Cobb BBQ Grill

[Mockinbrd]

Originally Posted by urnmor

I always have a problem getting the Cobb grill hot. So I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem. I am using the same natural lump charcoal that I use with my green eggs.

I noticed a similar problem. I think lump coal burns faster and therefore it's best, for me, to keep supplying the grill with more lump coal. It seems like the lump coal gets the job about half done before the heat is dissipated.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[tsunami]

Next time I use my Cobb Grill, I will ensure to use some Pam on the moat prior to putting any liquids in it. makes for faster clean up.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by tsunami

Next time I use my Cobb Grill, I will ensure to use some Pam on the moat prior to putting any liquids in it. makes for faster clean up.

I don't do that, and have no trouble cleaning it. When it's cool enough to touch, I dump out any remaining liquid from the moat, and then spray the inner surface with Easy-Off Fume Free oven cleaner. Then a light scrub with a plastic-bristle brush, and rinse using my outdoor shower. I do the same for the dome. The cooking surface gets a spray of Easy-Off as well to loosen any cooked-on marinade residue, but then it goes inside to be washed in the sink.

[FCloud9]

Hi Protagonist,
So glad you have posted your solution for Cobb grill clean up....have used the Easy Off when all else fails on other messy grills...and rinse off outside...yes! I'm getting closer to decision but few more unanswered questions:

Have you found any type meat, poultry, seafood you cannot cook on the Cobb grill?
Which accessories have you found most useful ( besides the grill rack & dome)?
Thanks!





Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by FCloud9

Have you found any type meat, poultry, seafood you cannot cook on the Cobb grill?

Wrapping potatoes in foil and baking them on the grill (or for small ones, under the grill in the moat) takes forever! The rest of the meal is done while the spuds are still half-raw! Other than that, no problem. I've grilled various cuts of beef, pork, fish, mutton, rabbit, and venison without much trouble.

Which accessories have you found most useful ( besides the grill rack & dome)?

Giving a backwards answer, the accessory I use the least is the wok.

[urnmor]

Well I am finely getting the hang of the cobb grill, however, I still need to get a better hang on the heat and cook time. I used 14 briquetts when 10 or 12 would have worked.
I cooked two pork chops and stuffed portobello mushrooms with tomato and parmesan cheese served over a bed of spinach with fruits. Still need to get a better worked.

[Photobum]

Looking at a Cobb

[Mockinbrd]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Wrapping potatoes in foil and baking them on the grill (or for small ones, under the grill in the moat) takes forever! The rest of the meal is done while the spuds are still half-raw! Other than that, no problem. I've grilled various cuts of beef, pork, fish, mutton, rabbit, and venison without much trouble.Giving a backwards answer, the accessory I use the least is the wok.

I use the wok inside my apartment for stir fry, not so much with the Cobb. I guess that's a statement more about my
Culinary items then about the Cobb.

Yes, potatoes are a pain. That's why I microwave them a little bit before putting them in the mot. Oh yes, cut them up and add spices and EVOO then wrap in aluminum.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[graysailor]

Thanks Protaganost for the tip on cleanup. A good spraying with oven cleaner pretty much takes care of the cleanup. After searching around Home Depot and other places the Cobb is still about the most compact and does get the job done.

[urnmor]

I am now getting decent meals off the Cobb thanks to all the great tips. Now I wonder if anyone has added BBQ pellets in with the charcoal to add a smoke flavor to their meats?

[FCloud9]

Originally Posted by urnmor

I am now getting decent meals off the Cobb thanks to all the great tips. Now I wonder if anyone has added BBQ pellets in with the charcoal to add a smoke flavor to their meats?

Great to hear you are enjoying your Cobb Grill. Would you be willing to share your best meals enjoyed?
Which accessories have you found useful? Thanks....still considering if this is the one for our needs


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[urnmor]

It has taken awhile but now I like it. I was not sure what accessories to purchase so I bought the Cobb Kitchen In a Box as it came with all of the accessories. The ones I have used are the skillet, roasting rack and the frying pan. I have not used the griddle or wok. I probably will; it would just depend on what I was making. I do believe you need the dome if you want to cook a chicken upright. I have also used some on the accessories on on my other stoves especiallly if the Cobb is full.

I recently did chicken legs. I used one of my rubs that I put on my Butts and ribs at home. My grandson gave them two thumbs up. I have also cooked chicken breastsa d hamburgers stuffed with various cheeses. They all came excellent.

Like others have posted the key is to use a suffiicent number of briquetts and make sure it is well lit before puting the food on and closing the cover. I use fire starters and never lighter fluid I did that once when cooking a pork loin and I had to throw it out. It picked up the lighter fluid taste.

Once you get use to it you will find at least in my opinion that it does not take any longer
then other grills.

John

[FCloud9]

John,
Thank you for your detailed review. As I have been considering various options for sometime; your input is extremely helpful. I think I've come to the conclusion that either folks love them or hate them. Since we are former tent campers (long ago) & almost always used wood campfires or charcoal combined with 30 + years general cooking experience...will probably wait until next few upcoming camping trips this summer to become more seasoned. Plan to use charcoal grill & FC galley to the fullest before adding more gear right now. I am however, very eager to expand outdoor cooking all seasons...even at home.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Stefrobrts]

Originally Posted by urnmor

Now I wonder if anyone has added BBQ pellets in with the charcoal to add a smoke flavor to their meats?

I am not familiar with BBQ pellets, but i have used soaked wood chips without incident, except it makes a mess on the underside of the dome. It all cleaned up fine though. Meat tasted great.

[Mockinbrd]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

I don't do that, and have no trouble cleaning it. When it's cool enough to touch, I dump out any remaining liquid from the moat, and then spray the inner surface with Easy-Off Fume Free oven cleaner. Then a light scrub with a plastic-bristle brush, and rinse using my outdoor shower. I do the same for the dome. The cooking surface gets a spray of Easy-Off as well to loosen any cooked-on marinade residue, but then it goes inside to be washed in the sink.

According to the Easy Off website under FAQ they say:

Can EASY-OFF® Fume Free Oven Cleaner be used on BBQ Grills?

EASY-OFF® Fume Free Oven Cleaner can be used on BBQ grills. BBQ Grill cleaning: DO NOT USE ON GRILL EXTERIOR, INTERIOR OR COMPONENTS.

Remove rack from grill and place on several layers of newspaper on a non-wood surface such as pavement or utility sink. Brush cooking racks with a stiff wire brush to remove any remaining food.
Hold can upright pointed away from face and spray from a distance of 9-12 inches. Allow foam to work for 40 minutes or longer.
Wipe rack with wet cloth or sponge, rinsing frequently.
NOTE:

However, it should not be used on aluminum or painted surfaces.
Make sure that the surface is rinsed thoroughly with water before food is placed on the surface.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Mockinbrd

However, it should not be used on aluminum or painted surfaces.

Easy-Off is a caustic chemical, and it will stip paint (and anodizing!) if left on long enough. It will cause pitting in aluminum if left on long enough, too.

But that's the key— if left on long enough. I don't spray it on and let it sit overnight or anything like that. I just spray it on and in about five minutes lightly scrub with a Mr. Clean scrubbing pad or a bottle brush. Not long enough for pitting to become apparent, but just long enough to eliminate the need for a lot of hard scrubbing.

I haven't noticed any pitting to date, and I've been using Easy-Off to clean my Cobb for close to two years now.

[Mockinbrd]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Easy-Off is a caustic chemical, and it will stip paint (and anodizing!) if left on long enough. It will cause pitting in aluminum if left on long enough, too.

But that's the key— if left on long enough. I don't spray it on and let it sit overnight or anything like that. I just spray it on and in about five minutes lightly scrub with a Mr. Clean scrubbing pad or a bottle brush. Not long enough for pitting to become apparent, but just long enough to eliminate the need for a lot of hard scrubbing.

I haven't noticed any pitting to date, and I've been using Easy-Off to clean my Cobb for close to two years now.

That sounds like a solution. FYI -- Easy-Off offers a Grill Cleaner, also.
In part, Their website states :
Can I use EASY-OFF® BBQ while my grill is on?

No. Turn your grill off and let the rack cool. After it is cool remove the rack, place on several layers of newspaper over cement. Apply EASY-OFF® BBQ Grill Cleaner liberally, allow foam to work for 40 minutes. Wipe with cloth or sponge, rinsing frequently.

[AWCHIEF]

I have the Easy Off BBQ cleaner. It works but nor quite as easy as the directions would have you believe. Just using a cloth or sponge would not get the job done. I had to get a bit more aggressive and use a 3M Green pad to get off all the residue. I finish off by using a little Bar Keepers Friend to polish things up. Be sure to wear gloves as the Easy Off is rough on the skin.

[graysailor]

I pretty much do what everyone else above is doing. I was thinking back to when I had a Weber at home and I do not recall ever cleaning it other then using a bristle brush on the grill. I guess these Cobb's are so pretty we just need to keep them clean. I usually wait until morning and spray on the Oven cleaner and wipe with a paper towel. Actually only takes a few minutes. Being for the most part a full time RVer I am not really all that busy anyway.

[DGJackson]

Originally Posted by urnmor

I always have a problem getting the Cobb grill hot. So I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem. I am using the same natural lump charcoal that I use with my green eggs.

There's the problem green eggs are only used with ham ;-)