MEAT, NOT THE HEAT! :mad:

[BeetDigger]

TASTE THE MEAT, NOT THE HEAT! :mad:



Sincerly,
The United Male Pornstars International Union, Local #169




:twinkies:

[Norm In Norman]

Sam's Club currently has these, or a model that is really similar, in their stores. I think that they go for sub $200. $195 seems to be the number that I remember. The adjustable height for the coal is a great feature.

Has Norm chimed in on this thread by the way? Hard to think that a bbq thread would come through with nary a comment from Norm.
I saw that one at sam's too. I think it was more like sub $300, but I didn't pay too much attention. i like the crank to raise and lower the charcoal.

Again, I like my chargriller. It's freaking awesome at grilling (CAST IRON GRATES, PEOPLE!) and does a pretty good job smoking too.

[Hamhock]

Sam's Club currently has these, or a model that is really similar, in their stores. I think that they go for sub $200. $195 seems to be the number that I remember. The adjustable height for the coal is a great feature.

Has Norm chimed in on this thread by the way? Hard to think that a bbq thread would come through with nary a comment from Norm.


That's probably right. I went to Sam's last night but they were closed. Lowe's has it for $199.

I'd like some opinons on using a chimney starter for the charcoal. I've never used one.

[GottaHavePride]

That's probably right. I went to Sam's last night but they were closed. Lowe's has it for $199.

I'd like some opinons on using a chimney starter for the charcoal. I've never used one.

Alton Brown likes chimney starters best according to an episode on the other night.

Hell if I know - I have a gas grill so I can use it during burn bans. Plus, there's only one person in the house during the summer.

[Hamhock]

Alton Brown likes chimney starters best according to an episode on the other night.

Hell if I know - I have a gas grill so I can use it during burn bans. Plus, there's only one person in the house during the summer.


COMMUNIST!!!!

[Hamhock]

Alton Brown likes chimney starters best according to an episode on the other night.

Hell if I know - I have a gas grill so I can use it during burn bans. Plus, there's only one person in the house during the summer.


Yea, I saw that. He also smokes salmon with a cardboard box and hotplate. I'd like some feedback from somebody, with experience, who's cooking skills are a little closer to mine. (just above zero)

[BeetDigger]

That's probably right. I went to Sam's last night but they were closed. Lowe's has it for $199.

I'd like some opinons on using a chimney starter for the charcoal. I've never used one.


I may go by during lunch and see what they go for. You and Norm have me curious now.

The chimney starters do work well. Be sure to put some cooking oil on the paper as it will make the paper burn longer and ensure a faster burning of the coal. Also, lump catches fire faster and burns hotter, but charcoal seems to burn longer. I usually mix the two when I want a longer fire. I use just lump when I want to cook quickly.

[Hamhock]

I may go by during lunch and see what they go for. You and Norm have me curious now.

The one in my picture is $199. The only thing it didn't have that AB recommened, was the two trays for indirect heating. I figure I can just scoot the coals to one side.

I checked Home Depot. The got NUTHIN'. Only two charcoal, both small kettles. I am going to go to Jack Wills, just to check it off my list (I'm sure they'll be too expensive) before I pull the trigger on the one in my picture.


The chimney starters do work well. Be sure to put some cooking oil on the paper as it will make the paper burn longer and ensure a faster burning of the coal. Also, lump catches fire faster and burns hotter, but charcoal seems to burn longer. I usually mix the two when I want a longer fire. I use just lump when I want to cook quickly.


I have no idea what cooking oil is. The wife will.

"Lump"? Is that the funny looking charcoal that Alton uses? I've kinda looked around for it. Where do you find it? What is the price like compared to Kingsford?

[achiro]

Chimney starters are the only way to go. No lighter fluid taste to worry about because you don't use it.:D The carcoal will all get good and hot evenly as well.

[Partial Qualifier]

this thread took place about a year ago, rookies.

:O

I must be WAY behind because I just switched from charcoal to propane.
Easily adjustable heat and overall convenience is winning me over.

Although that grill Hamhock posted could probably woo me back to the dark side.

Really what cinched it was finding a big nice-looking stainless steel gas grill on sale for $429. I'd been thinking about getting one for awhile but when I saw this one on sale I was like, 'boom'

[BeetDigger]

The cooking oil can be anything. We usually keep some canola and olive oil in the house. Use the canola as it is much cheaper. Just pour a tablespoon of it on a couple of sheets of newspaper, wad up the newspaper and put it under the chimney starter and light.

Norm is the resident expert on Lump charcoal. It is more expensive than charcoal, but its really a different product. Buy some of each. I have the royal oak lump and it works well. Have heard good things about the Whole Foods lump. It's about $4.99 a bag (10#). I buy kingsford at costco - $11 or so for 40#. 40# lasts me quite a while. Oh, and don't forget the wood chunks for added smoke when cooking chicken or fish.

[Hamhock]

The cooking oil can be anything. We usually keep some canola and olive oil in the house. Use the canola as it is much cheaper. Just pour a tablespoon of it on a couple of sheets of newspaper, wad up the newspaper and put it under the chimney starter and light.

Norm is the resident expert on Lump charcoal. It is more expensive than charcoal, but its really a different product. Buy some of each. I have the royal oak lump and it works well. Have heard good things about the Whole Foods lump. It's about $4.99 a bag (10#). I buy kingsford at costco - $11 or so for 40#. 40# lasts me quite a while. Oh, and don't forget the wood chunks for added smoke when cooking chicken or fish.


where do you buy the lump?

[Mjcpr]

where do you buy the lump?

I've alway just used a rolled up sock.

[Norm In Norman]

If you get a chimney starter, GET THE WEBER ONE. The cheaper ones at wal-mart and home depot suck. The weber one is larger and just plain designed better. I don't even put oil on the paper (like Alton suggested), i just throw some paper under there, light it, and 15 minutes later I'm good to go. I'll never go back to using lighter fluid. Besides the nasty assed taste it creates, it seems like I was always fighting to get the fire going.

I used some lump a couple of times for grilling. The taste is good using it, but the heat is too irregular (because of the irregular pieces) and it burns out too fast. And the ash is all - floaty. The new design kingsford charcoal seems to last forever for some reason and it's easier to grill with than lump. For whatever reason though, the lump lasts a long time when you are smoking. I guess it's because it's all piled up or something.

[Boarder]

When you buy a chimney starter, you'll never ever buy any lighting fluid again. And, as Norm said, you need to search out a Weber chimney starter. They're OU vs Langston of a difference.

I've never heard a bad word about Big Green Eggs. If there was a ceramic problem, it'd be fixed immediately.

Gas grills are using flames, which put off chemicals and stuff and they heat up the bottom grates which put more flavors into the air, so it's not like broiling in the oven. A steak or anything else for that matter can be made mighty good on a gas grill, too.

Gas grills are so much easier for small cooks, it's hard to stop using them.

Lump is the cool and trendy thing to do, but I stick with Kingsford most of the time.

If I were going to get a new charcoial grille, I'd get a Weber Kettle. They're pretty much all around unbeatable.

[Norm In Norman]

Grille? Where are we, England?

I like the Webers a lot. The one I use to set the chimney starter on is about 6 years old and still looks and works good. I'll never go back to not being able to adjust my charcoal height and not having cast iron grates though. Cast iron grates are an absolute must have.

[Boarder]

Grille? Where are we, England?



Yeah! G'Day Mate! Let's throw another shrimp on the barbie!

[Mjcpr]

Yeah! G'Day Mate! Let's throw another shrimp on the barbie!

That's Austria, idjit.

[BeetDigger]

That's probably right. I went to Sam's last night but they were closed. Lowe's has it for $199.

I'd like some opinons on using a chimney starter for the charcoal. I've never used one.


Ok, I stopped in Sams a lunch and they have one just like the one that you have pictured for $199 (take THAT Norm - heh). The height adjustment is easier though because it is two cranks. I forget who makes it, but it is the other big grill company besides Weber. For about $110 more than the Weber kettle, it seems like a good deal. I doubt that I would use the two sides very often though so it may be more grill than you need. You could save the $110 and use it to buy charcoal/lump.

The lump is available at nearly all stores. I really think that it works better than charcoal (again, take THAT Norm).

[Mjcpr]

The height adjustment is easier though because it is two cranks.

That sounds like heaven!

[Mixer!]

That's Austria, idjit.

http://as.wn.com/i/ca/3bfe50f005dda5.jpg

"AUSTRALIA, cobber!"

[tbl]

I am told that it doesn't get better than the green egg.

http://www.biggreenegg.com/

I just had lunch with a guy yesterday that swears by the Big Green Egg...

[SoonerWood]

One can order a Large big green egg for $566 delivered from HERE (http://www.homeclick.com/showpage.asp?itemid=163214).

Not bad, but I can order the same size Kamado, in black textured finish, for $500 - and shipping would be about $100 - and it would be about 2 months before I'd get it. But, it's supposed to be much better quality than the BGE. beats the hell outta me what to do. I'll get a weber kettle til I can decide I guess.

[1stTimeCaller]

what do you guys recommend for making chili dogs?


TIA

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

Ok, I stopped in Sams a lunch and they have one just like the one that you have pictured for $199 (take THAT Norm - heh). The height adjustment is easier though because it is two cranks. I forget who makes it, but it is the other big grill company besides Weber. For about $110 more than the Weber kettle, it seems like a good deal. I doubt that I would use the two sides very often though so it may be more grill than you need. You could save the $110 and use it to buy charcoal/lump.

The lump is available at nearly all stores. I really think that it works better than charcoal (again, take THAT Norm).

i have the two zone one and i got to tell ya, that bastage is heavy. it does a really good job of grilling, but smoking is a problem since it has open vents over all of it. there really isn't a way to get the smoke to flow from the coals across the meat without clogging up some of the vents with aluminum foil. the absolute greatest thing about it is cleanup. takes about 45 seconds to get the ash out.

[Norm In Norman]

Ok, I stopped in Sams a lunch and they have one just like the one that you have pictured for $199 (take THAT Norm - heh). The height adjustment is easier though because it is two cranks. I forget who makes it, but it is the other big grill company besides Weber. For about $110 more than the Weber kettle, it seems like a good deal. I doubt that I would use the two sides very often though so it may be more grill than you need. You could save the $110 and use it to buy charcoal/lump.

The lump is available at nearly all stores. I really think that it works better than charcoal (again, take THAT Norm).
I prefer the lump for smoking, i just don't like it for grilling. That Oklahoma wind makes it not last too long. Or at least it didn't last long the times I tried it.

[Norm In Norman]

i have the two zone one and i got to tell ya, that bastage is heavy. it does a really good job of grilling, but smoking is a problem since it has open vents over all of it. there really isn't a way to get the smoke to flow from the coals across the meat without clogging up some of the vents with aluminum foil. the absolute greatest thing about it is cleanup. takes about 45 seconds to get the ash out.
You tried to use it for smoking? I could see it for smoking something at higher heat, like a turkey or chicken, but I can't see smoking something for 5 hours at 225 on it.

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

You tried to use it for smoking? I could see it for smoking something at higher heat, like a turkey or chicken, but I can't see smoking something for 5 hours at 225 on it.

yeah, i had the meat on one side and the coals/wood chips on the other. i had to aluminum foil up a couple of the openings, and it worked pretty well with both the brisket and the turkey. the other plus is that its super easy to add more wood chips with that front opener.

[SoonerWood]

The company selling the kamado (http://www,kamado.com) grill also sells extruded lump coconut charcoal that is supposed to be able to burn for over 20 hours. I've never cooked with lump, much less extruded coconut lump but that is a long damn time.

[achiro]

One can order a Large big green egg for $566 delivered from HERE (http://www.homeclick.com/showpage.asp?itemid=163214).

Not bad, but I can order the same size Kamado, in black textured finish, for $500 - and shipping would be about $100 - and it would be about 2 months before I'd get it. But, it's supposed to be much better quality than the BGE. beats the hell outta me what to do. I'll get a weber kettle til I can decide I guess.
I don't know where you are located but a place here in Enid sells them I think. I could check it out for you and let you know prices and such if you wanted to just drive up and pick it up.

[BeetDigger]

I prefer the lump for smoking, i just don't like it for grilling. That Oklahoma wind makes it not last too long. Or at least it didn't last long the times I tried it.


That's your problem. The Oklahoma wind. The Texas wind is much kinder and gentler to us grillers and smokers. :texan:

[BeetDigger]

what do you guys recommend for making chili dogs?


TIA


For the hot dogs, a pan of hot water.

For the chili, a pan on the stove.

PS - don't burn the water.

:D

[Hamhock]

I just had lunch with a guy yesterday that swears by the Big Green Egg...


Anywhere in Tulsa I can view said Big Green Egg?

[Hamhock]

I prefer the lump for smoking, i just don't like it for grilling. That Oklahoma wind makes it not last too long. Or at least it didn't last long the times I tried it.


I realize this is an amateur question, but how do you get the lump to last longer for smoking? Grilling would be using the chimney right? Smoking is moving the meat farther away from the coals and adding wood chips to let the hot smoke cook the meat?? But how do you make the lump last longer?

[Norm In Norman]

Well, in my case when I'm grilling I have the charcoal under the grates and I have the lid open. So when the wind blows it causes the charcoal to burn really hot and quick. When I smoke meats, I have the charcoal in the side firebox and I have all the lids closed so the charcoal isn't getting as much oxygen and burns slower. I think because the lump is burning hotter I can close the vents more and it burns a bit longer. With the kingsford it seems like I have to "open 'er up" more to get the temperature up, so it seems to burn faster.

Your mileage may vary though.

[BeetDigger]

Well, in my case when I'm grilling I have the charcoal under the grates and I have the lid open. So when the wind blows it causes the charcoal to burn really hot and quick. When I smoke meats, I have the charcoal in the side firebox and I have all the lids closed so the charcoal isn't getting as much oxygen and burns slower. I think because the lump is burning hotter I can close the vents more and it burns a bit longer. With the kingsford it seems like I have to "open 'er up" more to get the temperature up, so it seems to burn faster.

Your mileage may vary though.



And remember, the wind blows more at Norm's house. :texan:

[SoonerWood]

I went and looked at a Big Green Egg last night. Pretty Impressive. I can't imagine the how massive the kamado must be, being 4 times heavier.

Homey - no input here? don't you have a BGE?

[Hamhock]

I pulled the trigger on one of these, some lump charcoal, and a Weber chimney. Wish me luck...

http://images.lowes.com/product/872076/872076011026.jpg

[BlondeSoonerGirl]

This thread is Boardurd-nip...

And Norm-nip...

[Partial Qualifier]

That crank on the front is for raising/lowering the coals?

[MamaMia]

So, what did we decide? Which charcoal grill is the best?

[BlondeSoonerGirl]

See, I posted that without reading the entire thread so I didn't know that both of them had already posted in it.

BOOOOO!

[Hamhock]

That crank on the front is for raising/lowering the coals?

Yep. Now I just need to figure out when I am supposed to raise/lower them.


So, what did we decide? Which charcoal grill is the best?

Not sure there is a consensus. You can definitely spend ALOT more money than I did. I decided not to even venture into Jack Wills. I'm afraid the damage would have been a lot worse.

[SoonerWood]

I decided on a BIG GREEN EGG. Pricewise, it's the best bang for the buck IMO. Some place online has the Large for roughly $540 including shipping. The Kamado has seems to have some customer service issues and a prohibitive wait for the product and the Komodo is too expensive and not much of a history to know how good it really is.

[Okla-homey]

I decided on a BIG GREEN EGG. Pricewise, it's the best bang for the buck IMO. Some place online has the Large for roughly $540 including shipping. The Kamado has seems to have some customer service issues and a prohibitive wait for the product and the Komodo is too expensive and not much of a history to know how good it really is.

You chose wisely.

[Hamhock]

The chimney rawks. I've thrown away my remaining lighter fluid. I spent the extra $7 and got the Weber. Thanks for the advice.

If you currently use charcoal and don't use a chimney, you're stupid.