Grilling
Grilling with the Large Woo3
When grilling on ceramics, we recommend two approaches. The first grilling approach uses a very hot fire to sear, char or sauté. Grilling burgers and steaks are the most common cooks. Our preference is to perform these cooks close to the lump, either atop the fire ring or inside the fire ring where the temperatures are greatest. Our Spider accessory is the preferred set-up for these cooks. To learn more about the Large Spider, click here.
The second grilling approach uses typical oven temperatures (300° - 425° F) to create a light crust, cook to an internal temperature, render fat and/or crisp skin. Examples of these cooks include: grilling brats without breaking the casing; finishing steaks to doneness after a sear; roasting chicken; or rendering bacon fat on Jalapeno poppers (ABTs). Our recommendation is to complete these cooks by raising the grid(s) above the fire ring. The Large Woo3 and Adjustable Rig are the preferred equipment choices for raising the grid(s). Large Adjustable Rig details can be found here.
By raising the grid above the fire ring, temperature control is less demanding. Simply, you minimize your chances of burning the food. Plus, handling food with tongs and turners is much easier. Many Big Green Egg® veterans advocate that reflective heating off the dome and/or convective heat patterns within the dome enhance grilling on a raised grid. We can confirm that many Woo and Adjustable Rig owners have commented: When grilling, the cooking methods are easier and the end product is characteristically better with a raised grid.
The one question we get often is: What is the best height for raised grilling? There is no "best" height, as everyone's goals, habits or cook procedures are slightly different. With the Woo3 pieces, it is just nice to know you have a simple and effective way to raise the grid to the felt line and/or in the dome.
As pictured below, the set-up is quick and straightforward: (1) set the Woo3 on the fire ring; (2) drop the large 18" grid on the Woo3 and (3) start grilling. The Woo3's top ring slips between the grid's outer band and center support crosswires, keeping the Woo3 properly positioned. The Woo3's five legs can sit directly in the dimples atop the Big Green Egg® fire ring. Or, if the grid needs a little more distance from the fire ring, the Woo3 legs can sit atop the fire ring. With the Kamado Joe®, the Woo3 sits atop the fire ring.
With the large 18" grid atop the Woo3, there is ample room to grill just about anything. Basically, the entire dome is open for grilling. Here are a couple grilling cooks using the Large Woo Rings.
If the lump creates hot spots across the grid, you can minimize the effects from the hot spots by spinning the grid during the cook. To spin the grid, set your tongs at the center of the grid and turn.
If the temperature is running hot or you need to slow the cook down, changing to an indirect set-up can provide added protection. Pictured below right is a half grid indirect set-up using our 8"x16" Half Ceramic Stone. It's a quasi half direct and half indirect set-up. Just lift the grid off and set the Half Stone on the lower ring. You have options on how to place the Half Stone - front, back, or either side. Remember to wear proper personal protection while handling hot equipment. More on indirect set-ups can be found in the Woo3's Barbeque Tab.
