Weber Kettle Club Forums

First post, new member here.  I just picked up my first Kettle on a heck of a deal Labor day clearance. I've used it a couple of times already and absolutely love it.  My poor gas grill is going to get dusty, well except for the side burner, it is a great chimney starter.  I watch a lot of YT videos and discovered the Slow N' Sear and jumped on that too, should have it in a couple of days.  I hate the attention that my offset smoker requires and I usually only smoke one or two racks of baby backs at a time.  I think the Slow N' Sear will make my offset dusty too.  Things I still want are cast iron grates, maybe the EZ smoker, and possibly a vortex.  So my question for you guys is, what is your absolute favorite kettle accessory? 

Gotta be my Thermapen. Nothing comes close to the accuracy or speed.

Welcome to the club. Where are you from?

Quote from: 56MPG on September 11, 2016, 12:02:40 PM
Gotta be my Thermapen. Nothing comes close to the accuracy or speed.

Welcome to the club. Where are you from?

Stockbridge, GA, Thanks for the reply, I do need to get an instant read thermometer.  I do have the Maverick 733, but its not really practical for grilling, great for smoking.

I use the heck out of my Weber mini chimney. Most cooks I just need to add 15-20 briqs to whatever's left in my baskets from the time before, and the mini chimney is perfect.

I also usually get the briqs heated up and then toss a chunk of wood on top of the chimney just before they're fully ashed over to get it charred before dumping in the baskets. It gets me to the "thin blue line" faster.

Hello from Il, bud. My favorite accessory is a rotisserie, but an instant read thermometer is hands down your best investment.


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Probably the Maverick is my favorite.....it's a game-changer if you're using analog therms.
I would take this over my Thermapen because it's the bee's knees for fire control and charcoal cooking is all about fire control.

Slow 'n Sear .. my absolute favorite .. followed by the Vortex.

Quote from: 56MPG on September 11, 2016, 12:02:40 PM
Gotta be my Thermapen. Nothing comes close to the accuracy or speed.

Welcome to the club. Where are you from?

Couldn't have said it better myself. Went though a few instant reads, before @pbe gummi bear let me steal one of his. Number one tool after the kettle itself.

I don't really understand the attraction to the Thermapen. It is pretty expensive. I use an OXO meat thermometer. I get a reading in 15-20 seconds. I guess my question is is the Thermapen really worth what it costs? What makes it so great? Not putting it down, just curious if I should really add it to the wish list or not.


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Quote from: kettlebb on September 11, 2016, 05:01:28 PM
I don't really understand the attraction to the Thermapen. It is pretty expensive. I use an OXO meat thermometer. I get a reading in 15-20 seconds. I guess my question is is the Thermapen really worth what it costs? What makes it so great? Not putting it down, just curious if I should really add it to the wish list or not.


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A quick read thermometer is important to get an accurate read on the internal temperature of any particular meat. If you get a reading 15-20 seconds after inserting the probe while the lid of your grill is open, the meat loses internal heat and then you're not getting a very accurate reading...especially your thinner cuts of meat like a steak or chop. Also your hand won't be getting a 15-20 second sear over the open grill.


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My favorite accessories are the slow N sear, rotisserie kit, rotisserie basket and the vortex ...not in any particular order.


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Makes sense. Didn't even think about losing all the heat.


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Quote from: kettlebb on September 11, 2016, 05:01:28 PM
I don't really understand the attraction to the Thermapen. It is pretty expensive. I use an OXO meat thermometer. I get a reading in 15-20 seconds. I guess my question is is the Thermapen really worth what it costs? What makes it so great? Not putting it down, just curious if I should really add it to the wish list or not.


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Double

Quote from: kettlebb on September 11, 2016, 05:01:28 PM
I don't really understand the attraction to the Thermapen. It is pretty expensive. I use an OXO meat thermometer. I get a reading in 15-20 seconds. I guess my question is is the Thermapen really worth what it costs? What makes it so great? Not putting it down, just curious if I should really add it to the wish list or not.


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You're not even in the game with a spot-check therm that takes 15-20 sec to register.

Two scenarios....
Let's say you are cooking a bunch of chicken drumsticks, thighs, etc.
You can buzz around, stab each one and get a quick read on each individual piece.

How 'bout a large cut like a Boston Butt...
You can get the precise internal core temp as you stab into the cut.
You will see the temp rise, settle and then rise again as the probe moves through.

Do not doubt the Thermapen....it rules.

If'n yer too cheap too buy one yourself, put it on your Christmas wish list.

I love my thermopop. Same mfg as the thermapen. 2-3 seconds longer read out time vs thermapen but 1/4 the price. Otherwise the roti is my favorite accessory.

Hands down the Thermapen. Of all the accessories I have purchased, the Thermapen is the most used and relied on.  Other than long handled tongs and an apron, it is the only BBQ accessory that does double duty in the kitchen. For me it brings precision to my cooking.

Sounds like they upgraded the pop recently. Faster, and with rotating display. I might pull the trigger on one now.

Thermapen gets used all the time, inside and outside cooking.  I also like their DOT.  Slow N Sear ranks right up there too.

Quote from: unometooo on September 11, 2016, 10:39:55 AMSo my question for you guys is, what is your absolute favorite kettle accessory?

Another kettle ...   :D ;) ... Welcome!

Just got a kettle rotisserie this summer and absolutely love it! I probably won't do a full chicken any other way from now on. Great for all other roasts as well, especially Prime Rib.

Quote from: MacEggs on September 12, 2016, 05:53:39 AM

Quote from: unometooo on September 11, 2016, 10:39:55 AMSo my question for you guys is, what is your absolute favorite kettle accessory?

Another kettle ...   :D ;) ... Welcome!

Glad you said get another Kettle, I have been reading a lot of posts and it seems like a good bit of you have multiple Kettles.  Why do you need multiple?


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I regularly cook for 5-10 people. A single kettle wouldn't cut it, especially since I'm usually doing sides and apps as well.

I normally just cook for my family of four. I had a economy weber for a decade as my only cooker. As kids came along and I got into grilling more, We decided a table would be nice so we bought a performer. Then I found this forum and all hell broke loose! I have 9 kettles now, cook on all of them and love every minute of it.

Just wait, if you hang around long enough with us, you'll soon have more.


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And besides being used to put on large kick ass meals, they are just so damn fun to look at. Simple design and competes with some high dollar shit.


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Quote from: Travis on September 12, 2016, 02:22:34 PM
I normally just cook for my family of four. I had a economy weber for a decade as my only cooker. As kids came along and I got into grilling more, We decided a table would be nice so we bought a performer. Then I found this forum and all hell broke loose! I have 9 kettles now, cook on all of them and love every minute of it.

Just wait, if you hang around long enough with us, you'll soon have more.


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One of us. One of us. One of us.

@unometooo - I have three dedicated cooking kettles. Two 22"ers and a 26".   One of the 22's is set up for cooking direct with a cast iron sear grate for steaks, hamburgers, pork chops and fish. The other 22" is set up for cooking indirect and used for longer cooks of chicken pieces, country pork ribs, ribs and roasts. You can achieve the same thing with one kettle but for me it was the convenience of not having to change grates or remove drip pans. The 26" is used for smoking turkey's or when I need a larger cooking area. Cooking for larger groups, it is nice to have several kettles at your disposal.

Favorite?  I'm really liking my Vortex.

As for multiple grills, sometimes you need more cooking area than one grill can provide.  Especially if you're doing a meat and all the sides, too.  And, it really impresses the neighbors when you have 2 or 3 grills going at the same time.

I hate to confuse the matter with practicality, but maybe you should try cooking a few things before deciding what gadget will enable you to do it better?  You may surprise yourself at how little you actually need.

This is the thermometer I use and had it for 2 yrs. and if you got amazon prime it's 24.99


https://www.amazon.com/Lavatools-Javelin-Digital-Thermometer-Chipotle/dp/B00GRFHXVQ/ref=sr_1_1/152-9670714-9447101?ie=UTF8&qid=1473802750&sr=8-1&keywords=javelin+thermometer

Bottle opener.

Quote from: DarrenC on September 13, 2016, 12:40:22 PM
I hate to confuse the matter with practicality, but maybe you should try cooking a few things before deciding what gadget will enable you to do it better?  You may surprise yourself at how little you actually need.

That is a valid point. With that being said, I like toys, gadgets, accessories, etc.

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Christmas is September!

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Quote from: Darko on September 13, 2016, 07:17:52 PM
Bottle opener.

Heard!

Quote from: irv39 on September 13, 2016, 01:45:50 PM
This is the thermometer I use and had it for 2 yrs. and if you got amazon prime it's 24.99


https://www.amazon.com/Lavatools-Javelin-Digital-Thermometer-Chipotle/dp/B00GRFHXVQ/ref=sr_1_1/152-9670714-9447101?ie=UTF8&qid=1473802750&sr=8-1&keywords=javelin+thermometer

I have two of these.     And I picked up the javelin pro about 10-12 months ago.    I love it.

Slow n sear is my favorite accessory, use it all the time.

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Quote from: 56MPG on September 11, 2016, 12:02:40 PM
Gotta be my Thermapen. Nothing comes close to the accuracy or speed.

Welcome to the club. Where are you from?

Same here. It's my single most used accessory.

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Quote from: unometooo on September 11, 2016, 12:44:12 PM

Quote from: 56MPG on September 11, 2016, 12:02:40 PM
Gotta be my Thermapen. Nothing comes close to the accuracy or speed.

Welcome to the club. Where are you from?

Stockbridge, GA, Thanks for the reply, I do need to get an instant read thermometer.  I do have the Maverick 733, but its not really practical for grilling, great for smoking.

I'm in Stockbridge too! What's the chance of that? Lol

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@unometooo Hello from Melrose Park, IL Welcome to the club!

My favorite accessory is my KettlePizza. I use this a lot!

Quote from: irv39 on September 13, 2016, 01:45:50 PM
This is the thermometer I use and had it for 2 yrs. and if you got amazon prime it's 24.99


https://www.amazon.com/Lavatools-Javelin-Digital-Thermometer-Chipotle/dp/B00GRFHXVQ/ref=sr_1_1/152-9670714-9447101?ie=UTF8&qid=1473802750&sr=8-1&keywords=javelin+thermometer

Me too!  My Javelin works great and gives just as quick of a readout as the Thermopens...maybe 1 second longer, but that's it.

And honestly, I'm not sure if the question here is what is your favorite or what is your most used accessory.  You can do a lot of different cooking styles with little to no accessories, then as you figure out what kind of cooks you do the most you can upgrade your accessories to match your cook types.

Most Used:
Chimney - every single cook

Maverick 733 or my 732 - almost every cook.  I even use it for reverse searing.  That way I know the temperature of my steaks at all times and don't have to bother with my instant read thermo.

Charcoal baskets - was almost every cook until I got a vortex and slow-n-sear.  With baskets you can do most of the things these other accessories do.  Once you determine you are going to do a lot of specialize cooking, like slow-n-low smoking, super hot wings, etc, then you can start acquiring the more expensive accessories for these kinds of cooks.

Lighter Cubes - I generally use the gas assist on my performer whether I am using that grill or not, but the cubes are great for when my propane runs out or the performer is already in use and I am firing up a second grill or need to get some coals going to add to an already lit grill.
Weber gourmet grate system -  It's heavier duty than the other grate options until you get to the cast iron ones.  Allows you to flip up the sides to add more coals, and gives you a lot of fun options for the center. 

Favorites: (ordered by frequency of usage)
Slow-n-sear -  great for reverse searing, indirect cooking, hot and fast cooking, give tons of space for slow-n-low smoking

Kettle Pizza -  Once you get this accessory dialed in you will be a pizza cooking fool!!!!

Vortex - Makes really good wings!  Baskets do the job almost as well but for the low cost of the vortex it's worth it!

Javelin instant read thermo - I really only use this when I am not using my Maverick.  I will use it when smoking larger chunks of meat for checking multiple places even though I have a Maverick probe in the meat already.

Rotisserie -  This is probably my least use accessory right now since I mainly use it for whole chickens which I cook 1-2 times a month.  Despite limited usage I would not give up my roto! 



Other things I have and use a lot:
Ove Gloves -  The first time you have to remove your cooking great while the grill is hot or warm you will quickly see how a good pair of heat resistant gloves can make life a lot easier.  Mine are the mid arm version, so I use them a lot when cooking wings with my vortex so I don't burn all of the hair off of my arms.

IR Thermometer - Quick way to check the temp of my pizza stone, a cast iron skillet, etc.

Maverick Tip Top Temp -  this is a newer accessory and I love it.  I don't need it and can keep my grill at a consistent slow-n-low temp without it, but it is nice to have it in action and feel like I can leave to run an errand without having to worry about what my grill is doing.

Weber Compact Chimney  -  I use this to start coals when smoking slow-n-low and only need to light 10-15 coals.

Quote from: BariB523 on September 15, 2016, 05:42:04 PM

Quote from: unometooo on September 11, 2016, 12:44:12 PM

Quote from: 56MPG on September 11, 2016, 12:02:40 PM
Gotta be my Thermapen. Nothing comes close to the accuracy or speed.

Welcome to the club. Where are you from?

Stockbridge, GA, Thanks for the reply, I do need to get an instant read thermometer.  I do have the Maverick 733, but its not really practical for grilling, great for smoking.

I'm in Stockbridge too! What's the chance of that? Lol

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Cool, I live right off Fairview Rd.

Quote from: unometooo on September 16, 2016, 12:31:46 PM

Quote from: BariB523 on September 15, 2016, 05:42:04 PM

Quote from: unometooo on September 11, 2016, 12:44:12 PM

Quote from: 56MPG on September 11, 2016, 12:02:40 PM
Gotta be my Thermapen. Nothing comes close to the accuracy or speed.

Welcome to the club. Where are you from?

Stockbridge, GA, Thanks for the reply, I do need to get an instant read thermometer.  I do have the Maverick 733, but its not really practical for grilling, great for smoking.

I'm in Stockbridge too! What's the chance of that? Lol

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Cool, I live right off Fairview Rd.

I'm off of 42

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Maverick 733 for my WSM.
Thermapen for my Genesis or Kettle.  And yes a 3 sec read is worth the money.  Catch an open box sale if you are strapped.

Tapa

In no particular order:

Thermapen
Fireplace gloves (charcoal chimney/grate management)
Heat resistant rubber gloves (for taking off ribs, pork shoulders, briskets, turkeys and basically all larger items)
Extra large cutting/carvings board
Sharp carving knife and heavy meat cleaver

Everyone knows I'm staunchly anti-gadget, however lately I have fallen in love with using my cast iron chapa (griddle) in conjunction with the stock kettle for an incredible variety of cooking options.  The goddess also brought me home a gift yesterday of a cordeirite grilling stone which I'm looking forward to playing with.

Quote from: DirectDrive on September 11, 2016, 06:28:45 PM

Quote from: kettlebb on September 11, 2016, 05:01:28 PM
I don't really understand the attraction to the Thermapen. It is pretty expensive. I use an OXO meat thermometer. I get a reading in 15-20 seconds. I guess my question is is the Thermapen really worth what it costs? What makes it so great? Not putting it down, just curious if I should really add it to the wish list or not.


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You're not even in the game with a spot-check therm that takes 15-20 sec to register.

I love my Thermapen BUT if you have the slow one for now put the tip in the vent and bring it to target temp.  Then open the lid and stick it in.  In less than 5 seconds it will be at the temp of your meat.

Chimney Starter (regular and compact)
Maverick 732
Weber GBS Wok

Quote from: unometooo on September 14, 2016, 03:41:28 PM
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Christmas is September!

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I want! Very nice!  This will be my next toy!

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Mine just came in yesterday.  I'll season the Grill-Grates that came with it tomorrow.

What's so special about the slow n' sear vs the weber charcoal holders, besides the size?  Not hating at all, but genuinely curious what it provides, other than the larger size?

More space for low and slow, with the separation, and hot temps for direct?

Thanks.

Martin

Quote from: polishmartin on September 27, 2016, 10:16:00 AM
What's so special about the slow n' sear vs the weber charcoal holders, besides the size?  Not hating at all, but genuinely curious what it provides, other than the larger size?

More space for low and slow, with the separation, and hot temps for direct?

Thanks.

Martin

It is bigger, heavier metal, and includes a built in water pan.  I've only used it a few times and had a bad experience 2 out of 3 times, but those were my fault and the weathers fault, 3rd time was a charm.  First time I used it, I tried to cook a beer can chicken (I should have known better), top half of the chicken was perfect, bottom half was raw.  I had to finish the bottom half over direct heat.  Second time it started raining in the middle of my cook and I couldn't get the grill temp up, had to fire up the gas grill to finish my cook. 3rd time the cook went perfect.  It's pricey, but I don't regret the purchase, it is heavy duty and will probably last forever. Still haven't done a longer cook with it yet, but I'm looking forward to it, I think this thing is going to make my offset cooker gather dust.

I did 2 racks of St. Louis yesterday.  Didn't open it for over 5 hours.  Kept grid temp 220 to 230 with very little fussing.  Spent most of the cook inside.  Still had water and charcoal left.  No foil, moist ribs.  Put sauce on one and left it on for a few extra minutes with the vents wide open.  Next time I'll try searing it a bit.  Way less trouble than the side-burner and more moist; probably due to the far less air-flow.

Do you put foil on the open side of the charcoal grate or just drip pan?


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Quote from: HoosierKettle on September 28, 2016, 08:45:32 AM
Do you put foil on the open side of the charcoal grate or just drip pan?


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On my rib cook I lined the charcoal grate with foil. Drip pan wasn't going to catch everything and foil was easier to clean up.


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I did not put foil under the ribs and after today's clean-up I certainly will next time.

(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd487/sickofcichlids/A61E6E69-3FF9-4A1A-A0C9-560E32DC4027.jpg) (http://s1222.photobucket.com/user/sickofcichlids/media/A61E6E69-3FF9-4A1A-A0C9-560E32DC4027.jpg.html)

Quote from: Darko on September 13, 2016, 07:17:52 PM
Bottle opener.

@Darko What he said!

Just got a new addition in the mail, kind of expensive, but I think I'm going to like them. Cast iron grates. Going to break them in with the vortex and some smoked wings. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160929/872b9f155ac6d4673d83052fe9c96e95.jpg)

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Quote from: TheDude on September 28, 2016, 02:24:01 PM
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd487/sickofcichlids/A61E6E69-3FF9-4A1A-A0C9-560E32DC4027.jpg) (http://s1222.photobucket.com/user/sickofcichlids/media/A61E6E69-3FF9-4A1A-A0C9-560E32DC4027.jpg.html)

I thought I recognized that. I looked in my kitchen an found it in the back of the cabinet. What are your favorite uses for it?  I was thinking about removing the handle to make it easier to use inside the kettle but I notice you still have yours attached.


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Great for grilling shrimp, and veggies. Snap peas and cherry tomatoes are a favorite.


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But do you only use it with lid off or will you close this with the handle on.


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The lid


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Quote from: HoosierKettle on September 28, 2016, 04:33:22 PM

Quote from: TheDude on September 28, 2016, 02:24:01 PM
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd487/sickofcichlids/A61E6E69-3FF9-4A1A-A0C9-560E32DC4027.jpg) (http://s1222.photobucket.com/user/sickofcichlids/media/A61E6E69-3FF9-4A1A-A0C9-560E32DC4027.jpg.html)

I thought I recognized that. I looked in my kitchen an found it in the back of the cabinet. What are your favorite uses for it?  I was thinking about removing the handle to make it easier to use inside the kettle but I notice you still have yours attached.


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I picked up a kitchen aid at home Depot for 13 dollars I think with a removable handle. I use mine for veggies. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160929/7cc117093be9872420628724b4464ac4.jpg)

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I would like that better. I might just remove the handle.


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It's a lid off, direct heat tool. A kettle sauté pan, if you will.

I have my Vortex for my Jumbo Joe, But so far my best accessory is my new Fire Butler!! Can smoke, high temp grill, and it has an griddle also.

Finally figured out what to do with my offset smoker. It makes a good storage unit for my Weber stuff! (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/1807703fd95a27546d6a578697497337.jpg)

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Hands down, the Thermapen. And the Vortex. And my rotiss. And... well, the list goes on...

Quote from: fljoemon on September 11, 2016, 02:25:45 PM
Slow 'n Sear .. my absolute favorite .. followed by the Vortex.

Do you think you could create a "vortex" out of a terra cotta flower pot with the bottom removed?  Same shape and the pot may help regulate the heat.


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