Grilling & BBQ are two different things!
-
Grilling is HOT & FAST
-
BBQ is LOW & SLOW
-
BBQ typically (not always) uses smoke to add flavor to the food. This can be done with “hot smoke” or “cold smoke”
-
One usually needs a dedicated smoker to do proper BBQ. Adding wood chips to your grill is not going to cut it.
-
Electronic “pellet smokers” are not allowed in KCBS competitions and are considered the same as “easy-bake-oven” toys. Many BBQ snobs will make fun of them and bad-mouth them. I, however, encourage anything that gets someone into the world of smoking. In my opinion, they try to do 2 things and don't do either very well. They don't get hot enough to be a true grill, and they don't add the right flavor for a proper smoke.
Although I can't and won't use them, if they work for you and everyone loves your food, then great! -
Grilling is fantastic for searing and fast-cooking meats and veggies and pizzas and deep-frying outside. Some meats, however, take more time to break down the connective tissue that makes them easy to eat (tender and juicy) and require TIME. That's where "low & slow" come in. Roasting is an example of this. Smoking is like a long roast, but with the added benefit of imparting extra flavor via the smoke.
-
Look at some of my other pages for ideas of how to use a smoker, grill, make bread, or use a sous vide (my new favorite way to make a steak).
Contact me if you have questions or want to setup a time to come over and check it out.