Lighting the barbecue is straightforward but it’s slow to get started compared with more hi-tech barbecue designs. It feels very much like a mini version of a traditional kettle barbecue. You would slowly cook the steak by indirect grilling, keeping the lid on and altering the airflow in your Weber Smokey Joe to keep the temperature inside the grill relatively cool. Once the steak was cooked through to your liking you could remove the lid, move your steak to the hot side and char it on the outside, getting all of those delicious flavours and lines. Low and Slow Smoking Here are some commonly asked questions about the Smokey Joe and additional tips to get the most out of this awesome grill: How to Assemble the Weber Smokey Joe Around 10-12 briquettes should be enough to grill some burgers and hot dogs no problem. If you’re using it for the first time start here.

Handy connects you with a professional in your area who has the tools and know-how to get the job done. Once the coals have turned white and you’re ready to cook, the Weber comes into its own. It’s a serious barbecue that cooks evenly and reliably.You’ll notice that the Weber Smokey Joe doesn’t have the option to control the height of either the coals or the cooking grill. But you are still going to need to regulate the temperature. About GO Outdoors Job Opportunities JD Sports Fashion PLC Modern Slavery Report GO Outdoors Partners Discover Freedom Essentially all you need to do is pile your charcoal on one side of the grills substantial charcoal grate. The area directly above the coals is the ‘hot’ zone. This area is perfect for searing and getting those signature barbecue stripes all over the food. Generally, we are against using fluids to get a barbecue going. First, they can be time-consuming, and second, in kettle barbecues, you can often find that fumes and droplets accumulate in the bottom of the barbecue, this can present a little bit of a dangerous scenario.

By leaving both wide open you are allowing cool fresh air to be drawn in through the base, and the warm air can be vented overboard through the lid. Close the bottom grate and fresh air can not make its way in, and the temperature will rise. Close the top grate and the hot air can’t escape, again causing a temperature rise. By managing the cooler air coming in, and the hot air leaving the grill you can tweak the heat setting depending on how you like to cook. Direct and Indirect Grilling We might just get a little scientific, but bear with us, it will be worth it. Let’s talk about heat radiation and convection… The best way to do this is by regulating airflow. The Weber Smokey Joe has two air sources. On the lid, there is a rotating grate, and there is also a similar inlet at the base of the kettle.Load up the car and hit the road with your Smokey Joe® portable charcoal grill. Its durable, lightweight, compact design is perfect for grilling on the go - whether walking to the beach or taking a road trip. Aside from creating zones, there is another way that you can control the temperature. One word… Airflow. Well, this is the fun part of grilling using charcoal. Ask 20 people how to light a barbecue and they will tell you 20 different ways and swear that their way “really works”. The truth is that there are numerous options available.

The cooking area measures 35cm diameter, generous for a portable barbecue. And the design inside is simple, drawn from Weber’s heritage making kettle barbecues. A grill at the bottom to support the charcoal, a grill at the top to support the food, large adjustable air vents at the sides to control heat, and again large vents in the lid that can be adjusted. Another, albeit small, gripe I had with this BBQ was with the dampeners. In general, I found the Smokey Joe to be a robust BBQ, but the dampener mechanism felt a tad flimsy and awkward to use. While this certainly isn’t a deal breaker, it’s a little disappointing given its price. And speaking of price, there’s no denying this is expensive for what is, on the surface, a basic kettle BBQ. So now that’s the science covered let’s put it in plain terms. Essentially indirect grilling can be thought of as roasting, whilst direct grilling is, well, grilling. Reverse Searing Combustion by-products produced when using this product contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The Weber Smokey Joe and premium model charcoal bbq are made to the same high standards as all our barbecues and accessories. From the sleek corrosion-resistant porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid, tough stainless steel body and grate to details such as the rust-resistant aluminium vent and comfortable carry handle, the Smokey Joe will serve you well for years and years. Smokey Joe charcoal grill – frequently asked questionsTo reach the right temperature for cooking, a Smokey Joe takes around 15- 20 minutes, depending on the weather. Our best tip is to use the right charcoal briquettes along with a charcoal lighter, such as our Lighter Cubes, in conjunction with the Rapidfire Compact Chimney Starter, all available through Weber. A Rapidfire chimney starter is a fantastic way to start a charcoal grill, with the coals held in a canister-shaped cylinder, accelerating the combustion process. Don’t forget your oven gloves and tongs! Is barbecuing with a Smokey Joe allowed in parks?

Fortunately, it should be fairly easy. The ash pan is directly beneath the body of the barbecue, so the vast majority of burned deposits should have already made their way there. Where you can use a Smokey Joe charcoal bbq will depend on local laws and facilities. Barbecuing in public parks with charcoal and gas is permitted in some areas, providing it takes place within a designated barbecue area and follows strict rules on avoiding the risk of fire and scorch damage to park furniture, grass and other surfaces. Please consult the parks department of your local authority or the nearest tourist information centre for advice. Does charcoal add flavour to your meal? Fire resistant lid and bowl are made from steel and coated with porcelain-enamel inside and out making them weather-proof and extremely durable The fire and rust resistant lid and bowl are made from steel with a porcelain-enamel coating both inside and out making them weather proof enough to withstand all the elements can throw at them plus tough and robust enough to handle all the abuse of a long lifetime of grilling adventures. When you’re cooking on the barbecue, the thin handle is again useful: it props up the lid for use as a windshield. This unusual feature sets the Smokey Joe Premium apart from cheaper portable kettle barbecues like the Bodum Fyrkat.READ NEXT: Our full roundup of the best BBQs available Weber Smokey Joe Premium BBQ review: Should you buy it? You may also want to think twice about the Smokey Joe if you have a small car. While it is compact, there’s an awkward bulkiness to it, as the legs and handle are fixed in place and not easily removable or foldable.