Pics-My first Ribs on the PG500

Good Job! Somehow I missed placed our invite to dinner.....dang it.

Those ribs really look good. I purchased the same cover and it works pretty good. The problem is that it never cools of enough to put it on.

Thanks Gary. Yeah I waited until this morning to put it on. Might not always be a good idea. Perhaps leaving the doors open might help cool it down faster. Will try that tonight.

Padrefan98- OMG and fantastic hardly begin to describe. Makin' my mouth water just lookin' at 'em. Great job-love the smoke ring.

Thanks Que! Since this was my first significant smoke that lasted 5+ hours, when I sliced that first rib and saw that smoke ring, I was so excited. I don't know why, I know it means nothing to most on here. But it sure is pretty.

Looks Very Tasty!

nice job. The more you use the more you enjoy

I don't mean to highjack this thread, but think my question might fit in. I am a cookshack fan and have both a 009 and a 045. My current grill is a gas grill. I really am not happy with it. I am just trying to decide on keeping it, or going to the PG500. I am just wondering if anyone has figured out how much money it costs to run a gas grill as opposed to the PG500 per BTU? Padrefan, How many pounds of wood pellets did you go through with the 5 hour cook? Is there a way to change the size of the indirect heat area and the direct heat area? Seeing your first 2 cooks has really gotten my intrest up.

So far I have done 6 cooks lasting approximately 16 hours. I went through one 20 pound bag of pellets. I found a place that has them for $18 a bag here in town. On Ebay they cost about $40 shipped. So finding a local company that carries them will be the best.

I don't think my numbers are truly fair as everything except the ribs has been at high temp 350 degrees or higher. My 16 hours includes the 2 hour seasoning. When I bought the Grill I assumed it would be closer to a pound an hour. I assume that will get closer as I dial it in better and get some more experience.

I really don't see how the numbers are going to be better then gas. But perhaps someone else has some numbers.

Sometimes your old reliable Chevy gets traded in for a BMW. Or perhaps you just park the Chevy in the garage. The gas mileage isn't better in the BMW because you have to run premium. But, you can afford the BMW and always wanted one...Just saying.

Padrefan:

Thanks for the answer. I am looking for something that is easy to use when I want to grill hotdogs, hamburgers, etc. How easy is it to change out the wood pellets from say apple to hickory?

It's very simple. Just open the door and fill your bucket. It was a little sloppy at first. I suspect it will be easier the next time.

As a side note, if you are anything like me you will experiment with different woods and then stick with one that works for everything. I like Hickory or Pecan. I will probably stick with Hickory for everything.

Padrefan:

Charcoalstore.com sells BBQr's Delight pellets for $19.99 for 20lb bags with free shipping. Just figured I would give you another source.

No way!! Thanks for the info! I will check them out.

Ordered 2 bags. Great deal!

Don't know if you're in to or can store a bunch of pellets, but Candy Sue at BBQ delight can cut you a sweet deal on a half or full ton. I ordered one about a year ago. Lots cheaper. Also

I'm likin what I'm hearing on the PG500. I need a good direct cooking device for steaks and such to supplement my FEC 100.

Your ribs look amazing!!! Keep up the great work.

Thanks Chaplain- I actually have been contacted about becoming a sales rep for pellets. I am on the fence right now, as I just don't see the profit margin with shipping etc. I mean how can you compete with Charcoal store. Free shipping at $20 a bag?

I cooked some Rib eye steaks last night for the Halloween crowd. Got lots of compliments but I was disapointed. I need to get the grill hotter. 400 degrees just wasn't enough. The flavor was great though and the were medium rare. I got good grill marks but just not that sear I wanted. Not the machines fault though. I need to crank it up to 600 and start with cold steaks. That's what makes it great. All the trial and error.