How2Q - BBQ Recipes, Tips & Tricks by GreatQ4U!
GreatQ-Reviews! Some of these tools seem to have everything you could possibly need while standing in front of the Grill or Smoker, the question to ask; 'Is it FUNCTIONAL?' Answering this question should be the barometer that you use for every BBQ accessory purchase you make. Perhaps you got one as a gift, maybe you think it would be a good 'back up' tool to keep at the Grillside...whatever, here are a few things to look for: While the multi-tasker above certainly LOOKS like it's a one-stop-shop for serious Grilling enthusiasts...closer inspection reveals a few flaws; It's all metal...get's HOT! While the spatula is long enough, all other tools are a bit too short for serious grill work. An included thermometer could only be used for 'rough estimates' at best! This novel folding style multi-tool has got a LOT going for it besides pretty good looks; It is solidly constructed with a 'full tang' design and solid locking mechanism. Rugged, tempered steel provides durability. All 'tools' are built into the spatula head and have been limited to the bare essentials; a serrated cutting edge and a bottle opener! We think the above design is overall more functional and that it represents the things you should look for in your next multi-tasking tool!
Grilling Multi-Tools
There are LOTS of these things out there, so to review one or two of them from a couple of manufacturers wouldn't do much justice to the rest. You've no doubt seen this ubiquitous addition to any 'Grill Master's' Apron in a number of places ranging from your local Hardware store to some 'fancy schmancy' online Gourmet stores. You have also probably noticed that quality of the tools varies greatly!
Just our opinion of course!
Reasonably, most people consider "BBQ Season" to include only the warm weather months. For those lucky folks in areas that are always warm...we're jealous, but not overly envious of their seemingly endless "Q" season. This is because we know that BBQ doesn't really care what the temperature is or if there is snow on the ground, it tastes good year round!
OK, ok...perhaps preparing Q in the 'cooler' months requires a bit more patience and a willingness to brave the elements, but we think that your fortitude will be amply rewarded. Here are a few things to take into consideration when smoking meat in the cold weather:
- As the weather cools down, the amount of fuel necessary to maintain the temperature in your smoker increases. Whether you use coal, wood, pellets or some other source of heat...make sure that you've got more than you would in warmer weather. This will help prevent having to finish your Q in the oven!
- Wind is NOT your friend! This rule actually applies year round to slow smoking, but becomes more important in the Winter months. Try to position your Pit in an area that is shielded from the wind. This will make it far easier to maintain a consistent temperature in your smoker and that is an essential ingredient for Great Q!
- Don't dilly-dally when the Q's ready to come off the pit. Particularly in the case of ribs, but for all BBQ meats it is important to get them from the Pit to a 'rest area' quickly. In the cooler months, this can mean thinking in advance about where that Q's going to go. By doing this, you'll help to minimize temperature loss.
Best of all, our opinion is that not only is Winter a Great time for Q, we think that the extra time it spends on the smoker yields a better BBQ product! You don't have to take our word for it though, get out there and make some Q for yourself and see what we mean. Don't let the early arrival of darkness and sub-zero wind chills deprive you of Q...your efforts will most certainly be rewarded!
