After cook #2, some observations and questions (alternative title: is this guy still here?)

buzd504 · February 2014

Ok, so tonight I did a spatchcock (heh) chicken for tomorrow's gumbo and some shrimp that I cribbed from here: http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1152283/green-lightning-shrimp-pics/p1 (we get great shrimp down here). But this isn't so much about that. I have a few comments and questions.

I've done my share of beercan/smoked chickens and this was my first spatchcock. I'm converted. One of the challenges of the offset smoker was the heat was coming from one direction. That's totally fixed here. It came out awesome and super-juicy (half is rubbed with BGE dizzy rub and half with my own rosemary, garlic, s/p, mix, which I liked better). As much I wanted to, I didn't lift the lid and trusted the new Maverick (73(3)) that I got from Amazon today.

Speaking for the Maverick, it works great, but whoever commented on the tiny screws in the transceiver was right. And the screen is hard to read - even with the backlight. Not happy about the quality of the product at all, although the probes and readings seem to be good.

One of my other complaints about my offset was that it leaked so much air, I burned through a ton of lump. I don't seem to be saving a ton with the egg though - still burning a lot, even for short cooks. It may be because I'm finishing off some bags with some smaller pieces, but I'm still a bit surprised (yes, my seal is good). Still better than before and worth it, but from what I've read, I thought I would have more left over. I will probably go the Firecraft route after I finish these bags.

I went indirect for the chicken and switched to direct for the shrimp. Where do you put the platesetter when it's really hot???! I put it on some cardboard, which apparently wasn't a good idea. That seems to be a bit of a problem.

I did a little more temp chasing than last night, but nothing too bad. I'm still really impressed with the egg. The chicken was amazing. Can't wait for the bigger projects Sunday!!

ShadowNick · February 2014

For the platesetter when it hot, I put it on the ground if cement, or on some pavers I have laying around.

hapster · February 2014

You're off to a good start. Firecraft is good vendor to use. As far as the other stuff; welcome to egging. Just remember; the end product is worth all of the other efforts.

Mike_the_BBQ_Fanatic · February 2014

I set up some pavers here too when I need to park a hot ps...works good...

Cookinbob · February 2014

Even 3-4 smoke wood chunks works for a PS landing pad. Just have one ready!

BYS1981 · February 2014

I have 3 bricks ready for a hot platesetter.

AR_Pork_Producer · February 2014

I just put it in my gas grill. I have to use it for something.

Orthobear · February 2014

I bought a 3-tiered rolling cart from home depot that I use to put my hot PS and AR on when I'm changing things round.

EagleIII · February 2014

Of course, use your welding gloves when removing a hot PS, then I just put it on the ground (concrete), so long as no kids in the area (mine are out of the house, so no worries).

buzd504 · February 2014

That's what I've been doing. Is it an issue if the bricks or cement are cold (WRT cracking the platesetter) ?

Little Steven · February 2014

ShadowNick said:

For the platesetter when it hot, I put it on the ground if cement, or on some pavers I have laying around.

I usually just drop mine in the snow.

After cook #2, some observations and questions (alternative title: is this guy still here?)

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