So I was on Craigslist last month, searching as I always to for that incredible find that never seems to be found, when I came across a black (of course, because that's all I have) Smokey Joe for only $5. It looked like it had only been used once or twice. So my Weberitis kicked in and I decided why not pick it up. I had only cooked on a Smokey Joe once before while at my parents place in Florida. I was just cooking some burgers and used Kingsford Match-light. I know, I hate Match-lite but that's all I had available. Needless to say, I wasn't too impressed.
Flash to today when I decided to give my current Smokey Joe a try at something a little more interesting.
(http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab326/mcgolden67/6826D399-FBB1-47F9-B0FB-88BB22727F66_zpsbtqmozc3.jpg) (http://s876.photobucket.com/user/mcgolden67/media/6826D399-FBB1-47F9-B0FB-88BB22727F66_zpsbtqmozc3.jpg.html)
And no, it didn't come with that beautiful wood handle. It's one of Brian's creations.
Anyway, I'm going camping soon and I wanted to see what this little guy was capable of. After work I picked up a little pork tenderloin (about 2lbs I think) and seasoned it with some Weber garlic and herb spice. I set up the Joe with a small Weber grease tray, packed lit coals all around it, added some soaked peach wood chips and I was of to the races.
(http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab326/mcgolden67/F6D31220-60F1-427D-9C68-06A0249A7957_zpsseo909py.jpg) (http://s876.photobucket.com/user/mcgolden67/media/F6D31220-60F1-427D-9C68-06A0249A7957_zpsseo909py.jpg.html)
I was shocked. This thing held steady at around 300 degrees until the meat was done after a little less than an hour and half. I'm sure I could have closed the vents down and cooked lower, but I wasn't really looking for a slow cook. Just some smokey goodness. This was the result.
(http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab326/mcgolden67/69232b69-293b-41df-984c-c61a417a5241_zpsb88d2dee.jpg) (http://s876.photobucket.com/user/mcgolden67/media/69232b69-293b-41df-984c-c61a417a5241_zpsb88d2dee.jpg.html)
It was incredibly moist and juicy and check out the smoke ring.
(http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab326/mcgolden67/147E0CA3-96BA-4170-89A1-5ED160B890BD_zpspbch7ccm.jpg) (http://s876.photobucket.com/user/mcgolden67/media/147E0CA3-96BA-4170-89A1-5ED160B890BD_zpspbch7ccm.jpg.html)
My wife and kids are typically fairly picky eaters but they all loved it. Long story long ;D, I'm impressed. Going to have to see what else I can do on the little guy.
Nice post buddy. Remember it's the cool, not the cooker!
If you don't have one, I highly recommend a tamale pot conversion... You can cook tons with 2 grates.
It won't take up any more space on the trip if you fill it with other stuff.. 8)
Great cook. Looks really good.
Nailed that one just right.....................hyper-juicy !!!!
HeyJude,
Probably wouldn't need the tamale pot on travel and definitely wouldn't need it at home with the other grills in the arsenal. But I could definitely see the value of having one if you wanted to expand this little guy.
Quote from: mcgolden on July 30, 2014, 04:34:42 AM
HeyJude,
Probably wouldn't need the tamale pot on travel and definitely wouldn't need it at home with the other grills in the arsenal. But I could definitely see the value of having one if you wanted to expand this little guy.
If I had to have one Kettle and lived in a small space or traveled a lot, it would be an SJ and tamale pot conversion.. They work great! 8)
They work pretty good don't they? That looks so good.
Size doesn't matter ?
the tamale pot idea is fine, but check into this first.....
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/grilling-bbqing/really-need-to-see-this/
I had already seen this post which is kind of what inspired me to try the pork tenderloin on the Smokey Joe. But the tamale pot definitely would give a lot more real estate for cooking. Even if you're using just one grate, the ability to raise it up and get a heat deflector in between the charcoal and the grate would allow you to use the entire grate rather than just a small portion. But for me, if I need the extra space, I'll use one of my other cookers. It might even inspire me to actually fire this guy up.
(http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab326/mcgolden67/F52130F7-8EF4-4119-83E6-2F414623FCA1_zpsguwdfqiw.jpg) (http://s876.photobucket.com/user/mcgolden67/media/F52130F7-8EF4-4119-83E6-2F414623FCA1_zpsguwdfqiw.jpg.html)
(Un-used Smokey Joe Platinum 18") Aint she perty? :o