Lovin' the Cold Grate

[binarypaladin]

I have mentioned it here before, but the first time I nailed a reverse sear + cold grate method steak, it was darn near a religious experience. It was hands down the best steak I had ever had which includes a few business dinners at some very nice Las Vegas steakhouses. Those folks are using some crazy dry-aged whatever and I've been using whatever Prime is hanging around Costco. I did some fairly thick but small ribeyes today that came out pretty close to perfect.

I am mainly writing this to express my current joy when using the Jumbo Joe to do this.

My favorite grill, by far, to cold grate on is a Jumbo Joe with the SNS charcoal basket. The reason is that the grate itself sits on a lip around the whole grill, as opposed to the One Touch models that have a few tabs. This makes it super smooth to spin. Also, since the cold grate requires a cool half anyway, the size isn't much less than what you get with a 22" SNS. Combine the low depth and it's very fuel efficient.

I used to say that I would suggest a 22" Weber as the ideal starter grill/smoker, but depending on the average number of people you feed and space requirements, a Jumbo Joe with the charcoal basket is the easiest unit I have to keep stable temps and uses much less fuel. I really wish they'd make a version with a One Touch-like cleaning mechanism.

No particular point to this. Had a good cook today and felt like sharing. Ha.

[Mr. Bones]

Sounds like ya likely have th JJ with legs; mines a tabletop, but I share yer passion an devotion to it bein a fine cookin machine.

Only recently got a ABC charcoal basket, haven't run it through any trials, jus yet, but fits both my...

Jumbo Joe + 18" kettle.

[binarypaladin]

No legs. I work close to the ground and use it on trips. My youngest (18 months) likes to help clean it too. Or try to clean it, lol.

[adamcoe]

Definitely a huge fan of the JJ. I'm typically only cooking for 3 or maybe 4 people so it's a great size, and as you mention, easy on fuel. Not to mention super portable so you can bring it anywhere.

[binarypaladin]

All this. The lid also mates with the bottom of an 18” WSM and lets me choke out finished fires very fast.

[HawkerXP]

Also have JJ. Haven't pulled it out for quite a while. Sounds like its just about time. Thanks for the write up.

[grantgallagher]

binarypaladin and also thank you for the skelator martini avatar...awesome. #edharrington i assume?

[binarypaladin]

I think so. Found it on a Google search when I was looking for something less angry.

[Spinaker]

Skeletor! Love the avatar!

I have yet to try the cold grate method, although I did just get back into the Kettle game with a new kettle I picked up for free. (Good things comes to those with pick ups and friends who are moving!)

[binarypaladin]

Do it.

Radiant heat gives the best seat in my opinion. Contact with a surface like a griddle or a skillet is generally the fastest, but the evenness can be compromised by the meat surface. Less so over coals, especially when you keep the metal grates from too much conduction.

[LA Pork Butt]

binarypaladin I am totally unfamiliar with the cold grate. I am not sure whether it is an accessory, a method or both. Inhave a Jumbo Joe so could you clarify. if it is an accessory a pic would help.

[Hugh]

binarypaladin - when you sear a large volume on the JJ, do you use the ABC basket or do you spread out the coals over the whole grate?

[LA Pork Butt]

Hugh I have homemade divider for the Jumbo Joe which is similar to the ABC basket. I have never done a large volume on the Jumbo Joe. I usually cook low and slow on my BGE and do reverse sear for my wife and me.

[binarypaladin]

I can do 2-3 steaks on the JJ with the basket. You need a divider to do the cold grate stuff because one side needs to cool while you’re searing.

[Thunder77]

I agree: Nailing a good steak with the cold grate is a very spiritual experience. Now I am thinking I might need a Jumbo Joe. OH NO, MCS STRIKES AGAIN!

[binarypaladin]

It’s the perfect portable grill in my opinion. If you already have a 22” and don’t travel much, it’s probably unnecessary. Also, because it’s low to the ground I use it for teaching my kids.

[FireMan]

Well, I don’t quite get the spiritual thing. I know it’s hyperbole. I just know the eyes end up tastin rilly good. Yup.

[fzxdoc]

That cold grate method is pure genius. Every time I use it I'm grateful for David Parrish 's talent and willingness to share.

Kathryn

[David Parrish]

Glad you folks like the Cold Grate Technique. Came to me one day when Meathead and I were discussing the merits of cast iron and he said if he had his way the steaks would levitate just above the coals. I couldn't figure out how to levitate them, so this was the next best thing!