MiniMax or Mini-Meh?

smokeyw · November 2016

I have the MM, small, and large. I use my MM more than any of the others. The large is a close second. If I cook steaks or chops for the wife and I, the MM wins out. I love the charcoal being close to the grid to get a good sear. I use the woo if I need extra distance. I don't use the MM often for low and slow although I have on occasion and had no problem. I just prefer the extra distance from the coals with the small or large for indirect low and slow. Overall, I love the versatility of the MM!

Mickey · November 2016

@Caliking. Ashish always keep that Mini. I sold my Small and never looked back.
If I could only have one of the Mini/Mini-Max it would be the Mini without doubt.
I use my Mini by far the most (just Linda and I) with the MM second, then the two Larges.
I have High-Que's on all 4 Eggs for air.
John. I had to learn to play with the height I loaded the lump. I use a Woo as well for chicken, etc.
i believe your problems will be fixed with the level of lump. By stacking the crap tall of lump you get a searing machine just like the Mini as well as a hell of a wok.
I'm talking a lot of lump.
Lower for chicken and working with the Woo.
My Granddaughters loved your pigs.

NPHuskerFL · November 2016

I have one of the first production models. I use the WOO and place the legs atop the fire ring in lieu of the PS depression spots which gets the grid up pretty good into the dome. I use mine a lot.
Longest smoke 17 hrs and still had lump leftover. Obviously size limits the size of proteins.

Lit · November 2016

I have said for a long time it's pretty crappy. I should have kept my JR.

chuckytheegghead · November 2016

I'm with @YukonRon on this one. I love my MM and absolutely love it. Sorry to hear you guys have had some issues with yours but I haven't had any at all. I'm using all oem components and can keep the temp low or bury the needle. I also have one of the originals.

Chef_Hobo · November 2016

To each his own, but I love mine for searing steaks. As long as you raise it, it's not as bad for grilling as everyone else makes it out to be. I tried smoking a smaller butt on it one time, and I'll definitely be sticking with the Large for longer cooks. When I need dual zone cooking, I use both the large and MM. I can take it over a friend's house as well as camping. I personally think it's great for everything except smoking meats.

Eggcelsior · November 2016

I prefer Mini Meow

xfire_ATX · November 2016

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:
I guess if I ever decide to sell it, it won't be on here

If you do let me know since I am just on the other side of the lake its an easy transaction. I thought about buying someones that came up recently but paused.

Although reading all this makes me question it. I just use my Gas Grill when I need quick grilled, and with this I will end up having to make a table to keep it on.

pgprescott · November 2016

Is the lump not on fire? Lump burns at over 1000 degrees. I'm somewhat agnostic here, but as far as grilling, if there is coal burning under the food???? Strange.

JRWhitee · November 2016

I have to say I am not experiencing any of the problems stated above. I have a woo, stone and the daisy wheel. For grilling i am able to get to 800 and the steaks sear great at the grid level, for burgers, chicken and chops I use the woo. I smoked a 7lb pork butt at 275 and it turned out great. I use it mostly for grilling and usually smoke on the large. I loaded it up with 24 wing sections indirect this weekend and cooked them at 350 and they turned out great. I love it for tail gating, smoked a 1/3 of a pork belly indirect at tailgate last weekend at 325 again turned out great.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · November 2016

pgprescott said:

Is the lump not on fire? Lump burns at over 1000 degrees. I'm somewhat agnostic here, but as far as grilling, if there is coal burning under the food???? Strange.

Oh...you're supposed to light it? My bad. It's awesome

The Cen-Tex Smoker · November 2016

pgprescott said:

Is the lump not on fire? Lump burns at over 1000 degrees. I'm somewhat agnostic here, but as far as grilling, if there is coal burning under the food???? Strange.

It seems it has an airflow issue that is exacerbated (can we say that on here?) when you put food on it. Seems to shut the airflow down so much that it burns in some spots and is cold in others. I bought a KA basket to help- it kinda did but not much. I have the woo, stones, platesetters....i dunno, best cooks I've done on it have been wok but I really don't need another wok cooker. Was hoping for a little nuke like a mini and it's certainly not that.

volminimax · November 2016

I have only a minimax currently. I have not used my propane grill since I bought it. I love the grill. I do need a cast iron grate for better grill marks on steaks and chicken (which I am getting for Christmas), but I am impressed with it as a grill. Chicken is always super juicy. I always start with the plate setter on chicken to start, and remove it towards the end to get a little color on the chicken. I think it does a great job grilling steaks. I have used it to smoke some brisket flats and a butt, its almost too small for that, I can't add enough wood chips to get a good smoke flavor. I am going to remedy that by purchasing an XL to smoke larger cuts of meat on. Anyway, just my 2 cents.

Stormbringer · November 2016

@The Cen-Tex Smoker from what you wrote, it sounds like the same problem I had. I resolved it by doing this:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/5g/9tgvutgsoq7c.jpg

YEMTrey · November 2016

Sorry to hear you’re having these issues CenTex. I use my MiniMax for most cooks and have been very pleased with it. Love mine. I’ve done low and slows and gotten it as hot as I’ve needed to sear. Mine’s just the opposite of yours. Anytime I want to cook over 400 I’ve got to keep an eye on it because it wants to take off.

I’ve had a couple of instances where it took a bit of time to get up to temp, not sure why. But most times it gets rockin and have no problems at all.

I also love the portability of it. Have taken it to family members houses, the campsite, tailgating, soccer tourneys, etc.

I’ve not had any of the cooking problems that you speak of. I know you’re a helluva cook, so I’m with you that it’s more the arrow and not the Indian in this case.

Makes one wonder if there are variations with when these were made. I got mine when it first came out. Sucks you’re having problems because it’s a fun little cooker.

pgprescott · November 2016

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

pgprescott said:

Is the lump not on fire? Lump burns at over 1000 degrees. I'm somewhat agnostic here, but as far as grilling, if there is coal burning under the food???? Strange.

It seems it has an airflow issue that is exacerbated (can we say that on here?) when you put food on it. Seems to shut the airflow down so much that it burns in some spots and is cold in others. I bought a KA basket to help- it kinda did but not much. I have the woo, stones, platesetters....i dunno, best cooks I've done on it have been wok but I really don't need another wok cooker. Was hoping for a little nuke like a mini and it's certainly not that.

Yeah, I can see the issue if indirect, but grilling is kinda hard to see. I am sure you are sacrificing things due to the chopped fire box, but just hard to believe that if you get a good fire going and place food over the coals for "Grilling" that it wouldn't grill.

Hey, what do I know. Carry on.

bgeaddikt · November 2016

Sorry to hear it was Meh instead of Max! I may accept a refund but restocking fees may not make it worthwhile! I wonder if a full refund is applicable if your not satisfied with it. If not i know a lot of people wanting 1 especially near the holidays.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · November 2016

Stormbringer said:

@The Cen-Tex Smoker from what you wrote, it sounds like the same problem I had. I resolved it by doing this:

I have that setup and I have the woo to raise it to about that level when cooking direct

The Cen-Tex Smoker · November 2016

bgeaddikt said:

Sorry to hear it was Meh instead of Max! I may accept a refund but restocking fees may not make it worthwhile! I wonder if a full refund is applicable if your not satisfied with it. If not i know a lot of people wanting 1 especially near the holidays.

I'm not sorry I bought it- just wondering what the hype is all about. I thought it was going to be my every day cooker and that I might sell one of the larges to fund another toy. So far, I do not have it dialed in for whatever reason.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · November 2016

pgprescott said:

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

pgprescott said:

Is the lump not on fire? Lump burns at over 1000 degrees. I'm somewhat agnostic here, but as far as grilling, if there is coal burning under the food???? Strange.

It seems it has an airflow issue that is exacerbated (can we say that on here?) when you put food on it. Seems to shut the airflow down so much that it burns in some spots and is cold in others. I bought a KA basket to help- it kinda did but not much. I have the woo, stones, platesetters....i dunno, best cooks I've done on it have been wok but I really don't need another wok cooker. Was hoping for a little nuke like a mini and it's certainly not that.

Yeah, I can see the issue if indirect, but grilling is kinda hard to see. I am sure you are sacrificing things due to the chopped fire box, but just hard to believe that if you get a good fire going and place food over the coals for "Grilling" that it wouldn't grill.

Hey, what do I know. Carry on.

I wish I took pics of the lamb i did last night. mostly gray-ish with very light grill marks but was burned in a few spots. It was like 135 when I pulled it off because I was trying to get some color on it. Grilling essentially at lump level on the grid/fire ring. It's like the grid is so close to the lump that a full load of food is like a platesetter and blocks the airflow. I thought raising the grid would remedy that but it really hasn't. Keep in mind this is after i cooked some naan in a wok for 20-30 minutes- the lump was ripping hot when I started. Just seemed to cool off as I loaded food on the grid.

pgprescott · November 2016

If your not looking for portability as number one priority, the small and med. are better options for everyday. No doubt.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · November 2016

I actually did take a pic. This is the lamb at 135 after being "seared" essentially at lump level. I would normally pull it at 125 but it had no color whatsoever.

NPHuskerFL · November 2016

@GoooDawgs Please share why you disagree or to what extent.

NPHuskerFL · November 2016

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

I actually did take a pic. This is the lamb at 135 after being "seared" essentially at lump level. I would normally pull it at 125 but it had no color whatsoever.

Bro. Get the WOO from @tjv
It's a game changer. Like Mastercard my egg doesn't leave home or cook without it.

And before the pundits even chime in about having to buy an accessory just to cook with. Why do we buy an AR, WOO, Spider....etc. for our other eggs then?

The Cen-Tex Smoker · November 2016

NPHuskerFL said:

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

I actually did take a pic. This is the lamb at 135 after being "seared" essentially at lump level. I would normally pull it at 125 but it had no color whatsoever.

Bro. Get the WOO from @tjv
It's a game changer. Like Mastercard my egg doesn't leave home or cook without it.
And before the pundits even chime in about having to buy an accessory just to cook with. Why do we buy an AR, WOO, Spider....etc. for our other eggs then?

I have it. no difference. That's why I tried to sear it down low this time

The Cen-Tex Smoker · November 2016

It's loaded up- I have woo, stones, platesetter, wok, kick ash basket- It ain't the accessories' fault.

NPHuskerFL · November 2016

See that horrible crust?

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/4b/xou6s677v6fr.jpg

You'll get kitty with the MM too

It's a win win.

caliking · November 2016

Whoa whoa whoa. Hold up . Where are the naan pics??? Separate thread?

The Cen-Tex Smoker · November 2016

pgprescott said:

If your not looking for portability as number one priority, the small and med. are better options for everyday. No doubt.

My jumbo joe is way more portable, cooks circles around this thing, and it cools down in 10 minutes when you dump the ash out. Plus it has an 18" grid. And it was $49. And I don't have to babysit the ceramics if I'm taking somewhere in the truck.

NPHuskerFL · November 2016

caliking said:

Whoa whoa whoa. Hold up . Where are the naan pics??? Separate thread?

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5017260/uploads/editor/ud/1rycppatufmw.jpg

Oops you said Naan.

MiniMax or Mini-Meh?

Comments

Categories