What new item in 2019

[Richard Chrz]

So, 2019 was a cool year in my timeline of things I have learned, enjoyed, and shared. So many cool things (cooking related) came into my life this year. What one thing for outdoor or indoor I guess, but, what was your favorite purchase last year. So many new things, but, if one item made the biggest difference to me this year, I would have to say buying my first temp system. I purchased all Thermoworks gear, Smoke, Thermo pop, and a small one lead DOT as well. For sure, they increased the quality of my cooking. So, what was yours?

[Uncle Bob]

Earlier this year through these pages fzxdoc , Kathryn, introduced me to the Camp Chef Somerset IV outdoor stove. Four, 30k btu burners of shear cooking power, convenience, and joy. The best basic feature is that it keeps the smells of, mostly, burning oil outside the house. The high power burners make all manner of high temp cooking (wok and deep frying) a breeze in both attaining high temps and recovering when large amounts of food are introduced to the pan. I'd been using a two burner camp stove style previously, but the height, and burner span of this unit are much, much better to work with. I can now do calamari in higher volume in less than a minute. Pan fried noodles get that just right texture, and on and on. With a cast iron flat top added we get wonderful smash burgers, and all the other griddle delights. If I didn't already have a bevy of other cookers I'd be more interested in some of the clever add on devices that Camp Chef makes to increase versatility.

[Richard Chrz]

I think I remember that thread. I was following it pretty close for awhile. That is great feedback. I will have to put that on my list to look at.

[ifican]

The coolest stuff i picked up are computer related (few rpi's, fanless headless pc's etc) however to keep inline with the nature of the site. Picked up an RT-700, first pellet for me and enjoying playing with it.

[ofelles]

The Klose charcoal grill. Still learning it but have put out some fantastic tri tip, ribeyes, burgers, chicken, veggie kabobs.

[ofelles]

It's a beast. Very well constructed. I have not regretted the purchase. Link below is when I got it

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/charcoal-grills/klose/710119-just-pulled-the-trigger-on-a-david-klose-grill/page2

[Richard Chrz]

That is even better then the PDF spec sheet shows, So, do you use it as a stick burner very often? I have a pretty serious amount of envy right now for having a cooker like that.

[ofelles]

I have only used it as a grill. I have the Yoder for smoking. At first I thought it could work as a smoker, not so sure now. Although cooking up some tri tips indirect using Fogo lump and mesquite chucks to about 110F then raising the grate to sear over the coals give a fantastic flavor. He makes offset smokers that you can grill over the fire in.

[Craigar]

B&B charcoal...briqs, lump, char-logs...you name it. The B&B brand has become my new go to for all of my charcoal needs thanks to my local Ace Hardware stores for carrying this brand. Jerod Broussard has sung their praises for years and now I am thankful I am able to purchase B&B locally.

[Spinaker]

I love it too. Great stuff!

[Richard Chrz]

I will give it a try, I have seen it at our local ace as well. THe only coal I typically buy from ace is Weber briquettes, but, looking forward to trying a new one. thank you.

[Polarbear777]

Ha. Me too. I finally found a replacement for the old Stubbs charcoal.

[DurhamBuckeye]

I picked up a Weber 26 with SnS this year and I traded my gas cabinet smoker for a PBC. So it's one of those (but I can't decide which).

[Richard Chrz]

So, slow and sear on a 26 weber, Roughly how many coals does it hold, and how long can it hold that temp on say a 225 degree cook? I hear nothing but good about them. I have no reason to not buy one, just more reasons to buy other things still But, I do hope to get a 26 this year. I was thinking about a 14 wsm for small task smoke jobs like a brisket or 1 or 2 pork shoulders. But, I think the 26 would do that with it's eyes closed and still be a bigger real-estate grill when called for.

[DurhamBuckeye]

Richard Chrz I actually just got the SNS last week, and have only used it once, so sear some steaks. I didn't really count the briquettes, but instead filled a Weber RapidFire Chimney, got the coals screaming hot, and dumped them in the SNS. There was some room at the top where I could have had more coals, but I had removed the water reservoir.

So I think that an entire chimney full of coals would probably come close to filling the SNS with the water reservoir in.

[Thunder77]

I have an original SnS in my 26” kettle. It will hold a Weber chimney full of Kingsford briquettes. (Approximately 80) I can go low n slow with that for about 5.5 hours, depending on the outside temps.

[Spinaker]

My best buy was a $400 BGE I got on CL. It was in great shape and it was an awesome deal. I was really happy with it then and now.

I keep it at my Dad's place because I already have a few at home and I got tired of dragging cooking stuff over to his house for family events. That has made life much easier. Now I have a PBC, Black Stone and a BGE over there, that is all I really need.

[RichieB]

I'd have to say the Kettle, SnS and Vortex have been the highlight. Also 2 books. Project Smoke and Weber Ultimate Grilling. Both have elevated my knowledge. I hope that in turn increased my cooking results.

[Craigar]

A spin grate for my Weber 26.75" and Smoke E-Z, but I haven't been able to use it.

[Dewesq55]

I would say my welder which I am using to fabricate a long desired upgrade for my COS at home. Honorable mention to the Masterbuilt ThermaTemp XL which I bought to replace an unfixable cabinet smoker at my vacation home.

[Richard Chrz]

I can see where having a welder and the ability to fabricate would really come in handy on this stuff. I do not have one, but, I have a good friend that does, and am just starting to think of things I could have him make for me.

[Thunder77]

Primo Oval Junior that I got a steal of a deal on. Best purchase I have made in a long time.

[crdjr]

Pick up my first 18" WSM cooker this year

[klflowers]

I just got a Camp Chef Tahoe 3 burner stove. Got it to mostly use on the RV, but I can see it getting some use out on the deck too. Used it for the first time the other day to make some breakfast. I burned the bacon - I underestimated how hot the griddle would get - but I am getting the hang of it. I think we are going to like it a lot.

[jfmorris]

I enjoyed the PartyQ that I got for myself last Christmas, and first used in January 2019. It definitely helps me wring some more time and heat out of a load of charcoal in the Weber kettle + SnS.

[TripleB]

I picked up a Gateway rib rack for both my 18” and 22” WSM’s. I really like them.

also picked up for free a PBC (which I gave away to a bbq brother at work), a camp chef twin burner stove, two cast iron griddles, a cover, propane tank, chimney, bbq tools and charcoal from a fellow AmazingRibs brother (Anthony) that had to move out of his house. Thank you once again for your generosity.