Hi All,
Thought it was time to introduce myself. I've been reading the forum over recent weeks having come to the decision to order a KK over recent months. The COVID lockdown last year led to the upgrade and reinvigoration of numerous hobbies, and I had set myself the goal of upping the cooking game in 2021. Our 17yr old gas grill is on its last legs, and I had already decided to go for a proper charcoal BBQ to replace it- a mate at work uses a KJ which he raves about, and then further research led me to the KK website and the new obsession.
My habit is usually to do things properly the first time and not have to do them again- and it seems fairly clear that in terms of kamado cooking the KK is clearly the best way to go. We are a 4 person household with young kids, and tend to grill on our gasser at least once a week, but also love to make pizzas at home. With interstate family who often stay with us when they visit, the idea to cook for larger groups easily by preparing a spectacular slow cooked piece of meat appeals- not surprisingly my attempt to slow cook a brisket on a gas grill with a hood didn't go so well!
Like many on this forum, I am also a keen home brewer for the last 15 years or so, and updated my brewery during the 2020 lockdown (photos below for those interested)- so in 2021 it's BBQ time.
After corresponding and chatting with Dennis I've ordered a 32"BB in matt black tile (in terms of style the wife prefers minimalist- not that that is easy for a KK)- side tables, roti spit, KK cold smoker, baking stone, basket splitter and grill grabbers have also been ordered. Should arrive in 2 months or so.
Being imported to Australia charcoal and wood are not options (strict customs here)- so will look for a good local source. Dennis has set me up with a customs agent here in Melbourne, so all of that is already pretty clear.
I'd be keen to hear of any tips and tricks from Australian owners regarding delivery and any difficulties you had- hoping it gets delivered on a pallet jack and I can convince them to do more than just dump it in the driveway! Have a garage door in the back of our garage which opens into the backyard- so am hoping I can convince them to run it through; and there are two small steps then into the backyard area (not sure how high those things can be jacked)?
No doubt there will be lots of questions along the way. An initial question I have is how you would usually set-up at 32" with a basket-splitter and the half main grate. Let's say I use a half basket set-up; then I have a direct side and an indirect side; but then on which side does the half main grate go for most common day to day use (ie two indirect levels and a direct lower level vs two direct levels and an indirect lower level?).
Specifically for Australian owners- would appreciate your recommendations on the following to source locally before the KK arrives:
- good sources for hardwood lump charcoal and smoking woods
- locally available gas torch or similar for lighting (Bernzomatic JT850 I've seen mentioned)?
- Roti motor for 240v and Australian plug
- smaller items: heat proof gloves/ baking steel/ any other small essentials
Look forward to posting photos when it arrives- and learning lots. It seems a great forum.
Remi
