Grill Grates on a Hasty-Bake

[ecowper]

If there is a better place for this, maybe the mods can move it :-)

So, I got grill grates for the Hasty-Bake for Christmas ..... I pulled the old SS grills today and replaced with the Grill Grates. Cooking a 2.5 lb tri-tip for starters.

A couple things that are interesting .... the indirect side of the HB doesn’t heat up as fast with the Grill Grates on there. This is, presumably, because the indirect side is being heated by airflow, not direct heat. The other is that the Grill Grates leave about 1.5 inches of space when you put two on the HB. So I spaced them out evenly. I assume this is for airflow, because otherwise they would cut off airflow (and smoke) from top to bottom of the HB.

I think I’m going to have to relearn how to cook on the HB now



Side note .... the new Dragon Chimney with a natural fire starter and Cowboy brand briquettes is simply awesome. Start to finish, charcoal was ready in 25 minutes.

[EdF]

That chimney is a fine device!

[ecowper]

I totally love it

[EdF]

I like the dragon a lot too. Lots of different uses.

[ecowper]

Threw a bit of Sockeye on for fun.

[Troutman]

Oooooo sockeye !!!!!

[ecowper]

Well, that was fun. And I definitely am going to like the Grill Grates way better than the stainless steel grills that come on the Hasty-Bake. But it will take some adjusting. Basically, the entire grill is now an indirect and direct zone, depending on how close I have the firebox to the Grates.

The outcome was pretty good .... I overshot on the tri-tip and ended up around 140-145 .... the Sockeye was a perfect 140, which is right where my wife likes it!

[CaptainMike]

As we chatted earlier, flip one or two over for searing a nice crust on a steak/chop/burger (SV or not). They're great for smash burgers too.

[ecowper]

CaptainMike I plan to try searing on the flat side too .... I just figured I’d start off nice and easy :-)

But dang, look at those grill marks. Freaking perfect on the first try. And the flavor is definitely improved over anything I’ve achieved on the old SS grates on the HB.

I’m pretty damn impressed.

[Spinaker]

Those look great on the HB. I like to throw some pellets in the rails. Gives you a nice pop of smoke. And it makes them easier to clean the grease out.

If you want, you can buy a "Gap Panel" from Grill Grate to make the surface complete.

[ecowper]

tbob4 good point. Something for me to try out before I get a gap pane

[Spinaker]

Good call. tbob4

[Potkettleblack]

the edge when my panels end, is maybe the hottest spot. It’s like one missOUCH there.

[DavidNorcross]

Question. What effect do the grill grates have on the grease trap that runs through the center of the grill? I know the SS grates are sloped to help channel grease. Do you use these grates all the time now? I am still considering the Hasty Bake. Thanks for all your help.

[ecowper]

You don’t need the grease trap with the grill grates