I additionally needed to name out one oddity I observed in testing, which is that canine appear very interested in the massive knob on the Woodridge’s management panel. Three completely different canine who came visiting to my home throughout smoking periods pressed it with their noses, most likely as a result of mixture of meat scent and seeing different individuals touching it. They would not have the ability to activate the grill, however they’ll mess with you whilst you’re setting the temperature in the event that they’re mischievous or curious like mine.
The Smoke
Coming from the world of propane grills, the scale of the Woodridge Professional actually struck me. You might simply smoke two full-sized pork bellies on the identical time, and I hope to very quickly. Because it was, my common Costco pork stomach hundreds up half the smoker, which is greater than sufficient to feed some associates and have leftovers for myself.
It couldn’t be simpler. Set the temperature, maintain the hopper stuffed, and all the things else is managed mechanically. As an alternative of worrying about vents or fan speeds or gas, I usually simply hand around in the yard, get some work completed, play with the canine, and concentrate on the meat.
{Photograph}: Brad Bourque
I’ve discovered myself extra keen to do all the additional steps that actually make a meal nice. I’m marinating and brining forward of time, getting rub recipes from associates, making pickled onions as a substitute of shopping for them. Stuff that sounds easy however might be simple to skip should you’re feeling lazy. Understanding I’ve a scrumptious chunk of meat on the smoker motivates me to go the additional mile.
Consequently, I’ve made or contributed to a few of my greatest meals ever over the past couple of months, and introduced my associates collectively to get pleasure from them. We have eaten tender pork stomach tacos coated in a savory and spiced rub rigorously refined by my neighbor, juicy pork chops with a crusty exterior, coppa sandwiches on a good friend’s home made focaccia. In between, I’ve loved luxurious leftovers like fried rice, smoked egg salad, and easy sandwiches. Greater than only a grill, the Woodridge has develop into part of my kitchen and cooking routine extra shortly and seamlessly than I might’ve imagined.