NVRider

Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt. Had to re-paint my lower ash catcher with high temp engine paint. My Akorn is now 'two tone', but it is kind of like a badge of honor that I wear proudly. Kind of like the kid with the broken arm and everyone wants to see his cast. Ooooooh! ;o)

Welcome to the Guru Robdan! I never tire of this welcome. Sorry it is my standard reply, but it pretty much says it all. "You can't go wrong with this group! Recipes, accessories, techniques, questions and answers, it's all here. As a recently retired guy that never got enough time to spend around the grill, the Gurus have filled my void (more like an addict that gets his fix). I'm a kid in a candy store here. The wealth of knowledge found here can't be bought". Enjoy!

Hello SimonL! I am going to 'recycle my welcome from Cowboy66. You can't go wrong with this group! Recipes, accessories, techniques, questions and answers, it's all here. As a recently retired guy that never got enough time to spend around the grill, the Gurus have filled my void (more like an addict that gets his fix). I'm a kid in a candy store here. The wealth of knowledge found here can't be bought. Enjoy!

Welcome Cowboy66! You can't go wrong with this group! Recipes, accessories, techniques, questions and answers, it's all here. As a recently retired guy that never got enough time to spend around the grill, the Gurus have filled my void (more like an addict that gets his fix). I'm a kid in a candy store here. The wealth of knowledge found here can't be bought. Enjoy!

8 or 10 grills!!? Good God man. How do you do it? I have 5 and have been threatened with divorce if even look at another grill. Women, okay. Grills, I'm out on the street. You are my hero.

I use a Green Mountain Davy Crockett pellet grill/smoker next to my Akorn. It fires up on battery power, ignites quickly, and adds just the right amount of smoke for steaks (while reverse searing) and planked salmon. It is only 21" long and is on a separate cart. I can transfer to my kamado when I need the high temp sear or just a higher temp after the smoke. This combo has worked out great for me. If I don't need the smoke, then I use the 17" Blackstone griddle (again on a separate cart) for vegetables or such.

Is this what you are referring to?

We all started sometime my friend. I wish I could remember my first one. Don't remember whether it was fantastic or failure???? Now, I can't wait to do them. So many great variations, so little time. Almost bought two this season. They were giving them away at $5.97/lb. They are Harris Ranch (west coast) so I know the quality is good. You will be okay. Take it slow. Ask questions. These guys are pros. Prep work is most important. Pull it off correctly and your family will carry you on their shoulders down the street. "Keeperovdeflame" has been going 30+ years with PR. His family won't have anything else. Neither will mine. Best of luck.

Go ahead now and get the big Akorn too. Might as well complete the set like the rest of us. Guess it comes from my days of collecting Matchbox cars and Hot Wheels.

Howdy Kdlb93! You are going to have a blast here!

Don't remember who turned me on to this faux ash basket, but it works great for me. Mr. Bar-B-Q 06814X Stainless Steel Mesh Grilling Skillet on Amazon I have a regular size Akorn and the basket is an easy fit. Ash shakes out very nicely. No problems so far. Was only about $20.

We always have a bottle of the Green Dragon on hand in the fridge. Not hot, just flavor. That stuff goes great on everything!

Great! Will do. And I am going to give my wife your name if I get in trouble.

Welcome rh135! You are in the right place my friend. Just stay tuned and all you questions and concerns about kamado style coking will be addressed. You will find this site will become your new 'happy place'.

Love my Akorn and Akorn Jr. Both have made such a difference in our BBQ from gas grills. The big plus in the Akorn for me was the insulated metal construction over the ceramic. I can move it all around and pick it up if I have to without any problem. The cost savings was a big help as well. Did not know if I was going to like kamado style cooking, so this was an easy way to start. Don't know if I will 'upgrade' to ceramic as the Akorns suits me well. Just make sure you get one big enough to fit your needs.