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***Official Grilling and Smoking Thread*** (2 Viewers)

Have almost 4 lbs of cheese smoking 

Cooper, horseradish and Buffalo wing 

Never bought the Buffalo wing before but I tried a small piece before it went on smoker and it’s HOT

 
Have been smoking for years on a vertical propane smoker. Good results but clearly not wood results. So I've been in the market for a pellet grill/smoker. I started by looking at a Traeger in the $1k range (Pro Series 780 - 780 sq in of cooking space). Then I got to talking with a local guy who distributes Memphis grills. He had me on the hook for a "Beale Street" at a wholesale price of around $1500 (retails on Amazon for $1800 - 817 sq inches of cooking space). As I was trying to decide between the two, I had to go to Costco for some things and I wondered if maybe they had anything. Yes. Yes they did.

At a big new display, a Louisiana Grills rep was there showing off a bunch of their smoker/grills. After chatting with him for a while, and checking out their products/comparing them to what I had looked at before, I was sold. I ended up buying the Louisiana Black Label 1200 model. 1180 sq inches of cooking space and temps up to 600 degrees (plus a searing area - the heat shield fans open to allow flames into the chamber for the searing of meats). If purchased on their website the grill alone runs $1275. At Costco, as part of a bundle, the grill/smoker, plus an accessory pack "valued at $250" (includes cover, griddle, some bear claws, spices and a magnetic cutting board) totaled $900. It comes with a 5-year warranty on all parts.Louisiana Grills are made by Danson (who also makes the entry line of Pit Boss grills sold at Walmart). I'm happy with the purchase.

Did some steaks for my first cook and then last night did 3 spatchcocked chickens with Pit Boss Fruit Blend pellets and Q39 Chicken Rub. Both cooks came out great and I can't believe I waited this long to get into a pellet grill. So easy and the wood gives much better flavor than propane. Doing a prime brisket flat on Saturday. Nom nom.

 
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Doing beef ribs tomorrow for the first time ever on the Pit Boss Vertical Smoker. Been watching a bunch of youtube videos, etc. to come up with a plan which I'm still working on - good thing is I am truly using it as a test run and have no needed time for them to be ready by, so will start them in the morning sometime around 9 or 10 and when they are done, they are done.

 
Doing beef ribs tomorrow for the first time ever on the Pit Boss Vertical Smoker. Been watching a bunch of youtube videos, etc. to come up with a plan which I'm still working on - good thing is I am truly using it as a test run and have no needed time for them to be ready by, so will start them in the morning sometime around 9 or 10 and when they are done, they are done.
Beef Ribs, in all of their glorious forms, are much easier to cook than their legend. If you have back ribs you can go hot and fast or low and slow and they'll be fine. Short or plate ribs deserve more low and slow treatment but just worry about the feel of the final product. When the probe goes through like butter they are done. Keep the seasoning simple. Preferably salt and pepper only, but if you need to scratch a more exotic itch add a little garlic. Anything beyond that is a waste at best.

 
Beef Ribs, in all of their glorious forms, are much easier to cook than their legend. If you have back ribs you can go hot and fast or low and slow and they'll be fine. Short or plate ribs deserve more low and slow treatment but just worry about the feel of the final product. When the probe goes through like butter they are done. Keep the seasoning simple. Preferably salt and pepper only, but if you need to scratch a more exotic itch add a little garlic. Anything beyond that is a waste at best.


These are beef back ribs that I got from Costco.

As of now I am planning on going with just salt and pepper, likely on the slower side with the smoker at 225. Reading different things about whether or not to wrap them part way through, so, as I have two racks and this is my experimenting time, I think I'll wrap one in foil when it hits the 160-165 temp range (got that range from a Traeger recipe/instructions), and leave the other unwrapped all the way through.

My wife likes her ribs well sauced, so I'll also likely be putting on thin layers of sauce for some of the unwrapped ribs for her (and for experimentation purposes).

First time in several months that I don't have a bunch of kids activities lined up (other than Halloween stuff in the evening), so other than a quick run to the store in the morning for a few things my wife needs, I have no plans other than to get the ribs going, watch football and enjoy some tasty libations.

 
Ribs came out great.

Put them on at 250 degrees at about 10AM this morning. Around 2:00 PM probe was reading about 170, so that's when I decided to sauce half a rack, sauce and foil wrap another half rack, then do the same but unsauced with the other rack, so essentially 4 styles.

I'd say all were delicious, but by far my wife and kids loved the sauced/unrwapped ribs the most. And have already requested that these find a rotation in the dinner menus.

Slowly but surely adding things to my smoker repertoire. I definitely don't get to use it as much as I'd like.

 
Ribs came out great.

Put them on at 250 degrees at about 10AM this morning. Around 2:00 PM probe was reading about 170, so that's when I decided to sauce half a rack, sauce and foil wrap another half rack, then do the same but unsauced with the other rack, so essentially 4 styles.

I'd say all were delicious, but by far my wife and kids loved the sauced/unrwapped ribs the most. And have already requested that these find a rotation in the dinner menus.

Slowly but surely adding things to my smoker repertoire. I definitely don't get to use it as much as I'd like.
we did a similar taste test when i first started doing ribs.   We came to the same conclusion.  havent wrapped since. 

 
Ribs came out great.

Put them on at 250 degrees at about 10AM this morning. Around 2:00 PM probe was reading about 170, so that's when I decided to sauce half a rack, sauce and foil wrap another half rack, then do the same but unsauced with the other rack, so essentially 4 styles.

I'd say all were delicious, but by far my wife and kids loved the sauced/unrwapped ribs the most. And have already requested that these find a rotation in the dinner menus.

Slowly but surely adding things to my smoker repertoire. I definitely don't get to use it as much as I'd like.
we did a similar taste test when i first started doing ribs.   We came to the same conclusion.  havent wrapped since. 
Only a few good weekend days left to do some smoking so thought I should take advantage.  Have the smoker heating up for a couple racks to do while I'm watching football.  Going unwrapped on both.  Will sauce one rack at the end.

 
I am interested in buying the Yoder 640 pellet grill and may just go ahead and do it early next year.  

Most of the people I work with have a Traeger model.  I have heard and read that this model has some problems after a year or so of grilling.

Have any of you experienced this?  The Yoder 640 is significantly more expensive than the Traeger.

Help someone and/or their families suffering from mental illness and donate to a good cause at...

https://www.namiwalks.org/participant/371514

$250,000 raised so far...

 
Jobu said:
I am interested in buying the Yoder 640 pellet grill and may just go ahead and do it early next year.  

Most of the people I work with have a Traeger model.  I have heard and read that this model has some problems after a year or so of grilling.

Have any of you experienced this?  The Yoder 640 is significantly more expensive than the Traeger.

Help someone and/or their families suffering from mental illness and donate to a good cause at...

https://www.namiwalks.org/participant/371514

$250,000 raised so far...
Heard great things about Yoder and also heard not so great things about traeger.  
 

when i bought i got the Mak grills 1 star but looked at the Yoder.  With pellets you do get what you pay for.  Mine has strong smoke output at all temps and is stainless steel.   Yoder makes a great smoker as well.

 
Heard great things about Yoder and also heard not so great things about traeger.  
 

when i bought i got the Mak grills 1 star but looked at the Yoder.  With pellets you do get what you pay for.  Mine has strong smoke output at all temps and is stainless steel.   Yoder makes a great smoker as well.
I bought a Traeger pellet grill this spring and absoletely love it.  We use it all the time.

 
And based on popular demand, tomorrow will be another day for ribs. Beef for most, but my 10 year old loved baby back ribs so I picked up a rack for him to also do

 
We got a free turkey (16 lb) that I'm going to make as a "spare".  I think we already have 2-3 aunts also making / bringing turkeys but these will all be old school oven birds.  I'm debating between deep frying (tried last year and overcooked it a bit) or putting it on my pellet smoker.  I plan to brine beforehand but haven't decided on the brine yet.  The reason I was thinking of trying in the smoker is that I would probably only use the oil once and it will be $40-$80, seems like a waste.  What do you guys think?  Pros / cons for deep fry vs smoke?  Which do you prefer?  TIA! 

 
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We got a free turkey (16 lb) that I'm going to make as a "spare".  I think we already have 2-3 aunts also making / bringing turkeys but these will all be old school oven birds.  I'm debating between deep frying (tried last year and overcooked it a bit) or putting it on my pellet smoker.  I plan to brine beforehand but haven't decided on the brine yet.  The reason I was thinking of trying in the smoker is that I would probably only use the oil once and it will be $40-$80, seems like a waste.  What do you guys think?  Pros / cons for deep fry vs smoke?  Which do you prefer?  TIA! 
Deep fry  > Smoked imo

 
We got a free turkey (16 lb) that I'm going to make as a "spare".  I think we already have 2-3 aunts also making / bringing turkeys but these will all be old school oven birds.  I'm debating between deep frying (tried last year and overcooked it a bit) or putting it on my pellet smoker.  I plan to brine beforehand but haven't decided on the brine yet.  The reason I was thinking of trying in the smoker is that I would probably only use the oil once and it will be $40-$80, seems like a waste.  What do you guys think?  Pros / cons for deep fry vs smoke?  Which do you prefer?  TIA! 
Depends on how you "smoke" it. Low and slow will result in dry breasts most of the time. I think what makes frying great is the crispy skin and the quick cook of the meat so it doesn't have a chance to dry out. But some smoke is nice and less cleanup for sure.

I would brine it, spatchcock it, and cook it hot and fast (350-400) on your smoker or grill. The skin won't be as crispy but it will be juicy and have some smoke flavor.

 
We got a free turkey (16 lb) that I'm going to make as a "spare".  I think we already have 2-3 aunts also making / bringing turkeys but these will all be old school oven birds.  I'm debating between deep frying (tried last year and overcooked it a bit) or putting it on my pellet smoker.  I plan to brine beforehand but haven't decided on the brine yet.  The reason I was thinking of trying in the smoker is that I would probably only use the oil once and it will be $40-$80, seems like a waste.  What do you guys think?  Pros / cons for deep fry vs smoke?  Which do you prefer?  TIA! 


I'm biased but I'd use the smoker. Deep fried turkey is over rated in my opinion. Especially doing it yourself and dealing with all the oil. I know some people love it. And I've had it when it was done well. Just not a huge fan. 

 
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I'm biased but I'd use the smoker. Deep fried turkey is over rated in my opinion. Especially doing it yourself and dealing with all the oil. I know some people love it. And I've had it when it was done well. Just not a huge fan. 
:goodposting: Brined and hot smoked is hands down the best turkey I've ever had. My SIL hosts Thanksgiving every year and has done  deep fried, turduken and all sorts of other methods. I smoked one a few years ago now and no one wants anything else.

 
I'm biased but I'd use the smoker. Deep fried turkey is over rated in my opinion. Especially doing it yourself and dealing with all the oil. I know some people love it. And I've had it when it was done well. Just not a huge fan. 
Agreed. Its nice when a neighbor is doing one and offers up their set up to do one for us…but I don’t go out of my way to fry one on my own.  And I love the smoked flavor.  
I also don’t care much for the skin and even crispy…its ok but typically im only having a bite or two of that anyway.

 
Turkey parts > Spatchcock > deboned turkey > whole turkey 
I typically do turkey breasts when smoking or when Ive had one fried.

I did buy a whole bird yesterday to smoke but only because Kroger was running a deal at .49 per pound.  Hard to near a 15 lb turkey for 7.50 given today’s meat prices.   We actually aren’t talking even hosting thanksgiving.  Ill be smoking this after thanksgiving to have a bunch of good smoked Turkey to make other meals out of.

 
Since we are on the topic of Turkey.  Can i inject when frying the Turkey will that in in disaster?  I’m likely frying mine this year due to my uncles request.   

 
So i know that its support to be dry and water can cause flare ups.  So would i want to inject aday or two in advance?  i assume the injection in the meat wont cause a flare?  
I always did it 30-60 mins before dropping it

no worries about anything, you’ll be good 

 
I can't believe how expensive meat is getting.  We had half a cow butchered in June so I haven't even looked at prices at the store until today.  I had taken out some thin sliced ribeye out of the freezer for steak sandwiches for supper.  I got a call from my son saying they were coming over for the game and said they were staying for supper.  I went to the grocery store to pick up a couple steaks to make sure I had enough to make sandwiches for everyone.  $45 for 2 steaks  :shock:   It was worth it because we got to spend the afternoon with our new granddaughter but wow.

 
Joe Bryant said:
Can you elaborate? 

I definitley put whole turkey as best. 


Whole turkey is big, awkward, and not flavorful by itself.  Not everyone has the time or equipment to give it the care and attention it needs.  Frying is popular because it's more efficient heating of the meat on the whole bird.  It's the most awkward technique but produces pretty decent results and is its own spectacle if you can hang outside in late November.  All-in-all, frying is pretty decent compared whole in most ovens.  But not all ovens.   I digress.   

Spatchcock solves many of those issues by cracking open the "cylinder" and letting the hot air more evenly cook the meat.  Smoking first taught me to cook to temp/done and I think some butchering produces significant gains in this department.  Further butchering into parts is more work but even less risk for at least the same reward, if not more.  Cook 'each part until it's done and you get a better distribution of results across the whole bird.  Plus, the carcass is now available for making stock in advance.  Turkey stock makes better turkey gravy than not turkey stock.  Better turkey gravy makes better turkey dinner because it goes on the potatoes, turnip, etc.  Deboning is the logical extension of more butchering, but I think provides only very limited improvements for the added work.  

Whole turkey is about sentiment, I think.  If you're carving at the table, it makes sense that whole turkey adds to the spectacle.  We've always carved in the kitchen but we usually had crowds to feed.  

 
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Whole turkey is big, awkward, and not flavorful by itself.  Not everyone has the time or equipment to give it the care and attention it needs.  Frying is popular because it's more efficient heating of the meat on the whole bird.  It's the most awkward technique but produces pretty decent results and is its own spectacle if you can hang outside in late November.  All-in-all, frying is pretty decent compared whole in most ovens.  But not all ovens.   I digress.   

Spatchcock solves many of those issues by cracking open the "cylinder" and letting heat more evenly cook the meat.  Smoking first taught me to cook to temp/done and I think some butchering produces significant gains in this department.  Further butchering into parts is more work but even less risk for at least the same reward, if not more.  Cook 'each part until it's done and you get a better distribution of results across the whole bird.  Plus, the carcass is now available for making stock in advance.  Turkey stock makes better turkey gravy than not turkey stock.  Better turkey gravy makes better turkey dinner because it goes on the potatoes, turnip, etc.  Deboning is the logical extension of more butchering, but I think provides only very limited improvements for the added work.  

Whole turkey is about sentiment, I think.  If you're carving at the table, it makes sense that whole turkey adds to the spectacle.  We've always carved in the kitchen but we usually had crowds to feed.  


Thanks for elaboration. I don't agree at all as I think whole turkey done right, is superior. It is challenging for sure as the different parts require some thought so it all turns out right but when done right, I think it's the best.  But it's always interesting to hear other viewpoints. Thanks. 

 
With all the turkey talk, thought I'd remind everyone just looking to do a breast of Aaron Franklin's BBQ Turkey Breast that was given to me in this thread last year about this time. Revolutionized my families feelings toward turkey. Prior to, I was the only one who really liked turkey. Now I have to fight them for it  :boxing:

 
With all the turkey talk, thought I'd remind everyone just looking to do a breast of Aaron Franklin's BBQ Turkey Breast that was given to me in this thread last year about this time. Revolutionized my families feelings toward turkey. Prior to, I was the only one who really liked turkey. Now I have to fight them for it  :boxing:


Is this a typo? The ingredient list says "1/4 cup" which seems more reasonable

I think a bit more than 4 cups rub per turkey breast is a good guideline
Will look to give this a try in a couple of weeks.

 
Good Evening Gentlemen,

….and Beer 30

I am looking for a budget smoker, maybe sub $500.  Thinking of going back to the kettle.  It doesn’t have to be a combo as I already have a gas grill.

Thoughts?

 
ragincajun said:
Good Evening Gentlemen,

….and Beer 30

I am looking for a budget smoker, maybe sub $500.  Thinking of going back to the kettle.  It doesn’t have to be a combo as I already have a gas grill.

Thoughts?
Weber smokey mountain is a solid smoker within that price range.

 
Weber


smokey mountain is a solid smoker within that price range.
2nd that.  I really like my smokey mountain.  I would much rather play with charcoal that a electric or propane smoker. I mainly do my smoking on the weekends when the wife is working, so it is about just kicking back, relaxing and checking every once in a while to make sure temp hasn't fluctuated.  It holds temp very well, even doing brisket overnight in the winter.  I bought mine used but never used, but If I could do it over I probably would have bought the larger one just for surface area for larger items (Pork loin, birds etc).  The 2 levels is nice for more sq footage, but the larger surface would be nice if needed.

ragincajun said:
Good Evening Gentlemen,

….and Beer 30

I am looking for a budget smoker, maybe sub $500.  Thinking of going back to the kettle.  It doesn’t have to be a combo as I already have a gas grill.

Thoughts?

 
ragincajun said:
Good Evening Gentlemen,

….and Beer 30

I am looking for a budget smoker, maybe sub $500.  Thinking of going back to the kettle.  It doesn’t have to be a combo as I already have a gas grill.

Thoughts?
Smokey Mountain is a solid choice.  I hear a lot of good things about the Pit Barrel and smokers similar to it as well. As long as you are good with charcoal.

 

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