I additionally needed to name out one oddity I seen in testing, which is that canine appear very drawn to the massive knob on the Woodridge’s management panel. Three totally different canine who came to visit to my home throughout smoking periods pressed it with their noses, in all probability because of the mixture of meat odor and seeing different folks touching it. They would not be capable to activate the grill, however they’ll mess with you when 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 dimensions of the Woodridge Professional actually struck me. You may simply smoke two full-sized pork bellies on the identical time, and I hope to very quickly. Because it was, my regular Costco pork stomach hundreds up half the smoker, which is greater than sufficient to feed some buddies and have leftovers for myself.
It couldn’t be simpler. Set the temperature, preserve the hopper stuffed, and every part else is managed robotically. As an alternative of worrying about vents or fan speeds or gasoline, I usually simply hand around in the yard, get some work achieved, play with the canine, and give attention to the meat.
{Photograph}: Brad Bourque
I’ve discovered myself extra prepared to do all the additional steps that basically make a meal nice. I’m marinating and brining forward of time, getting rub recipes from buddies, making pickled onions as a substitute of shopping for them. Stuff that sounds easy however might be simple to skip for those who’re feeling lazy. Realizing I’ve a scrumptious chunk of meat on the smoker motivates me to go the additional mile.
In consequence, I’ve made or contributed to a few of my greatest meals ever during the last couple of months, and introduced my buddies 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 pal’s do-it-yourself 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 rapidly and seamlessly than I might’ve imagined.
