Jeeves smokes meat
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Jeeves smokes meat
Looking to buy a smoker and overwhelmed by the options differences in prices.
I'm thinking I want to go with a pellet smoker with automatic heat control. I'd like to be able to set it and not have to stand over it all day adjusting controls. The WiFi controls seem like a cool idea, but I get the sense it isn't really necessary if you get one that adjusts airflow and flow of pellets to maintain temperature. Traeger seems like you are paying for the name. Brands like Camp Chef and ZGrill get good reviews... Looking for any advice or reviews on whatever brands you guys might be using. Also open to different types of smokers.
I'm thinking I want to go with a pellet smoker with automatic heat control. I'd like to be able to set it and not have to stand over it all day adjusting controls. The WiFi controls seem like a cool idea, but I get the sense it isn't really necessary if you get one that adjusts airflow and flow of pellets to maintain temperature. Traeger seems like you are paying for the name. Brands like Camp Chef and ZGrill get good reviews... Looking for any advice or reviews on whatever brands you guys might be using. Also open to different types of smokers.
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- govmentchedda
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Parents have a Traeger and I fucking hate it. That being said, I hate it because they try and use it as a grill. It fucking sucks as a grill. It's probably a good smoker. This hasn't helped, I'm sure. It does seem to hold it's temperature, if it's display is to be believed.
Side note, I really wanted a ceramic cooker. Big Green Egg, to be exact. That was out of my budget, so I bought an Akorn Kamado grill. I've grilled and slow cooked with it (mostly grilling), and really like it.
Side note, I really wanted a ceramic cooker. Big Green Egg, to be exact. That was out of my budget, so I bought an Akorn Kamado grill. I've grilled and slow cooked with it (mostly grilling), and really like it.
Until everything is less insane, I'm mixing weed with wine.
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
From a couple years ago:
From last year:
His channel is great.
I personally have a Traeger (pellet grill) that has been pretty good. I think I got it on sale and additionally discounted because of the 10% off for military. But you're right that it is a bit more expensive because of the name.
From that dude's videos, it seems like the Green Mountain Grill Ledge Prime is a good choice at $899. I'd probably go with that if my Traeger ever breaks. (There's also a larger model called the Peak Prime that's $200 more.)
And then there's also this video that was suggested by my watching his channel:
From last year:
His channel is great.
I personally have a Traeger (pellet grill) that has been pretty good. I think I got it on sale and additionally discounted because of the 10% off for military. But you're right that it is a bit more expensive because of the name.
From that dude's videos, it seems like the Green Mountain Grill Ledge Prime is a good choice at $899. I'd probably go with that if my Traeger ever breaks. (There's also a larger model called the Peak Prime that's $200 more.)
And then there's also this video that was suggested by my watching his channel:
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- Steve of phpBB
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Antisemitic too? Or is that limited to ovens?
If you're buying Traeger, be sure to research the pellets you buy. We have a class action going against them because they misrepresented their pellets. Their hickory pellets aren't made of hickory, and their mesquite pellets aren't made of mesquite.
And his one problem is he didn’t go to Russia that night because he had extracurricular activities, and they froze to death.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
I have a Traeger and love it. I confirm your parents are doing it SUPER wrong. It is an amazing smoker and simple enough for even me.govmentchedda wrote: ↑Wed May 10, 2023 4:06 pm Parents have a Traeger and I fucking hate it. That being said, I hate it because they try and use it as a grill. It fucking sucks as a grill. It's probably a good smoker. This hasn't helped, I'm sure. It does seem to hold it's temperature, if it's display is to be believed.
Side note, I really wanted a ceramic cooker. Big Green Egg, to be exact. That was out of my budget, so I bought an Akorn Kamado grill. I've grilled and slow cooked with it (mostly grilling), and really like it.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
That's a fun consumer class action - nice find.Steve of phpBB wrote: ↑Wed May 10, 2023 5:10 pmAntisemitic too? Or is that limited to ovens?
If you're buying Traeger, be sure to research the pellets you buy. We have a class action going against them because they misrepresented their pellets. Their hickory pellets aren't made of hickory, and their mesquite pellets aren't made of mesquite.
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
You gonna tell me bubbleicious ain't really grape?
- A_B
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Tragers are a money grab. I got a friend who is a serious smoker and he says there's nothing that special about them if you know how to smoke meat.
Hold on, I'm trying to see if Jack London ever gets this fire built or not.
- DaveInSeattle
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Now....I'm going the opposite way. I'm looking for a new propane grill. I have a Char-Broil 5-Burner model that I'm looking to replace. I've had it for about 6 years, and its on its last legs...I've replaced most of the parts on it multiple times, but I've decided that I'm just going to replace it instead.
Wirecutter says that this one: Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill, Black is the best, but does anyone else have recommendations?
*Note: Not that I'm against smoking stuff, on occasion, but I generally don't have the time nor inclination for that. A lot of times I'm just looking to grill a piece of salmon or some chicken for dinner. And I do have a charcoal Weber kettle that I can use if I really want to smoke something.
Wirecutter says that this one: Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill, Black is the best, but does anyone else have recommendations?
*Note: Not that I'm against smoking stuff, on occasion, but I generally don't have the time nor inclination for that. A lot of times I'm just looking to grill a piece of salmon or some chicken for dinner. And I do have a charcoal Weber kettle that I can use if I really want to smoke something.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Pretty sure that's the exact same grill I have. I think I am on year 5 (but maybe 4) and it's as good as the day I opened it. I've found so long as you keep it clean (ish - I'm not saying deep clean it after one round of burgers and dogs) you should be good. Keeps heat in very well compared to my previous grill from Sams club. And no dead spots I can find so far.DaveInSeattle wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2023 10:29 am Now....I'm going the opposite way. I'm looking for a new propane grill. I have a Char-Broil 5-Burner model that I'm looking to replace. I've had it for about 6 years, and its on its last legs...I've replaced most of the parts on it multiple times, but I've decided that I'm just going to replace it instead.
Wirecutter says that this one: Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill, Black is the best, but does anyone else have recommendations?
*Note: Not that I'm against smoking stuff, on occasion, but I generally don't have the time nor inclination for that. A lot of times I'm just looking to grill a piece of salmon or some chicken for dinner. And I do have a charcoal Weber kettle that I can use if I really want to smoke something.
Hold on, I'm trying to see if Jack London ever gets this fire built or not.
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Samsies! I can also attest if you don't keep it all that clean-ish, you should be good.A_B wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2023 10:32 amPretty sure that's the exact same grill I have. I think I am on year 5 (but maybe 4) and it's as good as the day I opened it. I've found so long as you keep it clean (ish - I'm not saying deep clean it after one round of burgers and dogs) you should be good. Keeps heat in very well compared to my previous grill from Sams club. And no dead spots I can find so far.DaveInSeattle wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2023 10:29 am Now....I'm going the opposite way. I'm looking for a new propane grill. I have a Char-Broil 5-Burner model that I'm looking to replace. I've had it for about 6 years, and its on its last legs...I've replaced most of the parts on it multiple times, but I've decided that I'm just going to replace it instead.
Wirecutter says that this one: Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Liquid Propane Grill, Black is the best, but does anyone else have recommendations?
*Note: Not that I'm against smoking stuff, on occasion, but I generally don't have the time nor inclination for that. A lot of times I'm just looking to grill a piece of salmon or some chicken for dinner. And I do have a charcoal Weber kettle that I can use if I really want to smoke something.
well this is gonna be someone's new signature - bronto
- A_B
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
I just had a bad flareup once that was totally my fault for not getting grates brushed perfectly and the drip tray was a bit more full than I realized.
Go ahead and order a tray of the replacement drip pans. They are pretty cheap and I now change mine way more frequently.
I'm actually due to scrub my grates and diffusers, actually.
ETA: So exact isn't the word, because mine is in Blue, but I come by it honest. Same model, though!
Go ahead and order a tray of the replacement drip pans. They are pretty cheap and I now change mine way more frequently.
I'm actually due to scrub my grates and diffusers, actually.
ETA: So exact isn't the word, because mine is in Blue, but I come by it honest. Same model, though!
Hold on, I'm trying to see if Jack London ever gets this fire built or not.
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
I'd check the Spirit out in person first ... its pretty small which is good if you're only cooking for a few at all times but rough if you ever entertain or want to do bigger cuts. I'm on the opposite end here, I haven't used my gas in 3-4 years and have considered giving it away. Yours if you want to make the trip, just make sure you secure it in the moving truck because they tip over easier than you'd think and its a pain in the ass replacing the temp knobs and hardware behind it.
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
I had a Traeger. Hated it. It had so many issues, I had swapped out the fan and internal controls because of issues, thought it was doing better then the auger motor died. Luckily I bought it from Costco so I was able to return it for a full refund.
I have a recteq now and it has been great. Completely hands off for long cooks, as long as there are enough pellets. Holds with 1-2 degrees for hours. We are eating more vegetarian these days so it doesn't get as much use as it used to. But it's good for burgers and chicken in addition to the longer cooks. Tops out around 500 degrees so not as great for steaks as other grills.
I have a recteq now and it has been great. Completely hands off for long cooks, as long as there are enough pellets. Holds with 1-2 degrees for hours. We are eating more vegetarian these days so it doesn't get as much use as it used to. But it's good for burgers and chicken in addition to the longer cooks. Tops out around 500 degrees so not as great for steaks as other grills.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Don't build your own like the guy in our development. He finished it over the winter and is yet to take the maiden voyage.
Also, be sure you're going to use it enough to make it worth the investment. We have friends who got one several years ago, but have not used it the last two years due to travel sports eating up their weekends.
Also, be sure you're going to use it enough to make it worth the investment. We have friends who got one several years ago, but have not used it the last two years due to travel sports eating up their weekends.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
That last part is my problem right now. Its rare I have a weekend day wide open and, if I do, its likely because of rain.
- The Sybian
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
My lofty thought is that since I work from home most days, I could throw something on the smoker on a weekday.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
I've had a decent off-brand propane grill for about 10 years. It's been good, but like DiS, rather than replace more parts, I'm leaning towards a new grill.
But, what to get? Propane grills work fast and easy and are recommended by noted grilling expert Hank Hill. But, I kind of miss the taste of smoke I used to get from the old Weber kettle I used to have, but I don't want to go to the work of using charcoal. So, maybe a wood pellet grill? I'm not really into the smoker aspect - more just to use it as a grill.
Thoughts?
But, what to get? Propane grills work fast and easy and are recommended by noted grilling expert Hank Hill. But, I kind of miss the taste of smoke I used to get from the old Weber kettle I used to have, but I don't want to go to the work of using charcoal. So, maybe a wood pellet grill? I'm not really into the smoker aspect - more just to use it as a grill.
Thoughts?
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
It might be because I've worked from home forever or because I only really grill on weekends, but I don't get why charcoal is seen as so tough. It obv takes longer at startup but the effort level isn't different.
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Startup takes longer. Always out of charcoal. Cleanup is a mess.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
As Chedds mentioned above, pellet smokers suck for grilling. Most say you can use it to grill, but from what I've read, they are ideal for low temp, slow cooking. I hear you have to burn through a ton of pellets to keep the temp hot enough to grill. I've used the same Brinkman 5-burner grill from Home Depot for about 12 years, still works great. Only thing I've replaced is the wheels, the casters corroded and broke. Pretty sure they went out of business a few years ago. Charcoal tastes better than propane, but I usually don't have time to mess with charcoal. I'm thinking with a smoker, I can get it cooking in the morning and not worry about being there while it cooks.sancarlos wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2023 2:36 pm I've had a decent off-brand propane grill for about 10 years. It's been good, but like DiS, rather than replace more parts, I'm leaning towards a new grill.
But, what to get? Propane grills work fast and easy and are recommended by noted grilling expert Hank Hill. But, I kind of miss the taste of smoke I used to get from the old Weber kettle I used to have, but I don't want to go to the work of using charcoal. So, maybe a wood pellet grill? I'm not really into the smoker aspect - more just to use it as a grill.
Thoughts?
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
You can get a little smoker box that you put on the burner that'll add the delicious smoke flavour of your choosing while keeping the ease of the propane.
Did you see that ludicrous display last night?
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Forgot to mention this. I’ve tried it before, didn’t get much smoke flavor from it.Rush2112 wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2023 3:17 pmYou can get a little smoker box that you put on the burner that'll add the delicious smoke flavour of your choosing while keeping the ease of the propane.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Liquid smoke has some utility. But you gotta be careful with it.
Hold on, I'm trying to see if Jack London ever gets this fire built or not.
- DaveInSeattle
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
I've done smoking on my propane grill before....I soak a bunch of wood chips the night before, and then put it in one of those cheap aluminum foil pans, with foil over the top. I poke a few holes in the foil, and set it on one side of the grill, with the burners on low. Pumps out the smoke pretty good...just make sure you've got enough propane to last for the afternoon.The Sybian wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2023 3:20 pmForgot to mention this. I’ve tried it before, didn’t get much smoke flavor from it.Rush2112 wrote: ↑Thu May 11, 2023 3:17 pmYou can get a little smoker box that you put on the burner that'll add the delicious smoke flavour of your choosing while keeping the ease of the propane.
I've done whole chickens, ribs, pork shoulders. Not quite a Big Green Egg, but it worked pretty well.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Anyone have experience with a vertical smoker? My research is showing they provide better flavor than a horizontal pellet grill. I also like that they take up less space, as I already have a 5 burner grill on the patio. A vertical smoker could be moved to the shed or behind the house when not in use. Only issue I'm seeing is some articles say you need to manually add wood chips every 30 minutes. I like the idea of not being tied to the smoker all day. Other articles say wood chips last 4 hours, and you just need to add chips for the final 45 minutes.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Buddy has one and likes it but he doesn’t use it that much because he has kids that still have to be transported.
Hold on, I'm trying to see if Jack London ever gets this fire built or not.
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
If the Weber Smokey Mountain is a vertical, which I assume it is, it’s definitely a manual process. I got a thermapen smoke thermometer which keeps two different levels of temps and has a remote, but you need to be around the entire time to manage. Otherwise, it’s just an oven ; )
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
I have a Kitchen-Aid electric smoker that's vertical. I like it a lot. I'll probably get something bigger when the kids are bigger as it only has 2 shelves but I can two racks of ribs or a brisket pretty easily. Plus all I need is a couple handfuls of chips to smoke the meats.
Did you see that ludicrous display last night?
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
I’m hoping to smoke turkeys for thanksgiving. Usually make around a 25 pound bird. Hard to figure out how big a smoker I’ll need. How often do you need to add wood chips?Rush2112 wrote: ↑Thu May 18, 2023 10:25 pmI have a Kitchen-Aid electric smoker that's vertical. I like it a lot. I'll probably get something bigger when the kids are bigger as it only has 2 shelves but I can two racks of ribs or a brisket pretty easily. Plus all I need is a couple handfuls of chips to smoke the meats.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
I roasted a turkey 2 years ago in it.
Matter's how long the smoke, but for a brisket I usually add them 2 times during the smoke.
Matter's how long the smoke, but for a brisket I usually add them 2 times during the smoke.
Did you see that ludicrous display last night?
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
That's not bad, most reviews say every 30-45 minutes depending on the brand.
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Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Maybe I should add more??
The smoke box is like 3 in by 10 in or so. I always at least wet my chips..but everything I've done has had a good smoke flavor. I'm not a competition guy so no sick bark or anything, but truly I'm more about my patented maple syrup / red chile glaze than having a 1/4 bark.
The smoke box is like 3 in by 10 in or so. I always at least wet my chips..but everything I've done has had a good smoke flavor. I'm not a competition guy so no sick bark or anything, but truly I'm more about my patented maple syrup / red chile glaze than having a 1/4 bark.
Did you see that ludicrous display last night?
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
This is true. Apple wood helps with that but I've made plenty of chicken ham overdoing the smoke
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
We’ve only used our pellet smoker once since we got in as a Xmas present several years ago. Wish us luck on the ribs today!
well this is gonna be someone's new signature - bronto
Re: Jeeves smokes meat
Good luck! The 3-2-1 method is super simple and makes great ribs every time.
Don't forget to remove the silverskin on the underside of the racks.
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