Ciao Presentandomi (Hello, introducing myself) I am hoping to gain real pitmaster level knowledge someday, and this is a first step on what I suspect will be a long, long journey for me.
First off, my means are extremely modest so I will have to be careful in my purchases of BBQ equipment, etc. I do plan to put most of my finances in the subject matter of the day -- meat!
At the moment (and probably forever) I have a CharGriller 3-burner unit, several years old. Last year the last of the burners pretty much failed. Replacement costs to repair were more than the cost to buy a new one. As I had always been a bit unhappy with the quality and performance of the burners over time, I didn't want to buy the same parts again. In addition, I actually prefer charcoal grilling over gas. Gas was just quicker to get a fire up so I went that route when I had to replace my old Weber kettle.
My solution now has been to go back to charcoal. I have been told (and it appears true to me) that the CG gas grills where converted from original charcoal grill models, which as far as the metalwork is concerned, were significantly sturdier and better at heat retention than many standard gas grills on the market. Therefore, I decided to retrofit my gas grill back to a charcoal grill. However, as I am currently disabled and in a wheelchair with limited mobility, it had to be a simple and easy process. I simply removed the gas tank and much of the flexible gas tubing. I then laid a metal screen on top and across the 3 burner tube shields. On top of that I placed a steel coated aluminum bakeware pan (with 2" high sides) to hold the charcoal. The grill grates fit as before with 1-2" of space over the top edge of the pan. The perfect height for hot coals. Took awhile to find the correct size screen and pan - neither too big or too small, to fit the space available.
Forgot to mention, another reason to revise my old gas grill - it has an attached smoker box, which sadly I never had the opportunity (and yes, sadly, the courage) to use. But with my self-refurbished grill now ready to go, I hope to put the whole thing to good use this summer! I mean, giving everything happening right now, what else have I got to do to pass the time.
More than you ever wanted to know (TMI), but that is why I joined up here. My goal is to finally, really dive into good BBQ. It's long overdue, especially as I have some really expert BBQ friends and neighbors (we're talking 4 wheel, trailer pit rigs here), and I must start holding my own. Though I now live in the high desert country of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers (can you spell F I S H I N G), my family after all is originally from Texas, the home of really BIG BBQ. I must represent!!!
Hope to meet and learn from some of you in the future. Stay home (backyard BBQ pit, preferably) and stay safe!
First off, my means are extremely modest so I will have to be careful in my purchases of BBQ equipment, etc. I do plan to put most of my finances in the subject matter of the day -- meat!
At the moment (and probably forever) I have a CharGriller 3-burner unit, several years old. Last year the last of the burners pretty much failed. Replacement costs to repair were more than the cost to buy a new one. As I had always been a bit unhappy with the quality and performance of the burners over time, I didn't want to buy the same parts again. In addition, I actually prefer charcoal grilling over gas. Gas was just quicker to get a fire up so I went that route when I had to replace my old Weber kettle.
My solution now has been to go back to charcoal. I have been told (and it appears true to me) that the CG gas grills where converted from original charcoal grill models, which as far as the metalwork is concerned, were significantly sturdier and better at heat retention than many standard gas grills on the market. Therefore, I decided to retrofit my gas grill back to a charcoal grill. However, as I am currently disabled and in a wheelchair with limited mobility, it had to be a simple and easy process. I simply removed the gas tank and much of the flexible gas tubing. I then laid a metal screen on top and across the 3 burner tube shields. On top of that I placed a steel coated aluminum bakeware pan (with 2" high sides) to hold the charcoal. The grill grates fit as before with 1-2" of space over the top edge of the pan. The perfect height for hot coals. Took awhile to find the correct size screen and pan - neither too big or too small, to fit the space available.
Forgot to mention, another reason to revise my old gas grill - it has an attached smoker box, which sadly I never had the opportunity (and yes, sadly, the courage) to use. But with my self-refurbished grill now ready to go, I hope to put the whole thing to good use this summer! I mean, giving everything happening right now, what else have I got to do to pass the time.
More than you ever wanted to know (TMI), but that is why I joined up here. My goal is to finally, really dive into good BBQ. It's long overdue, especially as I have some really expert BBQ friends and neighbors (we're talking 4 wheel, trailer pit rigs here), and I must start holding my own. Though I now live in the high desert country of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers (can you spell F I S H I N G), my family after all is originally from Texas, the home of really BIG BBQ. I must represent!!!
Hope to meet and learn from some of you in the future. Stay home (backyard BBQ pit, preferably) and stay safe!
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