Used charcoal for the second time in my life last night!

[nicka]

I had one bad experience 2 years ago with charcoal (my own fault) I recently purchased an off-set smoker/grill and made some ribeyes last night. I have heard that I should be cooking them with indirect heat, however they were not getting done do I put them directly over the coals. They turned out amazing though!  Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[bruno994]

A couple of tidbits on using charcoal, stay away from the match lite crap and if it's available, try some lump charcoal as well. 

As far as the ribeyes, direct heat for sure unless you are doing a reverse sear, which is basically what you did with the ones you just cooked.  Could be the big reason they turned out so good. 

http://www.ironpigbbq.com/Reverse-Sear.html

 

[nicka]

Thank you bruno994! I did use lump charcoal. Also a side question, where should I put a water pan when I use the smoker portion, in the offset fire box or in the grill itself

 

[lowesdadof3]

That reverse sear works wonders with a London broil as well !!!!!!!!!!

 

[fwismoker]

I think it's funny you discovered reverse seared by accident!  LOL, AWESOME!

  

 

[nicka]

thanks!!

 

[fwismoker]

Thank you bruno994! I did use lump charcoal. Also a side question, where should I put a water pan when I use the smoker portion, in the offset fire box or in the grill itself

In an offset smoker it's ok to put a water pan right inside where the heat comes in, beside providing moisture it will help balance out the heat as water boils at 212. 

 

[seenred]

Thank you bruno994! I did use lump charcoal. Also a side question, where should I put a water pan when I use the smoker portion, in the offset fire box or in the grill itself

I never put a water pan in my offset, but have heard others put them in the cook chamber, just outside the firebox.  I think the idea is that this helps with temp control at grate level. 

 

[bruno994]

I never put a water pan in my offset, but have heard others put them in the cook chamber, just outside the firebox.  I think the idea is that this helps with temp control at grate level. 

I don't put a water pan in mine either, but mine is a RF.  I think it is more common with direct flow rigs, to help even out temps and provide moisture in the cook chamber.

 

[nicka]

Thanks guys! Very much appreciate the help!

 

[bbqbrett]

A couple of tidbits on using charcoal, stay away from the match lite crap and if it's available, try some lump charcoal as well. 

As far as the ribeyes, direct heat for sure unless you are doing a reverse sear, which is basically what you did with the ones you just cooked.  Could be the big reason they turned out so good. 

http://www.ironpigbbq.com/Reverse-Sear.html

Great advice.  Actually stay away from lighter fluid in any form.  Get a good charcoal chimney if you don't already have one.

As far as a water pan, my friend and I use one in the offset smoker and postition it under the food.  Gives some moisture to the food and also catches the drippings to help keep things cleaner.

 

[mountainhawg]

A couple of tidbits on using charcoal, stay away from the match lite crap and if it's available, try some lump charcoal as well. 

As far as the ribeyes, direct heat for sure unless you are doing a reverse sear, which is basically what you did with the ones you just cooked.  Could be the big reason they turned out so good. 

http://www.ironpigbbq.com/Reverse-Sear.html

Good advise. Would also add use a chimney or the little lighter cubes by Weber (use only one), never use liquid fuel. I only use water when doing a roast, shoulder or butt, never steak, chops, burgers etc. 

While briquettes get a bad rap sometimes, I start a fire with briquettes and then add lump. Reverse sear works well with more than steaks, experiment with smaller items such as chops and burgers.

I have a tendency to use more coals than needed, don't know if anyone else does. It helps having a good digital thermometer, and not rely on the one that came with the grill. This has helped me to control my charcoal usage.