Need help deciding on first kettle purchase

[Loonysup]

A couple observations about my first cook (I'll try and do a write up for the cook section). 

1).  I didn't use the chimney as I figured I'd keep it simple.   The gas starter did a great job of lighting the lump charcoal. 
2). I think I threw the steaks on a little premature.   Need to be more patient with the preheating. 
3). I didn't move the grill out from where it was sitting and all seemed fine.   I had a couple stray embers that concerned me but I think that was because I opened the lid before it was fully ready.   
4). For a first effort, the steaks were good (and way better than I used to get from the gas grill) but I know there is room for improvement based on steaks I've had from friend's kettles.  My 10 year old son said it was amazing so I have that. 
5). I definitely need to get comfortable moving the grates and baskets around but that will come with time. 







David

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[guitarfish]

 

[jcnaz]

!

[firedude5015]

  Congratulations Sir,  nicely done

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[SmokenJoe]

If my first cook on a kettle only looked that tasty !!!   Congrats.                              SJ

[Grizz]

Congrats and that's a fine looking first cook!

[WNC]

Looks like win to me, great first cook!

[Neil_VT00]

New grill looks great as does the first cook (and the patio for that matter).

Should we all start a pool to bet on how long before the gasser is posted in the for sale section??


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[MrHoss]

Beauty cook. A sturdy pair of long handle tongs will aid in moving baskets and whatnot around when hot.

[Loonysup]

Just finished my second cook and my wife said "you're never going to use that other grill again are you?"   

I tried out the chimney in combination with the gas starter and it worked great.   

My only issue this second go around is that some of the vegetables had a little too much charcoal taste.    I'm not sure if I should attribute it to the cowboy brand lump charcoal I'm using or if I started cooking too soon again. 

I only bought a small bag of the charcoal since I figured I would want to experiment with other types or possible briquettes In the future.   

Cooked up some chorizo and burgers.  The burgers were fantastic. 






David

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[MacEggs]

Welcome!

You're doing just fine.  Great looking cook-ups!  Keep at it.  I continue to learn every time.

I recommend weld gloves to move stuff around to go along with other gadgets and stuff-and-things.

[addicted-to-smoke]

Looking good. Get some small cast iron skillets for veggies that need less smokiness. OR with enough heat they'll cook just fine indirect on the grill. Less smoke not being right on top of the coals. Experiment!

[pbe gummi bear]

Y'all are a bunch of enablers. Keep up the good work.

[MeatAndPotatos]

My only issue this second go around is that some of the vegetables had a little too much charcoal taste.    I'm not sure if I should attribute it to the cowboy brand lump charcoal I'm using or if I started cooking too soon again. 

I forget now if it was cowboy or frontier that I had that smoked a bit and didn't have the nice woodfire smell I would expect... but it may be the brand lump you were using. Also, one of the downsides of lump is that if you watch carefully you will occasionally notice brown pieces that are basically still part wood and weren't completely turned to coal. These pieces will produce a lot more smoke and smell, and likely flavor the food more as well.

it can be harder to see if lump is going during the day, but when the full basket is going you should be good to go. Really once the initial bit of smoke that comes off as it gets started stops you should be good unless your looking for max heat.

[SmokenJoe]

PS.  If your not already, turn off that Touch-n-Go flame after no more than 5 mins  ...   coals will continue to light on there own.                          SJ