GWPJ MINIMAX BGE V1

Grilling with Papa J
14 May 202005:53

TLDRIn this episode of 'Growing with Papa J,' the focus is on the Minimax Big Green Egg, a portable and versatile grill. The host discusses its portability, weighing around 90 pounds, and its setup, which includes a bottom vent and a daisy wheel for airflow control. He emphasizes the importance of airflow for temperature regulation, suggesting strategies for both low-and-slow cooking and high-temperature searing. Tips for maintaining optimal airflow, such as ash removal and correct firebox alignment, are shared. The addition of a ceramic grill store for elevated cooking and indirect heat is highlighted. The video concludes with lighting techniques and the importance of allowing the egg to reach the desired temperature before cooking.

Takeaways

  • 🏋️ The Minimax Big Green Egg is praised for its portability, featuring two handles for easy carrying.
  • 🔥 The Minimax weighs approximately 90 pounds, making it more manageable with two people.
  • ⚖️ Airflow is crucial for temperature control; the script emphasizes the importance of adjusting vents and keeping them clean.
  • 🔥 For low and slow cooking, use more lump charcoal to reduce airflow, aiming for temperatures under 300 degrees.
  • 🍳 To sear a steak, use less lump charcoal for increased airflow and higher temperatures.
  • 🧐 The script advises on the importance of ash removal and proper alignment of the firebox for optimal airflow.
  • 🔧 A ceramic grill store, or 'whoo', is recommended as an accessory to elevate the grate and allow for indirect cooking.
  • 🔥 When lighting the Minimax, consider the type of cook; use a heat gun for quick and controlled ignition.
  • ⏱️ Patience is key when waiting for the Minimax to reach the desired temperature, which can vary based on the cooking method.
  • 🔄 After cooking, it's important to cover the Minimax and close the bottom vent to preserve the lump for future use.

Q & A

  • What is the main feature of the Minimax Big Green Egg discussed in the video?

    -The main feature discussed is its portability, as it has two handles for easy carrying and can be transported in the back of a car.

  • How heavy is the Minimax Big Green Egg mentioned in the transcript?

    -The Minimax Big Green Egg weighs about 90 pounds.

  • What is the importance of airflow when cooking with a Minimax Big Green Egg?

    -Airflow is crucial as it directly affects the temperature control. More air inflow and outflow results in higher temperatures, which is essential for different cooking techniques.

  • How can one adjust the airflow in a Minimax Big Green Egg?

    -One can adjust the airflow using the bottom vent and the daisy wheel, allowing for precise temperature control.

  • What is the recommended setup for a low and slow cook in a Minimax Big Green Egg?

    -For a low and slow cook, it's recommended to fill the egg with more lump charcoal to reduce airflow, aiming for temperatures under 300 degrees.

  • How does one achieve a high cook temperature for searing a steak in a Minimax Big Green Egg?

    -To sear a steak, one should have less lump charcoal for increased airflow, allowing the egg to reach higher temperatures.

  • What is the purpose of the ceramic grill store whoo accessory for the Minimax Big Green Egg?

    -The ceramic grill store whoo raises the grate above the felt line, allowing for more lump charcoal and preventing the grate from being too close to the cold level, which can help avoid burning meats.

  • How does the ceramic grill store whoo accessory enable indirect cooking on a Minimax Big Green Egg?

    -The ceramic grill store whoo allows for indirect cooking by placing a stone in between, which helps in cooking without direct flame on the protein.

  • What is the recommended method for lighting the Minimax Big Green Egg according to the video?

    -The video suggests using a heat gun for lighting the egg, especially if power is nearby.

  • How should one prepare the Minimax Big Green Egg for a low and slow cook versus a high-temperature cook?

    -For a low and slow cook, light the egg in one spot to allow for slow and even heating. For a high-temperature cook, light it in multiple places to create a hot and intense fire.

  • What is the importance of adjusting the vents when the egg is close to the target temperature?

    -Adjusting the vents when the egg is about 50 degrees before the target temperature helps to fine-tune the temperature for the desired cooking environment.

Outlines

00:00

🍳 Minimax Big Green Egg: Portability and Setup

In this segment, the presenter discusses the Minimax Big Green Egg, emphasizing its portability due to its two handles and manageable weight of about 90 pounds. Despite its portability, it's recommended to move it with two people for ease. The setup procedure is outlined, highlighting the importance of airflow control via the bottom vent and daisy wheel. The presenter explains how different cooking styles, such as low and slow or searing, require adjustments to the amount of lump charcoal and airflow for optimal temperature management. Key tips include ensuring proper ash removal for unobstructed airflow and aligning the firebox correctly with the vent for maximum efficiency. The addition of a ceramic grill store is mentioned for better heat management and indirect cooking capabilities.

05:02

🔥 Lighting and Maintaining the Big Green Egg

The second paragraph focuses on the process of lighting the Big Green Egg, whether it's a Minimax or other sizes, and the importance of patience as the temperature rises. The presenter shares personal preferences for using a heat gun due to the availability of power. Different lighting techniques for various cooking methods are discussed, such as lighting one spot for slow cooking or multiple spots for a quick, intense heat. The segment concludes with advice on adjusting vents as the egg nears the target temperature and the importance of covering the egg with a ceramic cap and closing the bottom vent after cooking to preserve the lump for future use. The presenter invites viewers to engage with the content by checking out other videos and sharing their thoughts.

Mindmap

Keywords

Minimax Big Green Egg

The 'Minimax Big Green Egg' is a portable outdoor cooking appliance, which is a smaller version of the traditional Big Green Egg. It is designed for ease of transportation and use, featuring two handles for carrying. In the script, the speaker mentions its portability and the ability to throw it in the back of a car for travel, highlighting its convenience for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

Portability

Portability refers to the ease with which an object can be carried or moved from one place to another. In the context of the video, the Minimax Big Green Egg's portability is emphasized through its weight and handle design, allowing it to be easily transported to different locations such as camping sites or backyards for cooking.

Airflow

Airflow is the movement of air into and out of the Minimax Big Green Egg, which is crucial for controlling the cooking temperature. The script explains that the more air allowed in through the bottom vent and out through the top, the higher the temperature will rise. This concept is central to achieving the desired cooking environment for various dishes.

Daisy Wheel

The 'Daisy Wheel' is a component of the Big Green Egg that allows for the adjustment of airflow. It is mentioned in the script as a tool for fine-tuning the air intake, which directly influences the cooking temperature. Proper use of the Daisy Wheel is essential for achieving the precise heat levels needed for different cooking methods.

Low and Slow Cook

A 'low and slow cook' refers to a cooking technique where food is cooked at a lower temperature for an extended period. The script describes filling the egg with more lump charcoal to reduce airflow, making it harder to maintain high temperatures, which is ideal for this method. This technique is often used for tender, slow-cooked dishes.

Searing

Searing is a cooking method that involves exposing food to high heat for a short time to create a crust or sear on the surface. In the script, the speaker discusses reducing the amount of lump charcoal to increase airflow and achieve higher temperatures necessary for searing steaks quickly.

Ash Management

Ash management is the process of removing ash from the vent holes to ensure proper airflow. The script emphasizes the importance of keeping the vents clear of ash buildup, which can obstruct airflow and affect temperature control. Proper ash management is key to maintaining optimal cooking conditions.

Firebox Alignment

Firebox alignment refers to the correct positioning of the firebox within the Minimax Big Green Egg to ensure efficient airflow. The script mentions checking that the firebox slot is aligned with the bottom vent for maximum airflow. Misalignment can lead to poor temperature regulation and inefficient cooking.

Ceramic Grill Store

The 'Ceramic Grill Store' is an accessory mentioned in the script that raises the cooking grate above the felt line. This allows for more charcoal to be added for cooking and provides separation between the food and the coals, reducing the risk of burning. It also facilitates indirect cooking by allowing the placement of a stone or drip pan for different cooking styles.

Indirect Cooking

Indirect cooking is a method where food is cooked with heat being distributed around the food rather than directly under it. The script explains the use of the Ceramic Grill Store to elevate the cooking grate and create space for indirect heat, which is useful for cooking delicate foods that require even, gentle heat without direct flame contact.

Lump Charcoal

Lump charcoal is a type of charcoal made from hardwood that is used as fuel in the Minimax Big Green Egg. The script discusses the importance of managing lump charcoal levels to control the airflow and temperature. It is a key component in the cooking process, as it provides the heat source and affects the flavor of the food being cooked.

Highlights

The Minimax Big Green Egg is portable and has two handles for easy carrying.

The Minimax weighs approximately 90 pounds, making it easier to carry with two people.

The Minimax setup is similar to its larger counterparts, featuring a bottom vent for airflow.

A daisy wheel is included for adjusting airflow, which significantly affects cooking temperature.

For low and slow cooking, filling the egg with lump reduces airflow, making high temperatures harder to maintain.

To sear a steak, less lump is used to increase airflow and reach higher cooking temperatures.

Airflow is crucial for temperature control; ash buildup can hinder airflow and temperature rise.

The firebox should be aligned correctly for optimal airflow, and the fire ring should be centered.

The Minimax can maintain temperatures over 600 degrees and can also be dampened for temperatures under 300 degrees.

A ceramic grill store whoo accessory raises the grate for better heat distribution and indirect cooking.

Using a heat gun for lighting the egg is efficient and works well for low and slow cooking.

When lighting the egg for steak, lighting in three places creates a hot and intense fire.

Allow the egg time to reach the desired temperature, which can vary from 10 minutes to an hour.

Adjust the vents when the egg is 50 degrees below the target temperature to achieve the desired cooking temperature.

After cooking, it's important to put the ceramic cap back on and close the bottom vent to save the lump for the next use.

Stirring the lump and letting the dust clear allows for easy relighting and starting the next cook.

The video offers practical tips for using the Minimax Big Green Egg effectively.

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