As someone who has a soapstone for the KJ Classic III, I can confirm that the sear it produces is great. I've done smash burgers, NY Strips, a try-tip, a picanha, and even talapia loins, and each time the soapstone does a great job. All the steaks were done with a reverse sear cook, like in this video, and the finished product has been unbelievable. I thought about getting the cast iron insert when I purchased the grill last summer, but decided on the soapstone after watching a few of James' videos, and I'm glad I did. If you're on the fence on purchasing a soapstone for your KJ, let me put your mind at ease. Get one. Get two even, to have more smash burger smashing real estate. Great purchase.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Well said. Thanks Cody

@krehbein

3 жыл бұрын

I think I’ll give it a go. Any science behind why soapstone is better?

@codyduncan195

3 жыл бұрын

@@krehbein One video i saw talked about soapstone having 100% molecular connectivity on the surface-I think that’s how they put it. What does that mean? Well, the video mentioned if you put cast iron under an electron microscope, you’d see pits; hills and valleys. On a soapstone, you’d see nothing but smooth surface. Molecularly smooth surface technically means more heated soapstone touching your food, means more of the food gets seared. I obviously have no way to actually confirm any of that, but it sorta makes sense. What I do know is that the soap stone has very little maintenance you have to keep up with, unlike cast iron, which of course has to be seasoned from time to time, and you cannot leave it out on the grill at all without rust forming.

@krehbein

3 жыл бұрын

@@codyduncan195 Good info, makes sense. Does it absorb oils and stuff?

@codyduncan195

3 жыл бұрын

@@krehbein I haven’t notice it absorb any oil, like a ceramic plate would. You do have to scrap off burnt on food, and I do oil it before putting any food on it, but I haven’t had anything stick to it if I clean it well. Fun fact: it can go in the dishwasher.

So glad you made this video...have been vacillating on which one to get! Thanks 🙏

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Cheers

Wow! We need to check that out now! Thank y’all so much

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Very informative and well made always learn something new! Thanks

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Glad it was helpful!

Thanks for doing this awesome video!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

cheers

Love your videos I'm learning alot from you and about my kamado joe grill !

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it!

Phenomenal comparison and exactly what I expected based on visual observation prior to you doing the taste test. I have to look into a soapstone. Thanks!

Love a good steak competition. The soapstone looked awesome! Can't wait to add that to my accessories!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy

Great content really enjoy your videos. Do you think you could do any more videos of the soap stone cooks with something other than steak. Maybe a smoking dad bbq breakfast?

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

great idea

I really like your style - not hyped, and easy to listen to. First vid of yours I've seen & subscribed!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you! welcome aboard

Fantastic video as always. I would love to see a video of you walking through the vent settings that you use for different temperatures maybe in 25-50 degree increments as I feel this is one of the hardest aspects many run into with a KJ.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion!

@ewoutpols9017

3 жыл бұрын

I’d love to see one like that...how to build up your bbq, why put coal where in the bbq, the hight of the grids, the settings of the vents, the use of thermometers... keep up the good and fun works

Great video James, I now make sure I've eaten before watching but I still end up drooling. I said last time that I had ordered my soapstone. Well, it arrived with a chunk missing out of it so it has to go back. Now waiting for the replacement and I have two fine steaks waiting to go on it.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

what a bummer, but worth the wait

Great video! Thanks for putting that together. Quick question how do you store your soapstone?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks Alex. currently in the garage while I think about a new table

James, you are great - love your channel. I recently purchased a KJC3. I like the soap stone, but am wondering about getting another one so that it would cover the entire grill. However, I’m questioning if that would interfere with the effectiveness of the slow roller. A stainless or cast iron grill has spaces to let air flow through, but the soap stone covering the entire circular surface would seem to cut down on the air flow and might negate the circulation benefits of the slow roller when smoking. I’m also concerned about limiting exposure to certain cancer risk arising from fat dripping on coals and then sticking to the meat. What do you think?

Great video! Love the experiments. Have you tried just searing in a cast iron skillet on the regular grid?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

yes but if I do that it’s because I’ve added garlic and butter and thyme etc. today I was only tasting for the surfaces themselves without any extra techniques

Also really like using the soapstone, great searing surface also for more delicate items like scallops. One grate I am missing in this test is the hard anadized alluminium Grillgrates, also great for searing. No flareups and great grill marks. Way better then with cast iron. Thank you once again James for this comparison 🔥👍

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Jeffery

Just got the half moon cast iron and am curious about how it will do since I love the regular grates for the sear onsteak so far. Thanks alot for the comparison and tips!.

This was a cool watch. Love the comparison!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

why thank you Sylvia

“Seariously” a great video!! You reminded me that I want to order the soapstone. It’s just so dang expensive in Switzerland!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

it’s not cheap that’s for sure

@sandvision

3 жыл бұрын

I leave in Switzerland too, where did you buy your Kamado Joe?

@TedHamilton

3 жыл бұрын

@@sandvision got mine grill sheriff

@sandvision

3 жыл бұрын

@@TedHamilton thanks!

@brandonnelson2782

3 жыл бұрын

@@sandvision www.veganerschreck.ch/ They delivered my big joe which was very helpful since it weighs a ton 😅 They are friendly and in my area. Not sure about their English though.

hey James, another great video! I find i get the best crust if I pull around somewhere between 95-105 if im using the grate method

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Good call out, i might try dropping that to give the grate more time to form a crust without overcooking

Love your vids! Did you ever also try the cast iron sear grate?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

yes I have it. it’s good but now that I have the soapstone for the jr I haven’t used it much

First of all, let me say that I love your channel. You do the best job of explaining all aspects of cooking on the Kamado Joe. How long did you sear the steak on the Soapstone? I'm grilling some filets tonight and plan to try this method. Thank You, Eddie

Several years ago before I bought my series 2 classic I went to a Kamado masterclass here in London, mostly just to try before I buy. But that taught me the reverse sear method with the “caveman sear” and it’s become my go to technique for steaks. I love picking up one big bone-in cut to feed the 2 of us (like a nice côte de boeuf). I’ll often throw a couple oak chunks to add a bit of smoke and that works great with this searing method.

The ‘Maillard Reaction’ in full effect. Great video James!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Thank you!

Hey James, great video as always. There was parts of the video when the sound wasn't synchronized which can be a little distracting. I first noticed this after you ramped the speed and slowed down at 15:10. Thanks!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry about that... have no idea why that happened when exporting the video

Very surprised at the soap stone! Great Job James

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Fantastic video. Ty. Jacksonville FL

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

Thank-you

What is your view of a Blaze cast aluminum Kamado? It would be helpful for you to do a review. I love your videos and always learn a lot. Have a great 2023.

Great info once again James! It makes me curious as to how the soapstone would compare to a sear on a Blackstone griddle.🤔

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

i will see if i can find one to compare... thats a good idea

I'm surprised at the difference between the soapstone and the cast iron. I would have thought they would be neck and neck. I can't wait to get my hands on one! I love the vs videos!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

if i did this again i think the cast iron needed lower temps... the heat that works for the soapstone was too much for the cast iron i think. It just didn't taste good compared to the others. If i started all over again based on all my cooks, i would only have bought the soapstone

Good looking steaks right there! Nice video as per usual.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

Always love your videos! Looking at some new accessories for my Joe Jr. Thoughts on a new cooking surface - is the sear plate worth it? I see that there is also a new soapstone accessory which is exciting. Is it worth getting both? Thank you as always for your thoughts.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I would get the soapstone and skip the sear plate. I've used it a few times but the pretty black lines (which it does well) don't taste as good to me... for a BBQ steak comp get the sear plate. For a steak to wow your friends, get the soapstone

@scottjones2458

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ Done and ordered! Thank you as always for your thoughts and expertise.

Hey James. I'm really enjoying your videos. One thing I'm trying to find is a good discussion or video on managing cooking steaks for a family where there are a variety of doneness levels requested. I'll have half a dozen steaks that need to come out from med rare to well done and I don't know the best way to juggle. Thanks.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

good point, can do more on that.... since i have the meater block i use all 4 when doing different steaks to different temps

Great video James :) I'd like to put in a request for a repeat of this process sometime where you sear first and then finish over indirect heat :)

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Will do

Just picked up the soapstone! Doing some steaks tonight! Nice comparison James! Cheers!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks Craig. enjoy

Hi James fantastic comparison and recommendations. I just got my kj soapstone. What do you recommend as prep and seasoning before first use? Thanks

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

not needed, but oil, gee or fat never hurts

Ahhh damn you, gotta buy a soapstone now!!! ;) Seariously, keep up your vids, you're doing a good job.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks so much Frank

Seariously interesting. Will add soapstone to the list. BTW did my own beef roast tonight, can you still use the Meator thermometer in inferno mode?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

no it says it can’t be exposed to more than 500f or something like that

Great video as always. I recognize that Dalstrong knife. I have the same one. They are the best. You should get them to sponsor

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I have been really impressed as well. good idea; I do like to wait until after I have used a product extensively before pursing a sponsorship so that I know it’s something I’d recommend to family and friends. get a lot of unsolicited offers for bbqs and products I’ve never seen

James, awesome content and I'm glad I saw this before buying any accessories for my new KJ. Before this video gets too far down the road, I did notice a good lag on the audio around the 15:00 mark. I don't want to be "that guy" but in case you didn't notice it and want to fix. ;-) Thanks for all the great KJ content. I bought a new dutch oven just for your chili recipe!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I saw it today playing back and have no idea what caused that... i was hoping it was KZread but when i played the raw file export it is doing the same. No idea why that happened, bummer as I like this one ...funny enough it gets better again near the end

@MWAWoodworks

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ yeah I've had weird things like that happen in my videos. Regardless I love your channel and I'm loving my new KJ that the wife got me for Christmas. Just did a smoked brisket today! Also I forgot to say earlier I like your grill station. I'm designing one for my back yard and am definitely intrigued by doing my own concrete top.

Great video on a topic that I’ve contemplated many times myself. I’ve been using a soapstone and using ghee/olive oil to help improve the crust. Any other suggestions for maximizing the crust when using a soapstone?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

i like the mayo sear sauce. mayo, garlic, salt and pepper and a little red wine vinegar mixed up and painted on the steaks before hitting the soapstone

@NotOurRemedy

2 жыл бұрын

Melted Beef tallow and garlic

Exactly the video I needed. Just got the BJ3 for Christmas and trying to decide which should be my first accessory/surface This will make my first surface purchase the soapstone. Now....should I get that or the joetisserie ... 🤔

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I would do JoeTisserie first this second

Fantastic video! I have a question: Did you leave the steaks to rest in foil while you were raising the temperature for the sear?

@SmokingDadBBQ

Жыл бұрын

i usually gain about 10f in the rest at room temp not covered in foil so i do that. foil can raise it as much as 20

Great video as always. Can’t wait to do my dry aged NY strip steaks on Monday on my soapstone! I love truff too. You know they sell the black in a 1 gallon jug? But it looks like you prefer the hotter version. Thanks for the great content.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I didn’t know that. this way gets expensive

@cameronbatko

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ it looks like you would save $50 buying the gallon and one of the reviews said they did custom bottle a hotter for someone. It is $249 for 1 gallon vs the $14 for 6oz at the grocery store.

Anyone in Canada,. Lowe's has soapstones on clearance..just picked one up and can't wait to try it. James great video as always !

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Swarm, swarm lol

I've got the KJ Jr with a soapstone. After I cook the steaks. What's the process of getting the Joe to searing temp with the soapstone?

Thank you I was on the fence

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

cheers

Totally interested in the soapstone. Just got my first Kamado Joe two days ago, so excited!

@Michael.T.

3 жыл бұрын

If you’ve got the Big Joe, Lowe’s Canada is clearing out the soapstone at half price ($90)

@MattMcC7100

3 жыл бұрын

@@Michael.T. Thanks! I’ll have to check Lowe’s down here in Florida.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thats a great deal

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations. Hope you enjoy it!

@MattMcC7100

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ Thanks James! Followed your video on the break-in and it worked out perfectly. Fired off some of that Jealous Devil too.

Your one of my go to people when I want to know more about my Kamado keep up the good 😊 work but would like to see you do Philly steak sandwiches

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

Will do!

Another great video James. Sam the cooking guy just did a steak test but yours is better in my opinion.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Wow thanks, I haven't seen his yet but he is a great creator

@FreshfrogmarketingUk

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ Yeah I watch Sam all the time but your video was better. Keep killing it, James.

I just got my soapstone recently. Gonna use it tonight

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic, what time shall it drop by lol

@DavidBaldiniDP

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ hahahah trust me if you were in my city I would be hitting you up to bbq/trade Food non stop!

I did get the soapstone for a sear Surface and I do like it nicely

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

awesome 👏

Damn I which I've had discovered your channel way earlier, it would have saved me al lot of annoyance🤣 good job James👌

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

haha thanks Joey

Very interesting experiment. Was surprised that the Caveman method produced the high score. Will definitely invest in a soapstone.

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

its consistently great

I just got a soap stone! To do a reverse sear do I do the whole cook on the soap stone or just the sear? Also does it matter how ashed over the coals are when searing? Does it improve the taste if they are fully ashed over?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

yes you want ashed over coals. you can do both, but i put a gird above the soapstone and use it as a heat deflector so that it heat soaks and then sear on the soapstone

I like using the soap stone the most. My wife’s side of family has never had a steak that matched the taste they got to try from what I made on soap stone. They recently told me on family online chat that the best steak they had ever had were the ones I made,

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

nice. high praise there, well done

I would be interested in the difference between reverse sear and initial sear on the various cooking surfaces. I seem to prefer an initial sear on the soapstone followed by indirect.

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

here is that compare - kzread.info/dash/bejne/mWaX18hvn5Suk6Q.html

After watching this I wondered , what was done temp in BIG JOE (for searing) with soap stone and cast-iron in place ? i would guess lower than 700 being sorta heat deflected

Revisiting this video because I couldn't remember if the Grill Gun was in the running or not, as I used my Grill Gun to sear steaks for the first time to night. It was intimidating but I was pretty pleased with the result, and it definitely saved me a bunch of charcoal.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

that’s awesome. I have not used it to sear

my soapstone cracked when I was cooking a steak, do you happen to know what is the warranty of the soapstone?

If anyone is interested, both the Half moon soap stone, and the half moon cast iron, are on clearance at Lowes in Ontario. The BigJoe ones are $55CDN for the cast iron and $90CDN for the soapstone. You wont find a better price than that.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

that’s a smokin deal

Awesome episode! One thing that I would like to know is if searing at lower temps (450 - 500F) would be better controlled compared to the “inferno mode”. I love browning …. Burning not so much :-) Maybe a good idea for a follow up video…. Thanks! Big fan!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 ай бұрын

Cast iron for sure can get too hot. But I also found too low over cooks the crust

Video suggestion: wood placement. When you set up for a long, smokey cook you always put the wood on the bottom but I've never heard you go into any detail as to why. It could be that you've covered this in a video that I haven't seen but, if you haven't, it would be helpful. Lately I have been experimenting with wood placement searching for the best way get that "thin blue smoke" for as long as possible without exposing my food to any more "billowy white smoke" than necessary. I'm not sure that placing the wood on the bottom does that.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

you got it, added to the list

Hi James, thanks for the many great videos. I have two questions please. I’m getting a Kamado as a secondary grill. I have a FireMagic gas grill as well. We are a family of 5 and entertain occasionally. I am planning to have it built into an outdoor kitchen but worried that the big joe might be too big but nevertheless keen on the larger joe. Would you get the big joe or the classic and how much depth is required to open the lid without it hitting a wall behind it? I also see that you have your grills underneath a roof. Have you ever had any issues with that? Thanks, Martin.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

you need just over 5” from behind the black hinge mechanism to open the dome. I would round up to six inches. I think you’d need about 36.5” from the wall to where the table ends at the front of the big Joe to have it sit and be able to open I would do the big Joe. it’s my favourite

@extramurous

3 жыл бұрын

I have the classic and a family of only 3 and occasionally find myself wishing for more room on the grate. If I had a family of 5 I would definitely go for the big Joe.

@MBotha75

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you James & Gilbert, your comments are appreciated. The Big Joe has been ordered.

I'd like you to review GrillGrates aluminum inserts. I love mine! A comparison would be Fun!

Great info as always. How about some cooking ideas on Game! Cheers Alex D uk

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the idea! I have some Moose in the freezer

Great video. Sadly I bought the half moon reverse cast iron before soapstone. I really don't like it nor use it. Soapstone is probably my favorite surface for all foods....easy to clean and retains heat really well.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

My exact situation as well... if i started all over i would go soapstone straight away

I have to go buy some steaks tonight to try the soapstone sear.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

enjoy

James, have you ever used a Grillgrate brand grate? I'm curious how it compares to the cast iron and soapstone.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve not used them in a Kamado (pellet and propane) so need to find a set to see if they are the same in a Kamado. they paint lines that are signature of the SCA winning steaks... so visually very nice but I never found black lines to taste better

@BKfromPA1

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ I just ordered a set for my Joe Jr so I'll see if they do more than grill marks. They claim they get hotter and prevent flair-ups.....also you can flip them over and use the flat side for doing smash burgers etc. I was undecided between the cast iron or the grill grates. I went with the grill grates because I can use them on my other propane and weber charcoal. I would like to get a soapstone if they make one for the jr.

I've been meaning to for a while but I finally picked up a soapstone after your last video, hopefully Bezos hooked you up. I'm very much looking forward to using it! Of course it was my predicted winner.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

Without watching the video until the end I Vote for the soapstone! Epic searing!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

for the win 🔥

Really interesting - quite surprised by the cast iron result, but it definitely pushes me more towards getting a soapstone. What was most interesting though was the caveman technique: I'd never even heard of that. I'd be reluctant to ruin a good bit of meat for fear of the ash. I know you say there shouldn't be any, but I'm pretty sure I'm one of those cretins who never manage to get their steak completely dry before grilling... at the risk of denting your back pocket further Smoking Dad, how about a video just on this technique, perhaps comparing some different cuts? I'd imagine that a tenderloin would come out really well this way... but it's going to be an expensive mistake to make if it goes wrong! Great video, as always. Love your work. G-Man, Dubai.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks so much. I think I spend some more time on this in my wagyu tri tip video- kzread.info/dash/bejne/iXujj7WqYc3ImLg.html as you noted, for non flat surfaces this method wins as you can get a better sear. only downside is you lose the fat cap to char

Really enjoying the video. I don’t have a KJ yet but have a question on managing a cook. My wife likes her steaks MW and I like MR. That is tough to manage. For a reverse sear would you recommend pulling mine of sooner, and let it rest while her’s cooks further? If so, what internal temp would you take hers to for MW after the sear? I am sure a Meater is going to have to be used here.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

in general i find i gain about 10f in the rest... so i would remove yours at 120 or below and hers at 130 or below .... then crank the heat and sear each. should only take a few min to get from 120-130... you could even start the vents opening up while you wait so that you are heating up while it finishes

@brucerudd69

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ thanks James. So, between my comment and now, I brought a Classic 1 home from my local Lowe’s. Entry price is nice on this model and 24” is a bit big for me now (maybe later….). I can add some as accessories as needed. Thanks for all your info, they have all been very helpful

Hi James brilliant video as usual!! Can you just do a short vid on salt brine your steaks as I don’t think most people would do? Cheers

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

great idea. can do

@drunkmonkeyzero8817

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ thanks so much now subscribing 😉😉

Hi James. Can you advise how long you seared each side for? You managed edge to edge with a great crust, very easy to overcook when searing.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, i aim for about 15-20 seconds before moving around and then peak at 30 to see how its going. regardless if its done i flip around 40 and do the same on the other side and then add another hit if the crust needs it / can take it

@MrYunes

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ brilliant thanks!

Can you use 2 soapstones ( Cast Iron ) together to seariously increase your searing surface?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

yes. there will be a small gap in the middle but yes

Another exceptional video, really appreciate the effort you put in, must be a hard life eating so much delicious food. One thing though, those "pretty black lines" from the grill are just burnt bits, which you didn't like on the cast iron or on the fat from the caveman. Can I suggest trying not to get them by putting the grill in cold with the meat on it, as you the steak around during the sear it will balance out the crust and you'll get a great even finish with no carbon on your food.

Hi James, the availability to purchase the Big Joe Soapstone is difficult and so expensive! Could you direct sear on the heat deflector with parchment paper? Just a thought!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I am not sure about food grade safety but the paper should provide that. not sure if it would sear or just burn the paper lol

@jhg737

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ yep, not sure either but I do use the parchment paper on the DoJoe for pizza and that really hot too... no worries! I just bought the real deal so soapstone is in my future cooks! Thank you

Would a cast iron plate that is flat on BOTH sides as opposed to having grill ridges on one side make a sear taste difference?

@SmokingDadBBQ

Жыл бұрын

I don’t think something on the other side will change the taste but it might be more visually uniform

Thanks James, another great video. I am loving my KJ jr. which I bought largely after seeing your videos. When you go to inferno mode, approximately how long are you waiting for the sear temps to be reached? I find that my jr. is slow to climb much above 500F (took 10min to reach 500F from 240F last night) I wonder if I need to load more charcoal to start with. Thanks again. Stephen

@geezer2tech154

3 жыл бұрын

My junior is about the same. I think that you just have to set the steak aside and be patient. Are you using a kick ash basket? That will help with the air flow.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

great point, my basket accelerated this speed as it has more air

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

as Geezer2Tech pointed out, i am getting lots of air from my basket mod and the different vent cap which allows more air than the daisy wheel stock

@stephentomini1116

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I have the kick ash basket. Will look for the cap mod. Thanks

@geezer2tech154

3 жыл бұрын

The lump charcoal makes a difference too. I'm using B&B Oak which results in a hotter fire than my previous charcoal (over 700 degrees F. if you give it sufficient time.) Because some of the lumps are medium-large, you have to hand place them into the basket, i.e. you can't just pour from the bag. Those larger lumps result in better air flow. Even so, I still wait about 10 minutes from 225 to around 500 with the complete dome open. If you really want to get up to temp fast, aim a leaf blower at the inside of the open dome (not the top vent) with the meat removed. (Aiming at the lower vent will result in a lot of sparks and ash.) You can load the KAB up to the top of the handles, but no further or it will hit the deflector plate. You could also try using a chimney starter and get the coals red hot before you pour them into the kamado. I've never tried it, though, and I don't know if it would be difficult to start your cook low and slow if you began with red hot coals.

Is the halfmoon soapstone 18inch suitable with other kamados? eg monolith?

@SmokingDadBBQ

Жыл бұрын

Yes nothing special about the size if it will fit go for it

Yes sir loved this experiment and since now I have to get a soapstone telling my wife you made me do it 😂

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

haha deal

I’m really frustrated with my results with the soapstone on the KJ3. What’s the ideal temperature to sear?

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

you want your stone surface to be around 600f.. the IR thermapen is a good way of making sure its hot enough for a great sear

Did you oil the cast iron? I love the cast iron and usually use a ghee...works well

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

i often use beef fat trimmings

Also, do you recommend a thermometer to measure the temperature of the soapstone itself rather than the dome of kamado?

@SmokingDadBBQ

Жыл бұрын

an IR gun is handy for getting a surface reading ... if its not hot enough it won't sear well and will cook the steak crust so its more of a grey band

Fun vid I agree on cast iron for flavor or maintenance IMHO cast iron comes in last but its personal :) that said I prefer carbon steel griddles or french chef style carbon steel pans for searing but will have to get and try soapstone Throwing on coals I often knock them first ? Great vid

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks 🙏

Curious why you have not tried the classic cast iron skillets as part of your tests. A good heavy Finex or Lodge skillet has a smooth bottom and cook surface so no lines like on the grill plates. I think there is still a lot of merit to the classic method of sear first and then finish to temp on indirect heat still in the skillet. You get a more diversely cooked steak (crusted outside and transition from medium well at the surface, passing thru medium and medium rare to near rare in the center) which I think is more pleasing then the homogeneous reverse sear.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

I have the kJ sear plate and found the sear taste to be the same but fair enough. I can add it to any future videos

What is your process for cleaning soapstone? Or do you just keep cooking with it black?

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

500-600f will clean it, i just flip between cooks. you can use dish soap if needed

Before checking the result, soap stone looked the best. I am wondering how a cast iron grid would look (this was the cast iron plate or something)....

Rookie scores but other then that great video lol I might have to buy a soapstone

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

i do love the soapstone

Are you sure we aren't overthinking this? Seriously, I could have jumped all over anyone of these! Great video!

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

haha we are splitting hairs for sure

@extramurous

3 жыл бұрын

Isn't all barbecue at least partially about overthinking food preparation?

@ranger2316

3 жыл бұрын

@@extramurous Not really. Throw some salt and pepper and maybe a little garlic powder on a steak and throw it on a hot fire ... have a cold Sam Adams while you're waiting. Doesn't get any simpler. 😎

@extramurous

3 жыл бұрын

@@ranger2316 - if you buy a good cut of meat (and why wouldn't you?), it's not that hard to make a great tasting steak with an oven and a frying pan. The fact that you are using a grill indicates that you are willing to go to some bother in search of better results. If you are using charcoal even more so, lump charcoal even more, etc. One way of defining barbecue (and there are many) is "the pursuit of incrementally smaller improvements in food quality at the expense of exponentially increasing amounts time, effort, and money".

@ranger2316

3 жыл бұрын

@@extramurous I wonder if I really needed a freaking lecture on cooking a steak. Since you brought it up, I use both the grill and oven/frying pan method. I try not to overthink it.

What kinda torch are you upswing to fire up the joe

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

thanks John. this is the grill blazer grill gun

Could a pizza stone work in place for the soap stone? I would think it would be have never tried. Anyone have experience with that?

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

for searing? the soapstone is good as its anti bacterial and non porous whereas the ceramic wouldn't be

What KJ Soapstone would fit an XL Big Green Egg?

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

the big joe and XL egg are the same 24"

I have to say, the Kamado Joe is so versatile to cook with, but one of the biggest down falls for me is cleaning out the ash. I'm at the point where I will just use a vacuum to clean it out. The ash tray gets stuck sometime when too much ash gets between the tray and the support cavity. When I try to take out the bottom iron grate catch, it will push the panels out of place then I have to try and put the panel back into place with the metal trim that holds them together. Plus ash really blows all over the place when I pull out the tray and is not a major problem for me, but for my girlfriend she hates it. Anyway, I really love my Kamado Joe.

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

i remove the ash catcher as it just lets ash build up and makes getting the tray in and out more difficult, try that

@henq

Жыл бұрын

Do try Ecobrasa coco cubes. Almost no ash. Incrediable little heat bombs ! They're expensive, but you use little in a bbq session.

@patewok3649

Жыл бұрын

@@henq thanks for the tip. I'll check them out

I just ordered a soapstone for my big joe 3 after watching this.

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

so good

If you want your steaks no pink, medium to well done, just longer cooking or higher heat?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

longer in the low and slow, cook to 130-135 before resting for medium - medium well done

Hey James I have a question. The soapstone is going for $175 while half moon cast iron reversible griddle is going for $50. If I get two griddles that would be $100. Isn’t the griddle more versatile than the soap stone? Can you make fajitas or breakfast or phillly cheesesteaks on soapstone? I really love that you can get the best sear on the Soapstone since I eat a lot of steak, but can it really match the versatility of a griddle? You are my go to when it comes to all things KAmado so I’m leaning on you for an informed decision. Thanks for the vids. Keep ‘em coming.

@SmokingDadBBQ

2 жыл бұрын

that price differential is getting a little nuts.... it wasn't that crazy when i got mine. yes you can make all those things on the soapstone, have you tried other suppliers to see if the price is more reasonable?

@penningtonsm

2 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ searched high and low.

If you doing fish only need half the charcoal as need only low to medium heat?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

yes 300-400f is more than enough

I noticed you dropped that soapstone right over the fire, is there any danger of cracking or what kind of temps are you looking for to keep that from getting damaged?

@SmokingDadBBQ

3 жыл бұрын

i drop in before the grill is over 400-450 and thats never been an issue for me

@PixelatedCJ

3 жыл бұрын

@@SmokingDadBBQ Thanks for the info, your videos gave me the tools and confidence to get started with my new KJ. I guess that makes you partially to blame for my new addiction lol. Keep it up!