Dwell in the shell - concerned about amount of smoke

Aussie_Hugh

On Sunday I had some sirloin steaks that I thought I try charring on the egg. I got the coals going fairly well, gave them a good stir then let them up up to lava temp.[p]I then sealed the steaks each side (dome up) and thought I'd try giving them a dwell. Not the T-Rex method with a rest but straight into it. I closed down the vents totally but there was a lot of smoke. Too much to be right in my opinion, I think the lump was smoldering big time. Anyway I opened the vents, burped the egg and finished cooking the steaks dome up. They turned out pretty tastey but I think if I'd left them in there with the dome down and vents closed the smolder smoke would have ruined them.[p]Anybody had similar experiences to this when dwelling steaks immediately after a high temp charr. My thoughts are to use less lump in future to reduce the smodler effect.[p]Regards,
Hugh.

TRex

Aussie_Hugh,[p]This is one of the reasons why I prefer the 20 minute rest. I tried the "dwell in the shell" method once and it was too much smoke for me as well.[p]Some people like the heavy smoke; I prefer just a hint of mesquite.[p]TRex

The Naked Whiz

Aussie_Hugh,
I've done dozens of steaks by searing and then immediately dwelling and I've never seen an unusual amount of smoke. Could something have been left from a previous fire?[p]TNW

Tim M

Aussie_Hugh,[p]Using less lump won't make any difference. What you are doing when you dwell is snuffing out the hot fire you had going just moments before. When you starve the fire for oxygen you make it smoke (incomplete combustion) until it cools enough to stop, but you have it all sealed up and the smoke just stays in the cooker. Dwelling will add lots of smoke taste and some may like it - others won't. I gave it up years ago, plus it offers a great chance for a flashback.[p]Tim

TRex

Tim M,[p]I agree completely on the smoke.[p]Does that mean you've finally tried the 20-minute rest, or are you still just "searing" until done?[p]TRex

Unknown

The Naked Whiz,[p]Could it be the grease/juices dripping on the smoldering lump?

Tim M

TRex,[p]I have not tried the 20 min rest method yet. Someday - I promise.[p]Tim