smokenator 1000

[1queman]

Has anyone used this and how does it work for you compared to other smokers? I would think it would be comparable.

Queman

[Dave C.]

Is that the one that turns your 22.5" Weber into a smoker? If so, I bought one to have at my daughter's place (2 1/2 hours away). It works very well for what it is & the extra rack is a plus. I haven't done any major cooks on it yet, but fatties, ABTs & ribs turned out nice. Hope this helps .

[1queman]

That is the one I was talking about Dave, I was hoping to get some good feedback on this as I am getting ready to purchase a new Weber OTG and accessorise it. Thanks for the info.

Queman

[Dave C.]

Queman, I can't remember if the extra grate came with mine, but if not I would still get one. The more rack space the better, right .

[StPeteBBQ]

I recently ordered one, although I haven't received it yet.

It looks good on paper. Cost was reasonable, too. $72 including shipping. That also includes the second rack.

I've cooked on my weber kettle indirectly and have been happy with the results. I've got a WSM and a larger offset smoker. The WSM is a bit on the small side for ribs, unless you cut them in half or roll them. I think the Smokenator is going to be perfect for ribs. Time will tell.

[1queman]

STPete, that is exactly what I was thinking, if it works as well as I would like, it just made your Weber Kettle very versatile. One other note, my brother being the tight ass that he is saw this and made one himself, he tried it out today and did really well, although he does need to learn to control the smoke alittle better, a little smoke in those kettles goes along way, but very good nonetheless.
Queman

[Dave C.]

Originally Posted by 1queman

a little smoke in those kettles goes along way

I think that should be one of the first commandments of smoking. I like a heavy smoke flavor on my food, but a tad too much can / will turn bitter in a heart beat, depending on the wood used. Hickory & mesquite (two of my very favorite ones) are right at the top of the list that will go bitter on ya .

[StPeteBBQ]

My smokenator arrived today.

I haven't cooked with it yet, but first impression is that it is very well done. There is an instruction book that comes with it that has plenty of information about controling temps in the kettle.

Some of the information provided just isn't true though. For example the writer talks of the "flavor" of the smoke ring. Any flavor in smoked meat is from the smoke and the meat... the smoke ring may look pretty, but has no additional flavor. The smoke ring is merely due to a chemical reaction between the smoke and the proteins in the meat.

The "hovergrill" that I got with the smokenator is also nicely done. It is stainless steel and has a much tighter grid... actually a cross-hatched grid. Will double as a grate for delicate items like salmon or other fish. It sits about 2.5 inches above the regular food grate so is good for ribs and other flatter items, like maybe spatchcocked yardbird or yardbird pieces.

As soon as I get some ribs I'm going to give this a test...

So far, I'm pleased with this purchase and thought it was fairly priced. Lots of things for the grill or smoker is outta site as far a price, but as I said in the post above, I paid $72 for the entire outfit, including shipping. Not bad at all.

[1queman]

Hey St.Pete get those ribs man and give us a report, I am looking to get one as soon as I get the new Weber.
Thanks,
Queman.

[StPeteBBQ]

Ok, went to the local butcher and got some ribs. I live way out in the boonies and strangely enough there is a fantastic butcher shop about 2 miles from me. They are a real butcher. In fact most of their business is slaughtering cows, hogs, and deer (in season). They also operate a retail store for package meat.

I called them before I went, and he had spares, baby backs and something he called "curly" ribs. Spares were $1.99, Baby Backs were $4.49, and "curly" ribs were $2.99.

I'd never heard of curly ribs before so I went down there and took a look. Well surprise, surprise... what he called "curly" ribs were just St. Louis style spares. Trimmed very nicely too. I tried to 'splain to him what they were, but he just knew that they weren't St. Louis spares, so I didn't argue, just bought a couple of racks.

Threw one in the freezer and got one out to prep for tonight.

I'll report back tomorrow.

[StPeteBBQ]

Just put the ribs on...

[1queman]

That looks real good, and if you can get St.louis style ribs for 2.99 that is a really good deal.. It looks like the water pan is in the middle there, I amguessing the coal or wood or whatever you use is contained inside the metal container? How do you add fuel if you have to? Let us know how they come out.

Queman

[StPeteBBQ]

I'm one hour (approx) from them being done.

Temps have held surprisingly steady right around 250 at the upper vent.

So far so good.

And yes, the coals are held inside the metal "container" of the smokenator. Keeps them to the side and allows them to use the "minion method" of charcoal burning.

I've yet to taste the end product, but I will in about 45 minutes... Just put the final glaze on them.

I cooked them using the 3-2-1 method. 3 hours uncovered, 2 hours wrapped in foil, and 1 hour to finish. During the final hour I mixed equal parts of Sweet Baby Rays sauce with Texas Pepper Jelly - Pineapple Habanero. You could also use just your favorite BBQ Sauce.

It's too dark to get good pics, but I'll let you know the results soon...

[StPeteBBQ]

mmmmm.... ribs...

Highly recommend the Smokenator.

These were some of the best spares I've cooked to date.

Glazed with Sweet Baby Rays mixed with Texas Pepper Jelly.

Was able to get a pic with the flash before me and the dogs polished these off:

[Dave C.]

Originally Posted by StPeteBBQ

Ok, went to the local butcher and got some ribs. Spares were $1.99, Baby Backs were $4.49, and "curly" ribs were $2.99.

SCORE ! ! ! Last night at the local chain grocery (Hy-Vee) I priced spares @ $4.99 & loin backs @ $5.99. Granted, they were Hormel brand, but that's a bunch out of my price range .

[1queman]

Thos look like some rocking ribs man, so the smokenator smoked em good huh? So 2 thumbs up for the review St. Pete. Any flaws or problems you can see right now with it?

Queman

[StPeteBBQ]

None that I can see 1queman...

There's not much that can go wrong. It is what it is. Nothing to break.

One thing you'll want to note. This is not a WSM so you can't fire it up and walk away for several hours. The manufacturer recommends you check it every hour, stir the coals a bit, and check the water level. Checking once an hour is really not a big deal at all.

I checked mine as suggested. Added a few coals one time, added water a couple of times. The first time I added water, the water was down to about 1 inch in the container and it was boiling rapidly. To be expected, since it was right over hot coals.

I would recommend this to anyone, and also a recommendation to include the hovergrill if it doesn't pinch your pocketbook too badly.

The Weber Kettle is one of the most versatile grills you can buy and the smokenator just makes it better. I can't wait to do a turkey in it.

Maybe I should check with the manufacturer and see if he'll pay me for my endorsements... LOL!

[1queman]

Thats what I was hoping for. SOLD

Thanks, ST.Pete

[StPeteBBQ]

No problemo...

Keep us posted on your adventures with your OTG and Smokenator...

When you're ready for another toy to complement your OTG, check out www.ezqueinc.com for the best rotisserie on the planet.

Weber Kettle, as I've said, is one of the most versatile grills there is.

[St. Louis Griller]

Originally Posted by StPeteBBQ

No problemo...

Keep us posted on your adventures with your OTG and Smokenator...

When you're ready for another toy to complement your OTG, check out www.ezqueinc.com for the best rotisserie on the planet.

Weber Kettle, as I've said, is one of the most versatile grills there is.

Thanks for the report, StPete. I'm for sure going to look into this...