The All-In-One Barbecue Grill Smoker

I’d heard that the kamado ceramic barbecue grill smoker can do everything all in one package and I now know that it can.

I read the promotional literature for one particular ceramic barbecue (Big Green Egg) that claims to be the “Worlds Best Smoker and Grill” and it sounded too good to be true so I got one and I’ve been playing with it to see if the marketing blurb is correct. I have to say that so far I can’t fault it.

I’ve done some supremely moist burgers and seared salmon on the grill, and to test the smoker I’ve tried the traditional favorites of brisket and ribs. So barbecue grill smoker it is, but is it the world's best?

If there is a perceived negative with the ceramic barbecue for me it’s the size of the cooking area if doing a big cookout but I’ve found the grill so effective that I plan my parties with pre-prepared smoked meats and then crank up the coals for some grilling in front of my guests.

I was also a concerned about the weight of the BBQ because the brochure states the weight and it looked heavy to me. My (large) Big Green Egg was delivered on a pallet boxed up and stretch wrapped by a lorry with tail lift and pump truck so full marks for first impressions. I was able to load the Egg into its nest follow well written instructions and within the hour was ready to cook.

The claim that the Egg is ready to cook on in 10 minutes is marginally optimistic but certainly by 12 minutes I was up to the benchmark smoking temperature of 225°F or 110°C and with the top and bottom vents fully open the temperature gauge just kept on climbing 10 degrees every minute until I was at a good grilling temperature.

A recipe book is included in the pack however my one complaint is that there’s no instructions about how to control the temperature so having played with it, here’s what I’ve found out.

• Top and bottom vents full open and the temperature rockets
• Use the bottom vent for large changes in temp but when in the “area” you need to be, use the top daisy wheel for fine tuning (+/- 25°)
• Only change the setting on the bottom or the top, never both at the same time
• If you have the small top vents open and close them half way, the temp will reduce by approx 10°C / 18°F
• A steady smoking temperature is approximated by the bottom vent open ½ inch and the small daisy wheel vents half open.
• I grill with the bottom vent open an inch and the small daisy wheel vents fully open

If you do buy a Big Green Egg I hope that give you a good starting point.

If I have one message for the manufacturer then it’s this……….

It possibly is the World’s Best Smoker and Grill but it’s actually a barbecue grill smoker and a mighty fine tandoor! Load it with charcoal, crank it up and if you’re into Indian food then you’re in for a treat. I’ve done my best ever tandoori chicken breast on the grill, I’ve done naan bread, and with a few skewers (and some heat resistant gloves!) some wicked chicken tikka. The original Indian clay tandoors cook at high temperatures and a ceramic barbecue mimics it beautifully.

Would I recommend a Big Green Egg? You bet I would!

Related Pages:-

Information about how to buy a Big Green Egg
Kamado cooking recipes
Patio & Backyard Furniture

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