The Which Method Do You Use To Light Charcoal? thread got me thinking about all the gadgetry and accessories available being sold by various drummers. What have you tried, what have you kept and what have you discarded or repurposed?
I'm a Weber kettle guy, 22.5" basic black, circa late 1980's. My favorite gizmos are:
Stuff I tried and didn't like:
There are various weird gadgets that have seemed too outlandish for me to spend my hard earned dough on. Things I've seen include clip on charcoal fans, hot dog rollers, conversion kits that let you smoke in the kettle (minion method, bricks and hinged grate seem to work fine), various gizmos for standing up a chicken (Beer can chicken is called beer can chicken for a reason).
If anybody has a gadget they swear by that I've dissed or missed, let's hear it. Affirmation of my wise choices also welcomed.
I'm a Weber kettle guy, 22.5" basic black, circa late 1980's. My favorite gizmos are:
- Stainless steel grate with hinged ends. Love that thing.
- Chimney starter. The big Weber one, not brand X.
- Cheap leather welding gloves.
- L shaped steel round bar, 18" long with a 2.5" leg. Use it to move hot coals.
- Long handled brush/scraper.
- Stainless Weber basket. Don't use it much, but it's the bomb for veggies.
- Half thickness fire bricks. Cheap, durable and they work better than this or this.
- Grill cover. My kettle lives outside, and it's why it's still around after decades of use.
- Remote thermometer.
- This gets me by until I the old kettle dies and I replace it with a Performer.
- Rib rack. Mine is brand X, but the idea is the same.
- Butane torch. Works every time.
- Cheap bristle paint brush. Used for basting and a mini ash broom. Use and throw out.
Stuff I tried and didn't like:
- The aforementioned charcoal baskets. Fire bricks are cheaper and more durable.
- Grill tool holder/basket. Mine was a similar gadget. Gets hot, keeps lid from setting right, can fall off. No thanks.
- Silicone basting brush. Mine had a head that came off, in use.
- Barbecue lighter. Meh.
There are various weird gadgets that have seemed too outlandish for me to spend my hard earned dough on. Things I've seen include clip on charcoal fans, hot dog rollers, conversion kits that let you smoke in the kettle (minion method, bricks and hinged grate seem to work fine), various gizmos for standing up a chicken (Beer can chicken is called beer can chicken for a reason).
If anybody has a gadget they swear by that I've dissed or missed, let's hear it. Affirmation of my wise choices also welcomed.