can you use cedar planks for grilling that has knots in the wood? I've read that it will make the food burn but then I've also read that it cooks fine
1854974
The knots does not hold water as well as the rest of the wood. this is why many believe that it makes the food burn because it can become the driest part giving you a burn smell rather than cedar aroma. Keep it in the coolest part of the heat source and you should be fine.
1854975
Assuming you are referring to UNTREATED cedar grilling planks -- you should have no problem with closed knots in the planks. Some folks think that the knots actually release more aromatics and see them as a plus. If you're talking about knotholes, then it would not surprise me if the holes made it easier for the planks to burn. Since you should have a spray bottle (water) handy to handle flare-ups as a matter of routine when using planks, you're probably okay even with knotholes.
1655310
I cooked directly on this grill. I don't know if it was the high heat or the act of burgers sitting on the metal, but the paint did come off - mostly where I cooked. I didn't notice it at the time. It wasn't until later when I cleaned the grill at home that I saw it. I have a fire ring out back. I think I'll build a good charcoal fire in it and let the grill bake a bit before I head out on my next trip. I love this grill, but yes, the paint can come off.
2244695
It's ok but does not hold temp well with charcoal alone. If you use hardwood it works fine. For smoking I use my weber smokey mountain. Uses very little charcoal/wood to maintain temp for hours. Char-Broil is decent grill but in hind sight I wouldn't buy.
593384
Yes, I have. You need to soak the cedar plank for many hours to be sure that it is really soaked - otherwise it just burns and flames.
93129
That substance is a vegetable oil that they put on the grates before they shipped it. Just leave it alone and season the grates. You should be fine! I have been loving my grill this summer and have had no issues.
907910
Spray the grates with vegetable oil and fire up the grill.The grates will be fine.This is the best grill I've ever owned.Tonight,I grilled corn,onions,baby back ribs and hamburgers.I love it.
250623
We have not tried that, but I believe that wood burns differently than the charcoal. I think you could use smoking chips, the kind you wet and throw on the coals, but I don't think wood is recommended.
1711770
We use the ribbed grill pan and the so called "panini" cover to grill steaks, etc.; they leave nice grill marks. I do suggest you get the rigid plastic devices with the plastic "teeth" to help clean the pan, etc. Leonard Feld
726067
Yes Amanda. The number of times depends on your experience level. Following the enclosed instructions for soaking, surface prep, temperatures, etc. while keeping less flame near the plank will extend it's number of uses. We suggest newbies figure on burning the first one up with one use but, with a little practice, you'll get more from the remaining three. And, when the planks are too thin to safely use, break the remains up and place in a perforated foil covered pan near the heat and use this as additional smoke for other planks.
2228473
I've used nothing but canola oil to get the grill seasoned. Get it screaming hot, cover down, anything on the grate from last use will pretty much be ash & easily scraped with the triangular cleaning tool. Use a small hand whisk brush to get rid of the ash. Another spray with canola oil & get'r hot again. IT WILL SMOKE. Nature of the beast. Spray burgers lightly with canola before placing on the smoking hot grate. I use nothing more than 90/10 mix. Too much fat means more flame up. I'll leave 'em on a couple minutes or less, give 'em a quarter turn, same with other side, then finish up with lowered heat until desired done. I do pretty much the same with steaks, chops, & fish. A light spray with the oil before slapping on the grill, prevents sticking & helps keep any seasonings where they should be, on the meat. For chicken, I've added 4 - 1/4" eye bolts to an old grill that raises the meat an 1-1/2" or so to slow grill the meat. I've found a basket type flat grill at Safeway I place on top of the grate when grilling fish, shrimp, veggies and sliced fruit. Again, I'll lightly spray it and the food before grilling. You're always gonna get some Smoke, but after the initial searing, turning the gas down & watching placement of your meat on the grill should keep the smoking manageable. Doug
1494267
I have used wood but unless you use very dense wood like mesquite it burns very quickly. Best to use a combination of wood and charcoal. Imparts fantastic flavor.
2261072
I have used it in both the bbq grill and a campfire. it worked well. It needs to be seasoned well first though.
832495
Only add water if you want to "smoke" cook your food. I usually dont use water to grill at all.
1580242
Yes, we have grilled hamburgers, steaks and pork chops. They were all wonderful. The review I read stated that you cannot char a steak / hamburger like on a propane or charcoal grille.This was not a huge issue for us. If you prefer your meat charred, you can take off the grille a couple of minutes early and cook on the stove.
1122720
No .Keep one thing in mind, anytime that you cook any thing on the grill that contains animal fat,you get smoke.
198599
I know that problem. I've never had an issue with smoke. The trick with a grill pan is to pre-heat until hot then add your food item, and then it doesn't take long to cook. I've done hot dogs, pork chops, steaks of course. Hope this helps. Love my grill pan.
1388143
I suggest not to. The planks are intended for use outside in a charcoal or wood grill. The plank can catch fire if the heat is too high, so I suggest cooking with them outside on a grill. I've never used them inside the house. hope this response helps!