The Smoke Ring: It’s a Chemical Reaction

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Q:  Dr. BBQ,   How can I be sure to obtain a “smoke ring” on smoked meat?  What makes it appear—low smoke first, more smoke first, or …?  Is there a scientific approach, which should work every time, or is it a “sometime” thing?   Thanks for your help,   Gary   A:  Hi Gary,   Smoke ring is the …

How Many Charcoal Brickets?

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Q:  Dr. BBQ,    In order to grill 150 pounds of tri-tip in an open BBQ, how many pounds of charcoal brickets should we have on hand?   –Danita   A:  Hi Danita,   It will depend on your grill but I’d think about 50 pounds would do it.   –Ray  

Hard Maple, Not Soft

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Q:  Dear Dr. BBQ,   Maple is frequently recommended as a smoker wood, but it comes in “hard” and “soft” varieties and numerous species.  So are there pros and cons to the different species?  When there is a generic reference to “maple” does it really refer, for example, just to sugar maple?   Thank you,   Mike   A:  Hi …

To Oil or Not to Oil?

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Q:  Dr. BBQ,   I have a new BBQ with stainless steel grills. I have heard of people “oiling” the grill prior to cooking on it.   What do you recommend?   –Jim   A:  Hi Jim,   I don’t generally oil the grids unless I’m cooking fish, because it’s so delicate. If you get the grids good and hot before …

The History of Barbecue

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Q:  Dear Dr. BBQ,   I’m a university professor and I teach Industrial Design in Brazil.  I’m having a little problem finding out about the history of barbecue.  We are trying to understand the history of grills to make a new grill design, something to use inside the home, but it”s impossible to find books, sites or magazines to give …