This review dives into the Pro Smoke Charcoal BBQ, exploring its features and performance during a first-time cook. We'll cover key aspects from setup and design to temperature control and ease of use, highlighting both strengths and minor drawbacks. From the innovative charcoal divider baskets that simplify heat management, to the surprisingly convenient features of the integrated trolley, this comprehensive review will detail our experience and help you determine if the Pro Smoke is the right charcoal grill for you.Expect a detailed analysis of the cart's functionality, including its stability, storage solutions, and the clever lid holder. We'll examine the grill's heat retention capabilities and temperature stability, along with a discussion of the cast iron grate and its implications for fuel management during extended cooking sessions. Finally, we offer an overall assessment of the Pro Smoke's value, considering its build quality, user-friendliness, and suitability for both novice and experienced grill masters.
Read more: 10 Best Commercial Charcoal Grills: A Buyer's Guide
Charcoal Baskets: A Must-Have Accessory
Enhance your kettle BBQ experience with charcoal divider baskets. These inexpensive accessories (under $30) are a game-changer for any charcoal enthusiast.
Their design allows for optimal airflow while keeping your charcoal neatly contained, simplifying heat control and minimizing mess. They're incredibly versatile, suitable for both briquettes and lump charcoal.
These baskets make it significantly easier to manage direct and indirect cooking, making them a worthwhile investment for any kettle BBQ owner.
Clever Design Features: Lid Placement and Grill Hooks
The Pro Smoke's trolley cart boasts a built-in lid holder, a surprisingly useful feature that prevents the need to place the hot lid on the ground or a nearby surface.
The integrated grill hooks are another highlight, allowing for easy removal of the grill for adding fuel or cleaning without burning yourself. This feature is especially beneficial during longer cooking sessions.
These seemingly small details significantly enhance the user experience, making grilling smoother and more convenient.
First Cook Setup and Initial Impressions
For our first cook, we utilized the charcoal baskets on either side of the BBQ, creating an indirect cooking setup. This method allows for even temperature distribution.
An alpha tray was placed in the center to collect juices and maintain cleanliness, creating an easy path to making a delicious gravy.
The barbecue was preheated to a high temperature initially to season the grill, then gradually reduced to the desired cooking temperature of approximately 160°C (320°F) for our leg of lamb.
Additional Features and Cart Functionality
The Pro Smoke's cart provides mobility and stability, featuring brakes to lock it in place. The front shelf provides ample space for storing utensils, paper towels, and other essentials.
The side table, easily folded away when not in use, is incredibly practical for prepping and holding items during cooking. Convenient hooks on the cart are ideal for hanging utensils and rags.
These features showcase the thoughtful design and user-friendliness of the Pro Smoke, improving the overall grilling experience significantly.
Lid and Heat Shield Performance
The high-temperature paint job on the lid and its heat shield are impressive features of the Pro Smoke. Even at high temperatures, the handle stays relatively cool to the touch.
The heat shield, designed to protect the handle, helps maintain a comfortable temperature. This detail-oriented design enhances safety and user experience.
The effective heat management of the lid and heat shield contributes to consistent temperature control during cooking, resulting in a superior grilling experience.
Overall Performance and Addressing User Concerns
The Pro Smoke performed exceptionally well during our first cook, maintaining a stable temperature of 160°C (320°F) with minimal adjustments, even hours after the vents were left open.
While there was a minor smoke leak early on, it didn't significantly affect temperature stability. The lack of ash cleaning fins at the bottom is not a major drawback, as thorough cleaning still requires removing the grates.
The substantial opening at the bottom allows for efficient ash removal, and the initial ash accumulation on top of the vent shows the design is effective in drawing ash towards the center.
Cast Iron Grill and Fuel Addition
The lack of folding sections on the cast iron cooking grate might present an issue during long cooks when adding more fuel is necessary.
The supplied grill hooks help mitigate this, allowing for the removal of the hot grill. However, careful placement of the hot grill is crucial to avoid damage.
While the snake method can extend cook time significantly, it's worth noting that the weight of the full grill becomes substantial when loaded with meat, further complicating removal.
Conclusion: A Highly Recommended BBQ
The Pro Smoke Charcoal BBQ offers a compelling combination of features and performance. While the lack of folding sections on the grill requires the hooks and careful handling, it doesn't detract from the overall positive experience.
The temperature stability, ease of control, and clever cart design are major advantages. The built-in lid holder and side table are luxurious additions that greatly enhance convenience.
Overall, it’s a well-built and well-designed barbecue ideal for both beginners and experienced users, offering excellent value and a superior grilling experience. Highly recommended!