Reporting in on my first round with the MCS beast! Background: I'm a reasonably accomplished indoor cook but it's been years since I did any regular grilling, and while I was adequate at it years ago I would like to achieve Grilling Godliness this time round. Providing details here for any other newbies trying to figure all of this out too -- or for more experienced folks to weigh in.
My first smart move was to purchase Meathead's recent book (which also led me here). You can imagine what came next: oh the toys! The toys! It was a matter of minutes before I decided I needed a new bigger fancier grill immediately along with... well, you know the routine.
Then reality set in. So I set myself a budget of $250, which is the amount of my tax refund which the State of Minnesota has finally released into my bank account (after a battle). I thought that money was gone for good for sure, so this is "found money," right?
Then I got to thinking (belatedly) that with my son all grown up and on his own, it's just me in the house now. I don't entertain large groups of people -- I'm usually grilling just for myself or most typically for 2 or 3 other people. So that got me thinking that maybe I don't really need a larger grill, I need a more versatile set-up.
So I decided: 1. Stick with my old but perfectly serviceable 18.5" Weber One-Touch Silver kettle, which is plenty of grill space for 1 - 4 people and frees up dollars for shiny toys, and 2. Look around for a decent Smokey Joe on Craigslist (used to have one and loved it until it went missing years ago), which will be perfect when I'm grilling for myself and can be a second grill when I am cooking for others.
So here's how I spent my $250, after putting some elbow grease into cleaning up the ol' One-Touch:
1. Immaculate used Smokey Joe on Craigslist ($10!)
2. Slow N Sear basket for the 18.5"
3. Grill Grates in the Smokey Joe size (2 @ 13.5" half-round grates) plus one 2" x 13.5" extension -- I can use one half-round in each grill for two-zone grilling, and the half-round plus narrow extension in the 18.5" exactly covers the SnS basket below. Alternatively I can use both half-rounds together on the Smokey Joe to create a separate searing station
4. Stainless steel hinged grate (304) for the 18.5"
5. DOT thermometer with extra probe for meat and grill temps
6. Stainless steel grill basket per Meathead's recommendation (I love grilled veggies) to be used on either grill
7. 12" carbon steel griddle to be used on either grill (and indoors -- have been meaning to get one for ages for the kitchen). This is my consolation prize since there is no SnS Drip n Griddle in the 18.5" size, and I can use disposable foil pans that I already have for drip/water pans.
8. Heavy duty leather gloves per Meathead's recommendation
All of this came to $251.72 including shipping. Hah! When I feel like spending a little more, I will add an ash-catcher for the One-Touch (basically converting from Silver to Gold) and a good grill cover, but for now a contractor-grade black plastic bag will serve me fine. I also bought a couple bags of Kingsford Original and some wood chunks. I already own a chimney starter.
Next steps: calibrating both grills once it stops raining.
Thoughts? Guidance on what my first cook should be? Thanks everybody for ALL of the information on this site!
My first smart move was to purchase Meathead's recent book (which also led me here). You can imagine what came next: oh the toys! The toys! It was a matter of minutes before I decided I needed a new bigger fancier grill immediately along with... well, you know the routine.
Then reality set in. So I set myself a budget of $250, which is the amount of my tax refund which the State of Minnesota has finally released into my bank account (after a battle). I thought that money was gone for good for sure, so this is "found money," right?
Then I got to thinking (belatedly) that with my son all grown up and on his own, it's just me in the house now. I don't entertain large groups of people -- I'm usually grilling just for myself or most typically for 2 or 3 other people. So that got me thinking that maybe I don't really need a larger grill, I need a more versatile set-up.
So I decided: 1. Stick with my old but perfectly serviceable 18.5" Weber One-Touch Silver kettle, which is plenty of grill space for 1 - 4 people and frees up dollars for shiny toys, and 2. Look around for a decent Smokey Joe on Craigslist (used to have one and loved it until it went missing years ago), which will be perfect when I'm grilling for myself and can be a second grill when I am cooking for others.
So here's how I spent my $250, after putting some elbow grease into cleaning up the ol' One-Touch:
1. Immaculate used Smokey Joe on Craigslist ($10!)
2. Slow N Sear basket for the 18.5"
3. Grill Grates in the Smokey Joe size (2 @ 13.5" half-round grates) plus one 2" x 13.5" extension -- I can use one half-round in each grill for two-zone grilling, and the half-round plus narrow extension in the 18.5" exactly covers the SnS basket below. Alternatively I can use both half-rounds together on the Smokey Joe to create a separate searing station
4. Stainless steel hinged grate (304) for the 18.5"
5. DOT thermometer with extra probe for meat and grill temps
6. Stainless steel grill basket per Meathead's recommendation (I love grilled veggies) to be used on either grill
7. 12" carbon steel griddle to be used on either grill (and indoors -- have been meaning to get one for ages for the kitchen). This is my consolation prize since there is no SnS Drip n Griddle in the 18.5" size, and I can use disposable foil pans that I already have for drip/water pans.
8. Heavy duty leather gloves per Meathead's recommendation
All of this came to $251.72 including shipping. Hah! When I feel like spending a little more, I will add an ash-catcher for the One-Touch (basically converting from Silver to Gold) and a good grill cover, but for now a contractor-grade black plastic bag will serve me fine. I also bought a couple bags of Kingsford Original and some wood chunks. I already own a chimney starter.
Next steps: calibrating both grills once it stops raining.
Thoughts? Guidance on what my first cook should be? Thanks everybody for ALL of the information on this site!
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