Achieve restaurant-quality steak sears at home with this simple yet effective setup! This review explores the powerful combination of the Weber charcoal chimney starter and the Grillvana Chimney-Mate for searing sous vide steaks. We'll detail how this compact, high-heat grilling system delivers perfectly charred exteriors while maintaining a juicy, tender interior. Forget bulky grills – this portable setup is ideal for any backyard cookout, offering incredible convenience and exceptional results. We'll cover the setup process, the searing technique, and provide crucial tips for achieving that perfect sear every time.From lighting the charcoal to achieving those coveted grill marks, we'll guide you through each step of the process. Learn how the Chimney-Mate's innovative design transforms a standard chimney starter into a high-performance searing station. Discover the benefits of its durable construction, easy cleanup (with a few helpful hints), and the surprisingly manageable intensity of the heat. This review provides an honest assessment of both the Weber chimney starter and the Grillvana Chimney-Mate, highlighting their strengths and offering suggestions for maximizing their potential. Prepare to elevate your grilling game!
Pros And Cons
- Converts charcoal chimney into a portable grill.
- Suitable for searing sous vide steaks.
- Produces a better tasting sear than frying or other methods.
- Creates a nice char on steaks.
- Produces soot that is difficult to clean.
- Can get very hot, requiring caution.
- Indoor use is not recommended due to oxygen depletion and carbon monoxide risk.
Read more: Kingsford Chimney Starter: 8-Pack for Easy Charcoal Grilling
Charcoal Chimney Starter: The Foundation
The Weber charcoal chimney starter is a crucial part of this setup. It's a simple yet effective tool for quickly and efficiently lighting charcoal briquettes. I used scrap paper, like old magazines, to ignite the charcoal. Once the coals are glowing red, it's time to move on to the next stage.
The chimney starter is standard size (7.5 inches), making it compatible with various accessories, like the Chimney-Mate. This simple design ensures even heat distribution, crucial for consistent cooking. The key to success with a chimney starter is having enough glowing coals to provide ample heat for the searing process.
Introducing the Grillvana Chimney-Mate
This portable grill is what sets this setup apart. The Chimney-Mate sits atop the standard charcoal chimney starter, transforming it into a compact, high-heat grilling surface. Its 201 stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean, though avoiding harsh cleaners like bleach is recommended.
It provides a convenient way to sear perfectly sous vide steaks or other foods, giving that delicious char without taking up a lot of space. The design allows for easy fat dripping and prevents flare-ups from getting out of hand.
The Chimney-Mate also works with other standard size charcoal chimneys, adding to its versatility. However, the instructions specify that it should not be used indoors to avoid suffocation from carbon monoxide.
Searing the Sous Vide Steak: The Process
The searing process on the Chimney-Mate is incredibly hot! I placed the pre-cooked sous vide steak on the grill and flipped it after about 30 seconds. Initially, the heat wasn't high enough; the coals were too low in the chimney. Adding more coals higher up improves the searing process.
I cooked the steak for about 2 minutes per side, flipping often to achieve even char marks and avoid burning. I would advise using more charcoal for more direct heat, as that would significantly speed up the cooking process. It’s important to monitor the fat dripping to control the intensity of flames and ensure even cooking.
Results and Final Thoughts
The final result was a beautifully seared steak with a delicious char, achieving a perfect medium-rare inside. The sous vide method ensured a juicy and tender interior. Although the heat was intense, it was manageable and resulted in excellent grill marks and texture.
The Chimney-Mate delivers on its promise as a compact and versatile searing tool. While cleanup requires some effort (steel wool was used), the convenience and quality of the sear make it worthwhile. A metal tray underneath would certainly improve cleanup by catching stray coals and drips.
Ultimately, this combination of Weber charcoal chimney starter and the Grillvana Chimney-Mate provides a satisfying experience for searing. It's a perfect addition to any backyard cookout for achieving that delicious char on sous vide or grilled meats. More charcoal for higher heat would improve cooking times.
