using wood only

Unknown · April 2002

We are thinking about purchasing the BGE, but would like some info about cooking with wood instead of charcoal. We live in Arizona and currently barbecue 4 to 6 days a week using mesquite wood. Has anyone used wood only in their BGE. If so would you please respond with your experiences and results. We would also appreciate any other information concerning the usability of the BGE in any way.[p]Thanks in Advance,
Brad

Prof Dan · April 2002

Brad, I've done a couple of all-wood cooks [oak], with mixed results. The first time, I just lit the wood and cooked the food, but the smoke flavor was too intense and bitter. The second time I let the wood burn down to embers for about an hour and then did my grilling, which was a lot better. [p]But I usually don't have time to wait an hour, so I use lump charcoal and add some wood chunks.[p]I wonder about using all wood with the dome open. That's how they cook tri-tip in central California [over an oak pit]. And it comes out great. But it's not closed, like the Egg, so the smoke is less intensely concentrated. Also, I think they let their oak logs burn down a bit, before they grill.

djm5x9 · April 2002

Brad:[p]Just echoing Prof Dan . . . The cook was too smoky and wood fire produces much more ash than lump. I think it is far easier to cook with lump and add chips for smoke flavor.
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sdbelt · April 2002

Brad,[p]Along the lines of what the others are saying, I won't even use the Mesquite lump charcoals that are available locally (Scottsdale resident). Those lumps seem to generate too much smoke, for use in the BGE. I'm quite fond of Hasty-Bake lump, which can now be found at BBQ's Galore. It's not cheap, but it burns very clean (neutral smoke flavor), and allows the other smoking woods that I may chose (apple, mesquite, hickory, etc.) to be the dominant flavor.[p]Enjoy![p]--sdb

RhumAndJerk · April 2002

sdbelt,
Try mixing the Mesquite Lump with the hardwood Lump. I use this lump mix for fajitas and sometimes steak. I only add two or three chunks of Mesquite Lump. That seems to do the trick.[p]Remember to watch the Mesquite Lump as it will throw sparks.[p]Hope this Helps,
RhumAndJerk[p]

using wood only

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