New egg experience in Australia

Aussie_Hugh

Hello all,[p]My Aussie egg arrived on the weekend. I was pretty pushed for time with other things I had on but I did manage to get the nest and egg assembled. On Sunday evening the egg lost its virginity with a chunk of silverside (not the corned stuff). NB: I was going to say a lump of meat but the courser minded ones would only heckle me [p]The meat turned out well but definitely with room for improvement. But I was pleased to get a positive result on my initial cook.[p]Some observations.[p]Firstly that danged charcoal is hard stuff to get going. I bought a propane torch and blasted it for a while. This did not seem to inspire much co-operation from the lump. So I resorted to some BBQ starter cubes. They were meant to be odourless but did seem to have a bit of a pong. Perhaps it was a combo of everything being new? Anyway the cubes seemed to do a better job than the torch and after a couple of goes the lump was a blaze. I let it burn a bit as I had read here that that is the way to get any creosote smell from the lump.[p]Mind you the first attempt was not helped when my youngest put on Mr Humpy’s hat [p]I thought that I had put a fair bit of lump in, it was above the holes. But the stuff still burnt down a bit. Now I was cooking at a fairly hot temp (350 – 400F) but towards the end it dropped to 300F and I could not get it to rise. So I added some more lump.[p]I used a quick read thermometer that registered 158F but the meat was certainly well done. This threw me a bit as I had tested the thermometer with boiling water. I thought that the meat should have been around 170F given that the meat was well done. Given that the heat takes a while to distribute to the centre of the meat should one just test on the outside rather than the centre of the meat?[p]I threw in some water soaked mesquite chips. Interesting smelling wood that stuff. Not bad, I am looking forward to the apple and hickory.[p]Anyway overall I was very happy with the way the egg held its temp and responded to my adjustments. Any links to help on starting would be appreciated. I have reviewed TNW’s method using starter cubes and that sounds like the way to go. But I would like to be able use the propane torch seeing I have spent my $ on it.[p]The other thing that impressed me is that the actual starting process was not smoky. I remember a couple of times when I have had a check over my neighbour’s fence just to make sure that all the smoke was only from his kettle BBQ. I want my smoke to come from the chips not the lump so that I can control the amount of smoke.[p]Oh BTW, in regard to the enamel coated grill. I have a fairly sharp edged spatula. This is great on cast iron if something sticks a bit. But I am concerned with using it on enamel in case it damages it. Any comments?[p]Regards,
Hugh.

GaDawg

Aussie_Hugh,
Are you using propane or MAPP? Propane torches
don't like to work upside down, plus MAPP is significantly
hotter. Good luck.
Chuck

Wise One

Aussie_Hugh, if you can do damage to the ceramic grill with a spatula more power to you. I have done everything abusive to mine that one could possibly do, and if I give it a little tender care with soap and water, it looks as good as new. I may have to get you to demo your egg to a couple of my buddies who live down under.

Stuckeydude from Oz

Aussie_Hugh,[p]Congrats on the new addition to your family, mate Will talk to you soon.[p]Jake

Aussie_Hugh

Hello Chuck,[p]It is a butane/propane mix. Its packet suggested it for use as a BBQ starter and that it could be used upside down so I thought "great!" when I saw it. I think you are right, it simply is not hot enough. Either that or the flame is not concentrated enough (the nozzle is about 1/2" wide). And as you suggested it does not really like being upside down despite its advertising.[p]Back to the drawing board I guess :([p]Cheers,
Hugh.

Aussie_Hugh

Wise One,[p]No problems with the demo but I suggest that you hold on a while. My rookie egg skills wouldn't do it justice at this stage and I'd hate for them to think that you were exaggerating. Perhaps if I poured a bit of beer into them they'd be happy anyway (I would, free beer and food).[p]Regards,
Hugh.[p]

Nessmuk

Aussie_Hugh,
I have my BGE for 1.5 months. I tried fire sticks & gell. After finding a Bernzomatic Torch, I tried it. I lit to many coals the first time & the temp went off the charts before I could cap it.[p]I now lite 3 spots. To ensure ignition, I squeeze a little gell into the hot spots. Now I use less MAPP & get a light the first time. [p]Mike in MN had a great suggestion. We folks who live in cold area own a commercial/industrial grade hair dryer. You may select either hot or cold air. I use it to melt ice from my car, door locks & the garage door.[p]When you need to accelerate buring, simply hold it in the bottom draft for the time desired. The temp climbs rapidly.[p]Keep in touch.