Second Chimp Cook Observations

[klflowers]

Second cook was some Korean bbq wings last night. Set it to run at 375 on mode 1, which is PID controlled. It didn’t perform as well as I expected, but it was a little chilly out (mid 40s), and I didn’t adjust the pellet feed rate. It ran around 360 most of the time, and it was a little slow recovering after I lifted the lid. I think adjusting the feed rate will fix that though, it is a pretty simple operation. Took about an hour, Results were pretty darn good:

[Jim White]

I'd say that looks considerably better than "pretty darn good".

[rickgregory]

First off that looks good.

Second, don't obsess over temp. I actually dislike the "look at my flat Fireboard graph!" posts because it sets expectations that are not only a bit unrealistic, it emphasizes something that really just does not matter - tight temp control. All those amazing places in Texas and Kansas City and Memphis etc? The old school places? Do you think they control their temps to 5 degrees? Hell no. We've all done roasts etc in our ovens and those things vary wildly up and down... but they average whatever you've set them at. 15 degrees just won't affect your cooks.

Did I mention those look good?

[Steve R.]

I don't personally obsess over a 15° swing. But a PID controller on a brand new unit should be more accurate than that if setup right, so I understand being less than satisfied with that.

[rickgregory]

Steve - Sure, on the one hand I get that. But on the other... it doesnt really matter to the end product (and I'd imagine is affected by length of cook, conditions, wind or not, etc.

[klflowers]

rickgregory, HawkerXP, Mr. Bones Steve R. hit it on the head. AR has taught me not to worry about small temp changes, I just wanted to see if the grill works as advertised.

[HawkerXP]

I'm still using the factory settings on my PBC and am very satisfied with the results.


Love them wings!

[Mr. Bones]

LOL
---! ---! ---!

[klflowers]

That’s cause you are the man

[ofelles]

HawkerXP What? Are you afraid to take a chance? Go ahead break the rules and change the settings. I dare ya.

[Rob Johnston]

Looking good!

[JoeSousa]

When I saw the title "Second Chimp Cook" my first thought was "there are some hardcore dudes out here grilling monkeys while I am just doing chicken legs" but then I realized it was in the Grilla forum. Carry on.

[klflowers]

That’s next lol

[ofelles]

klflowers Yes, hello, this is the endangered species enforcement dept. We will be out to your place first thing tomorrow morning. We need to talk!

[Huskee]

A 15 degree variance is nothing to fret about. Yes adjusting the feed rate a bit might help, but it will reset every time you unplug it.

[klflowers]

I know, but I just want to see how well it performs in pid mode. I will probably never use it since I like smoke flavor.

[Huskee]

klflowers Same. I use it when I'm 'power cambro'ing' butts or briskets, but 99% of the time it's Mode 2...(which cannot be adjusted for feed rate).

[Redwng]

Looks pretty good to me!

[Jfrosty27]

Wings! Anytime, anyhow, anywhere. Love me some wings! Those look terrific.

[troymeister]

Pretty darn good...Hmmm...I think a whole heck of a lot more...They look frickin' Awesome!

[bbqLuv]

Looks good and pair with PBR, or Soju.

[klflowers]

I have been drinking Shiner Bock lately, great beer

[Mr. Bones]

klflowers Agreed, Shiner Bock is a tasty beer, Amigo!

[DrJimmy2112]

Good looking for sure and I bet better tasting...regarding temp swings, I am reminded of what Jimi Hendrix said when he had trouble keeping his guitar in tune during a show - "screw it, the only ones in tune anyway is cowboys"

[Baltimorelger]

Those wings look fantastic. I have a PBC, which has become my dedicated wing machine, but maybe I should give my grilla a shot afterall.

[klflowers]

I usually use the kettle with the vortex, but I wanted to try this out and it worked great

[HawkerXP]

Don't be led into the darkside, my son.

Let the barrel guide you to a happy place.

[Potkettleblack]

I would actually use mode two, and let it swing more. And then don't open the lid. Chimp doesn't seem to have the thermal mass to recover like the Grilla OG does. But that swing in the original mode produces such quality results, I feel no compelling urge to buy the alpha upgrade kit for my OG.

#TrustTheSwing used to be something all the Grilla owners would tell newbs.

[Mr. Bones]

"I feel no compunction...

neither...

Reckon that's mostly on accounta bein's how I don't own a Grilla, (yet) an also on accounta I don't know what "compunction" even means lol

MBMorgan

[MBMorgan]

Mr. Bones - I’m not sure that "compunction" was the exactly right choice of words ... but it seemed a little too weird to quote someone and then immediately take editorial liberties. 🙄

[Potkettleblack]

Thanks Bones. Have updated.