My Latest MCS Fix

[Alan Brice]

Yup! Really nice! It’s aBout all your gonna need.
(this week)😜

[Panhead John]

WayneT Now that you’ve entered the world of charcoal grilling, might I give you a few recommendations on supplies/accessories you should consider getting? Some of these things you might already have, don’t know. But I’ll include everything I can remember which can help you for a better grilling/smoking experience. Plus, I like helping people spend money!

1. B & B charcoal briquettes and Kingsford charcoal. A lot of us use B & B for longer cooks and the Kingsford for grilling. The Kingsford is usually cheaper, so I save my B &B for slow cooks….plus it lasts much longer. I prefer briquettes over lump myself, I find it gives more predictable results.

2. A long Bic lighter and either wax cubes or Tumbleweeds for starting your fire. I prefer Tumbleweeds myself.

3. A good charcoal chimney, Kingsford makes a great one.

4. A grill topper for cooking veggies, shrimp, burgers etc. It’s much easier when flipping burgers or dogs on a grill topper than using the cooking grate.

5. Good set of heat resistant grilling gloves.

6. Don’t know if you’ve ordered your Vortex yet, but there’s a few models on Amazon for about half the price of the real Vortex. I have the cheaper one and it’s just as good as the original.

7. Your favorite wood chunks, not chips. The chips burn up too quick and won’t provide near as much smoke as the chunks. My favorite wood is hickory, followed by mesquite. YMMV

8. If you decide on a griddle for it some day, I’d go with a CI one over stainless. The SS is a pain to clean and they can warp over very high heat.

I know that some of these might be no brainers for use with a kettle, but I thought I’d include them anyway. Have I missed anything? Anyone?

EDIT: Almost forgot, a Kingsford charcoal caddy or 2. They’re great for keeping your charcoal dry and free of moisture. I keep my B & B in one and my Kingsford in the other. They’re sold at Home Depot and Lowes, as well as online of course. Each one will hold 20 lbs of charcoal, maybe 21.

[WayneT]

"Plus, I like helping people spend money. "

I knew there was an ulterior motive underlying all that altruistic, unsolicited advice. 🤣

1) Yep, want to order some B&B.
2) Check
3) Check
4) Check
5) Check
6) That’s a great idea. I may look into Vortex knockoffs.
7) Check. Got some apple. YMMV? (You know I feel stupid when I don’t get an acronym. 🤪)
8) Check. Got a rectangular and round CI skillet.
Edit) Check I keep all my supplies in an outdoor chest.

Thanks for all the suggestions. 👍

[WayneT]

The rotisserie may come later, but I like the idea! Thanks.

[Panhead John]

Wayne…Your mileage may vary. [YMMV] Here’s a link to the "Vortex" I have.

QuliMetal BBQ Whirlpool for Weber Kettle 22 26.75 Inches WSM, Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Weber Smokey Mountain Charcoal Briquet Holders, Stainless Steel BBQ Kettle Barbecue Charcoal Grill Accessories https://a.co/d/66BpHyL

[WayneT]

Burn-in is complete. I started 3/4 of a chimney of charcoal then dumped about 1/4 in the SNS and 1/2 in the main grate. Used my FireboarD to monitor the temp which spiked at about 450F and took 2.5 hors to drop down to 81F with the vents wide open. All the smells coming from it seemed natural so I concluded it was seasoned and ready for food.


It’s been almost 4 years since I cooked with charcoal and I’m excited about the possibilities. The pellet pooper is extremely convenient and easy but there’s just something primally satisfying about lighting up a chimney of charcoal.

I picked up some racks of spare ribs from Costco to cook tonight but unfortunately, my inaugural cook will have to wait until tomorrow. There’s a 50+% chance of rain this afternoon and I don’t feel like schlepping that patio umbrella from the far end of my deck to the patio. Delayed gratification is over-rated. 🙁

[radiodome21]

Congrats 🎉. Cool story about where you bought it. I love mine and am going to use it tonight along with my pellet and gas grill. I also bought the cover though I haven’t used it yet. I also bought the SS drip pan and rack and really like that.

took my longer than an hour and half to put together so kudos to you in that.

[WayneT]

Thanks. I thought some would enjoy that short backstory. I love places like this little gem tucked away in a small community run by locals who have lived on the land for generations.