posted by iclfan2

Those things look really cool. Do you have a normal grill to or have you switched to mostly using that instead? I want to buy a new smoker too, but I'm a cheapskate so I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

I have a small normal grill but I really only use it for steaks. Everything else including burgers I prefer on the flat top. I’ve seen some really good deals on them posted for Black Friday / Early Black Friday deals. I recommend getting one that has had a hardtop or buying a hardtop and also getting a cover. 

I have the 36” but if your only cooking for a couple people the one below is a great deal. Has a top so you would just need a small cover for it.

https://slickdeals.net/f/14453252-walmart-black-friday-blackstone-22-adventure-ready-griddle-w-hood-stand-99

posted by Spock

Just bought a Recteq.  

Good choice!  What did you get?

I have added the Recteq Bullseye to go with my Recteq RT-700 Bull smoker.  those sit next to my 36" Blackstone.  I may have a problem.  

posted by TedSheckler

Good choice!  What did you get?

I have added the Recteq Bullseye to go with my Recteq RT-700 Bull smoker.  those sit next to my 36" Blackstone.  I may have a problem.  

Never heard of the bullseye, that looks awesome. Does it smoke well too or do you mainly use it for grilling? The price seems really good.

posted by iclfan2

Never heard of the bullseye, that looks awesome. Does it smoke well too or do you mainly use it for grilling? The price seems really good.

You can go low and slow on it as well as hot and fast.  I haven't done a brisket or anything on it because I have a smoker, but you can go 225° on it and I have got it up to 800°.  It has a 15lb hopper vs. 40lb. hopper on my smoker.

Just did my first smoke on the new Chimp, a batch of dry rubbed wings for lunch. Hickory pellets. Quite tasty.

posted by justincredible

I'm cooking for two people.

Dewine is very proud of you  

I have a traegar pro 34.  It’s fine. I wouldn’t say I love it. But it works. Does the job. Easy enough to use. 

SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM

I’d say 38

Fuckin' spammers getting in here lately...

Thinking about buying this pellet smoker this weekend. The usual model goes for $450 and this is down to $250. It's pretty bear bones but Camp Chef's seem to have good reviews. Has their 2nd gen PID controller too, but no wifi. Any thoughts? 

https://www.sportsmans.com/outdoor-cooking-grills-supplies-accessories/pellet-grills/camp-chef-smokepro-stxx-pellet-grill-g2/p/1654385

posted by iclfan2

Thinking about buying this pellet smoker this weekend. The usual model goes for $450 and this is down to $250. It's pretty bear bones but Camp Chef's seem to have good reviews. Has their 2nd gen PID controller too, but no wifi. Any thoughts? 

https://www.sportsmans.com/outdoor-cooking-grills-supplies-accessories/pellet-grills/camp-chef-smokepro-stxx-pellet-grill-g2/p/1654385

50 more dollars you can get a pit boss 820 classic 820 sq in of cooking surface and the option to sear/grill and smoke. Also 5 year warranty. To answer your question in my pellet grill groups on fb, camp chef have very mixed reviews and this is one of their lowest rated smokers 

I ordered a jerky rack for my Chimp a few days ago and it was just delivered. Should be great for wings and ribs. Not sure I'll use if much for jerky.

One word of cation for any pellet grill...............Check the max temp.  Most of those off the shelf pellets grills dont get hot enough to cook a good steak medium rare

posted by Spock

One word of cation for any pellet grill...............Check the max temp.  Most of those off the shelf pellets grills dont get hot enough to cook a good steak medium rare

Reverse sear or nothing.

posted by justincredible

I ordered a jerky rack for my Chimp a few days ago and it was just delivered. Should be great for wings and ribs. Not sure I'll use if much for jerky.

I ended up buying the Camp Chef I mentioned before (couldn’t pass up the deal). Bought a London broil and cut it as thin as I could by hand, smoked it at 165-185ish for 3 or so hours and it turned out legit, better than most I’ve bought before. Made a pork butt last week and my wife liked it more than I’ve ever done on my lump charcoal smoker. So far so good.

Not worried about max temp as I have a Weber Genesis nearby if I need to sear anything. I’m also a fan of the reverse sear. Anyone sous vide? I don’t have one but always been curious about it.

Sous vide is great for a lot of things. We have one, but haven't used it in a while.

Reverse sear is the only way I cook steak anymore. It's actually pretty good for burgers as well.

I have sous vide. Don't use it too much. It does make the perfect steak. I will sous vide it then usually go right to cast iron to get a nice crust on the outside. Also makes perfect asparagus. 

Cold smoked cheese over the weekend. 

posted by TedSheckler

I have sous vide. Don't use it too much. It does make the perfect steak. I will sous vide it then usually go right to cast iron to get a nice crust on the outside. Also makes perfect asparagus. 

I used to sous vide steak until I did reverse sear for the first time. Way less work for better results. If you haven't tried it, I'd highly recommend.

Oh yea.  I reverse sear all the time.  I reverse sear my sous vide steaks either on a grill or cast iron skillet

posted by TedSheckler

Oh yea.  I reverse sear all the time.  I reverse sear my sous vide steaks either on a grill or cast iron skillet

Skillet? Isn't that where you're supposed to reheat pizza?

Cast iron is awesome to cook in.  I cook  all sorts of stuff in it.  I use it on the smoker, on the stove, in the oven.  Just need to take care of them and keep them oiled.

posted by TedSheckler

Cast iron is awesome to cook in.  I cook  all sorts of stuff in it.  I use it on the smoker, on the stove, in the oven.  Just need to take care of them and keep them oiled.

Seared scallops in the cast iron Friday night --  delightful