2 Beer Can Chickens on the JJ

[BBcue-Z]

Doing a trial run for an up coming trip, which I'll be taking my Jumbo Joe first time on the Rd. due to limited cargo space, this is all I can take with me.

First I removed the solid plate from the Weber charcoal basket

This will allow me to adjust the amount of charcoal I can use.
Closer to the grill wall = less charcoal

Away from the grill wall = more charcoal

I then placed 2 metal plates on the coal grate

Which I'll be placing the beer can holders on top of. This will prevent the grease from getting under the coals and flaring up.

I place the 18" SS steamer ring on the kettle to allow more space under the lid and added 1 regular size chimney full of coals

The starting temp was around 450 degrees prior to placing the chicken

Placed the cans in the holder after adding some spices, garlic and fresh Thyme and Rosemary 

Unfortunately, one of the chickens had a torn skin  Couldn't tell with the wrapper was one when I picked it up

I then placed the chicken on them and placed them on the grill

Fits perfectly!!! Unbelievable for such a small grill to take two whole chicken placed vertically Of course the SS ring helped

One hour into the cooking, rotated the chickens


The temp is hanging around 375 degrees. It's a little windy today, but that makes the trail run even more accurate, since I'll be doing this on the beach and it's usually very windy there.

And the cooking is done


I used Pecan and apple wood chunks and never added additional charcoal. The chickens took around 2 hours and they were juicy and awesome!!
The SS steamer ring worked very well, never warped or discolored during cooking and gave me all the room I need for this application. I think it was well worth the $20 I spent on it
The most amazing thing was being able to cook 2 Beer-Can-Chickens in the Jumbo Joe!! It's truly the biggest small grill in the world, and I love it!!!

[mrbill]

nice birds! pretty ingenious trick w/the charcoal basket. I don't know that I'd ever think to do that.

[blieb]

The thyme and rosemary sprigs are a neat idea atop the can.
The color of those cooked birds has me salivating!

One of my biggest mistakes was 2 beercan chickens on a gasser.  I came outside and saw smoke and flames pouring out of the grill, the temp was off the charts (over 800 according to lid thermo) ... I later realized the grease pan (that I'd never cleaned) caught on fire.

[1buckie]

The thyme and rosemary sprigs are a neat idea atop the can.
The color of those cooked birds has me salivating!

One of my biggest mistakes was 2 beercan chickens on a gasser.  I came outside and saw smoke and flames pouring out of the grill, the temp was off the charts (over 800 according to lid thermo) ... I later realized the grease pan (that I'd never cleaned) caught on fire.

Stuff Happens.....sorry it went south.....


Z.....you're incredible !!!!!

This reminds me of the guy from Bretheren who did a pork butt on a regular Smokey Joe, except this is way better !!!!

[Troy]

that looks kick ass!!

what's the stainless ring? is that available somewhere?

[aguyindallas]

That looks fantastic. Nice color on the birds!


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[1buckie]

that looks kick ass!!

what's the stainless ring? is that available somewhere?

It's a kitchen steamer thing.....I've got a link somewhere buried away.....

Z will most likely have details.....

[BBcue-Z]

Thank you all for the kind comments

Troy,
I got this 18" steamer ring form the first link below during Cyber Monday sales for around $20 with free shipping. I figured I was taking a chance on it, but it was very reasonably priced. It's not made for the JJ and it's not a perfect fit, but it worked very well for me as an expansion ring. One board member bought it and did not like it.
But here are some sources if you are interested:
http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/thunder-group/slstm018r/p365212.aspx

http://www.staples.com/Thunder-Group-18-Stainless-Steel-Steamer-Ring/product_428248

http://www.kitchenemporium.com/Thunder-Group-SLSTM018R-18-Stainless-Steel-Steamer-Ring_p_3909.html#.VMWcqjo5Bhh

http://www.basequipment.com/Thunder-Group-SLSTM018R-p/thun-slstm018r.htm
Please let me know if you need additional info.

[jcnaz]

Amazing!
I will have to see if the ring will fit my 18.5.

[SixZeroFour]

Excellent set-up and great looking birds Z! I love the idea of removing the solid plate from the charcoal baskets to use as a wall - great job all around!

[Jammato]

those baskets seem to be a great base for experiments, one of the best items weber has introduced

love the steamer ring idea, I got to get one of those

[addicted-to-smoke]

Yet another inventive, creative design from the mind of BBcue-Z! Pity the steamer ring is normally $40, but for an 18/10 SS accessory that turns the JJ into another grill it seems like a bargain.

[Old Dave]

Great post and a slick way to do the chickens. I will have to try it.

Dave

[BBcue-Z]

Thank you ALL