Friday, December 28, 2012

 The beauty of BBQing is that is can be so simple. 

Although I love to BBQ, I can barely boil water in the kitchen so I stick to BBQing. J

As I have mentioned in the past, the key to BBQing is to be able to maintain a constant temperature in your grill. 

First thing you need to do with any grill no matter if it's gas, charcoal, electric or wood pellet is see how the grill keeps its temperature. You can do that be placing a thermometer inside the grill and running your grill at various temps. Colorado BBQ Outfitters has all the necessary equipment to do this! Thermometers can range from the remote digital probe types to the less expensive analog type. I must caution that the analog thermometers have been known to fluctuate anywhere from 30 to 50 degrees F off depending on the type you have. I would most definitely recommend a digital thermometer for accuracy. 

Let the temperature sit at least 15 minutes when checking it. I suggest checking all settings on your grill: low, medium, and high. Some grills offer a smoke setting as well. Write down your findings of each test. I also recommend doing this test in both warm and cold weather as weather temp has a huge impact on your grill temp. 

Once you run your test you are ready to work with your grill more accurately. If your grill can carry a CONSTANT temperature of 180 to 225 degrees F, you are able to smoke anything with that grill. This applies more so to gas grills. Charcoal can be controlled by simply not adding more fuel (charcoal). Electric smokers tend to hold temps much better. Wood pellet grills are just a matter of knowing which temp you get from which setting on your dial. 

Gas grills will get very hot if on high so no need to be concerned about how hot they will get. Same with charcoal as you control the fuel and therefore the heat. Wood pellet grills will range on high anywhere from 450 to over 700 degrees F. You only need that type of heat to sear meat or cook a pizza. Otherwise, that high is not necessary. 

If you grill will not stay at a constant temp or you cannot get your temperature high as you would like, here are a few things you can do:

1. Leave the lid closed. This seems like common sense but many people like to see their food as it cooks. Don't. 
2. Check your grill for too much air flow. Cracks, welds that have come apart, holes, etc. are what you want to stay away from. Anything that will cause cold air to get in and effect the grill temperature. If you have a charcoal grill they will come with vents. Wide open for hotter and closed for lower temps is the rule. 
3. If you have looked for holes, etc and cannot find any then you have a grill design issue. One way to alleviate this is to insulate your grill with a cover. You can spend upwards of $200 to $300 for custom fit insulated grill covers OR  you can simply purchase a welders blanket. They are much, much cheaper and work fantastic. They aren't the prettiest but you just bungee cord it on and you are good to go. The are perfect for winter months. 
4. Buy a new grill! :) 

Winter months are great for smoking food on the grill. It is very easy! 

Next blog I will share some simple grill/BBQ recipes.



Thursday, November 8, 2012

BBQ CLASSES!!!


Colorado BBQ Outfitters (CBO) is proud to announce our new BBQ 101 classes being offered. 

DESCRIPTION
Add more “WOW!” to your backyard barbeque. Want to know the difference between grilling and barbequing? Want to learn how different smokers/grills work? Ever wanted to smoke a turkey for the holidays?
The class is a 2 hour class  (approx) on all things barbeque in the Colorado Springs area. The skills you learn can be applied to the basics of barbeque. During the class you’ll learn:


  • ·         The basics of barbequing
  • ·         Indirect cooking
  • ·         Review recipes for great barbequing
  • ·         Food safety
  • ·         Different foods to barbecue
  • ·         Barbeque myths
  • ·         Different types of grills/smokers/accessories needed for effective barbequing
  • ·         What types of woods to use for delicious barbeque
  • ·         Smoking holiday meats
  • ·         Sample some genuine barbeque

The small, informal classes will be run by Dan MacDonald and Daren Daniels, owners of Colorado BBQ Outfitters. Both have been grilling/barbequing their entire adult lives and love to share their passion. Their friendly and clear instruction will ensure you leave the class with the skills you need to make great barbeque at home. Small groups also ensure you will have the personal attention you need.  The classes are kept at a maximum of 15 people to ensure an intimate and comfortable setting for questions and effective learning.
Workshop dates and times to be arranged with participants and Colorado BBQ Outfitters. Choose a date to suit you or join an existing date. There is a minimum of 8 people required on any date to run the approximate 2 hour class.  Call Dan or Daren at Colorado BBQ Outfitters at 719-465-1041 for more details or check out http://719bbq.com.  The classes are taught at the store.  


Cost of the class is $40 for one person or we have a special which is $50 for two people who sign up at the same time! 

Give us a call at 719-465-1041 to get signed up for a class today! 

Visit us at www.719bbq.com for more information or come by our store at 6850 N Academy 

Blvd Colorado Springs, Co. 80918.