My Jr. soapstone is the best. I have had shrimp, fish, pizza, & smash burgers so far. Every one has been on the mark!!! Love the flavors and cooking with it.
James, You have taught me everything I know about my Kamado Joe and I can't thank you enough! I try to follow all of your methods. Question: If you are making smash burgers with two soap stones would you put them both on the second level or one on the second level and one on the top level to allow the smoke to come through?
We did a load with pure brisket trimmings, there were awesome 👍🏻 I also put all the metal parts of my mixer grinder in the freezer as well as the beef for 20 mins.. makes it all so much easier. Great video thanks
Great looking burgers! The rust on cast iron can be such a battle. I keep my cast iron griddle in the oven after I season it so stays moisture free, but isn't in the way. Great cook!
I find the cast iron surface really hard to clean during cooking and I also don't like the whole seasoning part. Thank you for this video, I will buy a stone now :)
I purchased both and have yet to use my cast iron in the 1.5 years I’ve owned it. Tried the soapstone first and kept using it! One day, I’ll try the cast iron and the stainless fish/vegetable accessory. Great video. We can relate to the blistering heat here in Florida as of late. 😓
Thanks for the test. I have a cast iron one now after I drop the soap stone years ago.. Glad the taste is the same. Looking forward to your next video, stay cool, it was a 100 degrees here today and I doing chicken outside. Must be BBQ nut!
I also sometimes put the trimmings in an aluminum tray next to whatever I am cooking and let the tallow render out and absorb smoke flavor in the process, then use it in the wrapping or freeze it for later use.
Hi. This isn't a question about these accessories, but something I saw online. I have a KJ C2. I saw an adjustable rig from the Ceramic grill store in TX, that seems like it would raise your cooking height to what you would get on a KJ C3. Have you heard about those adjustable rigs or worked with them?
Thanks for this video any chance you can do or do have a past video of jo tisserie on the classic grill and not the big joe. Just interested to see how much room you get with the classic. I use the classic 2 I know the Big Joe will obviously have more room I just wanted to see how much space you have on a classic Model. And thanks again
Hey James, would like to make a humble suggestion on the smash burgers that I learned from Kenji Lopez-Alt. Instead of doing a singular 1/4 lb patty create two 2 oz patties and smash them with a burger press or trowel until they are paper thin. Let them cook from for about a minute where they will cook almost completely because they are so thin. Then scrape them up and flip before topping one patty with cheese and stacking the other on top. You can get an intense crust this way and it will come out like a burger you would get at Smashburger. Here is the video th-cam.com/video/-EAQvw0Ml5g/w-d-xo.html
i just used it as a panini press and it worked amazing..... hot and the flip and set down on the subs and it melted the cheese and gave nice lines on the bread
I wonder: half moon soapstone vs KJ mini soapstone onto a X-rack. Will those burgers on the second stone be better as you have much more airflow coming from above making your stone hotter?
James I'm so glad that you did this comparison. I was on the fence about getting the soapstone. I will definitely get one. What are your thoughts about the laser cut stainless steel for vegetables or fish compared to these other flat surfaces? I've been on the fence about this one too. Thanks for your time.
it definitely sparks more than jd or Kj on ignition which I don’t love but once it’s going the taste tvr family all prefers so I tend to just stand back 😂
I made smash burgers on the soapstone for my JJ. They were 😋! I bought a cast iron grate but have yet to use it. Lowe's doesn't have deep discount deals in my neck of the woods 😢. Keep the great videos coming! Be nice to add more videos to my JJ collection (hint-hint). 😉 Btw, you look nice without 👓. 😊
Maybe you’ve answered this in an older video, but cleaning the cast iron? Is it just to flip it over like the soapstone and burn off any crusty/ hardened grease?
I use both the cast iron flat half moon and the griddle for wagyu inside skirts (should try that) as well as hot dogs etc, the sear mark of the griddle is just next level.
This has convinced me to finally invest in a soapstone plate. Like the "Costco" theme. Very disappointed to have missed out on a Joetisserie sale a while back but it never hurts to have another Cast Iron half moon. Heading to Lowes now! Well done
I have had a bit of trouble using my soap stone. It seems each time I've used it, I can't seem to get my temperatures to go above low to mid 200's and the soap stone remains around that temperature as well with an IR thermometer. I've tried leaving vents all open, but it seems to absorb so much heat and almost seems to snuff out the coals. Any advice?
How have you found the best way to store the Soap stone? I have for both Classic and Big Joe and store inside Kamado when possible but when using other accessories I can’t find best way without chipping it
@@SmokingDadBBQ I love it, a lot easier to control temp than my previous Kingsford bullet smoker and I’m more relaxed when cooking. While I was seasoning on first use I did a couple of sausages near the end and they tasted delicious, On Sunday Ialso did a beer can chicken on the sitter accessory I got with the Bono and it was succulent. Love watching your videos.
My cast iron half moon is rusting on both sides after almost zero use. Stored inside too. Does feel like too much admin. I reckon I’ll get a soapstone at some point
Hey SDB, is there a good cast iron or soapstone for the Kettle Joe? I have a castiron for the classic, though this doesn't "fit" unless I Las it on the normal gritt. Thanks in advance..
We have similar deals in Germany at the moment. We got the soapstone already but when the cast iron was offered for $42 I ordered it as well. The price for the big Joe plate is just too good. Will most likely use it for breakfast bbq sessions.
@@SmokingDadBBQ Well, we have "Canadian Bacon" down here so I guess we're even... Not sure I feel too patriotic about American cheese. Chudds makes one from scratch out of cheddar cheese that looks pretty good.
@@SmokingDadBBQ I appreciate that it is easier to maintain temps with soapstone but I'm making a different point: To compare how well they sear the temperatures need to be the same. The soapstone for the Big Joe costs $150 (US) + tax. Most people already have have a cast iron pan so it the extra money worth the expense, time and effort? A 12 inch wide soapstone slab would be very nice: cheaper, could be used on all of one's grills and much easier for most people to wield and store. It would still be large enough for 2 or 3 juicy ribeyes!
Q: Which charcoal do you suggest for high heat for pizzas? Video Suggestions: Which Charcoal suggestions for different cooks. Fast/hot, low/slow, chicken, fish, beef, baking, breads, etc.
KJ, Jealous Devil and Fogo all have hight heat power... i like fogo for pizza as its the least like charcoal flavour (closer to wood / less smoke) which on pizza crust is a good thing. JD is the strongest taste, burns really hot but i dont like the flavour as much on smoke sensitive things like bread
BE sure you inspect the inside of those meat grinders and see if the metal is not cheap or touching causing chipping into the food. too much stuff from China with no US standards of safety controls or knowledge.
James, sorry to hijack this video, I received an email that looks like it’s from you to let me know I won a Kamado Joe Big Joe III. It said to text you at area code 510 plus the number. I texted and was told it would be $200 shipping. I would love for this to be true, but I need to know if this true. If it’s not true you and TH-cam need to know.
I laughed out loud when you mentioned antibacterial property of the soapstone. Hilarious pseudo scientific paid shill ad gimmick without any grounding in reality. You’re welcome.
That's a great test James. I love that the soapstone is so much easier to care for too.
100%
How do you clean it ?
My Jr. soapstone is the best. I have had shrimp, fish, pizza, & smash burgers so far. Every one has been on the mark!!! Love the flavors and cooking with it.
Ya soapstone is so good
I would love to see a video of upkeep and maintenence on cast iron / soapstone accessories
James, You have taught me everything I know about my Kamado Joe and I can't thank you enough! I try to follow all of your methods. Question: If you are making smash burgers with two soap stones would you put them both on the second level or one on the second level and one on the top level to allow the smoke to come through?
I totally love using my soapstone on my junior. Best surface I’ve found for finishing off steaks for a perfect crust.
Totally agree!
We did a load with pure brisket trimmings, there were awesome 👍🏻 I also put all the metal parts of my mixer grinder in the freezer as well as the beef for 20 mins.. makes it all so much easier. Great video thanks
thanks, wish i had been saving my trimmings years earlier. when i started i threw way too much away
I had a soapstone chip from a high heat cook and kamado fulfilled their warranty no problem. I love the soapstone!
me too
Bonjour James, super vidéo ! I have a soap stone for a few weeks and I have trouble cleaning it after cooking ! Did you make a video on it ? Merci.
Thank you for all your videos. Nice that you compare all the accessories so we can decide on what without braking the bank :D
glad to help
Great looking burgers! The rust on cast iron can be such a battle. I keep my cast iron griddle in the oven after I season it so stays moisture free, but isn't in the way. Great cook!
good call on the storage for battling rust
Great comparison and love a good smash burger!
Me too!
Hey James, great video. Any chance you could do a video on cleaning tips for the soapstone?
Most impressive part was opening the charcoal bag! I’ve opened over 50 and always give up and grab scissors
Just bought a soapstone and was trying to decide what to have my first cook on it be. The ground beef is thawing now.
Thanks for the great video
Hope you're still enjoying the soapstone!
Another great video James!
Thanks again!
I find the cast iron surface really hard to clean during cooking and I also don't like the whole seasoning part. Thank you for this video, I will buy a stone now :)
I like the stone better too
Hi, is the temps you provide always in fahrenheit? Many thanks!
Hey James. Q: Would you recommend using a soapstone on the Jr. for smashburgers? thx
yes or a cast iron pan works too
I made smash burgers using a soapstone in my KJJ. I ♥️ it! Burgers were restaurant quality. 👍🏾😊
Another excellent experiment James would love to try a soapstone one day although still love my cast iron on the Primo
let me know if you do what you think of it
I purchased both and have yet to use my cast iron in the 1.5 years I’ve owned it. Tried the soapstone first and kept using it! One day, I’ll try the cast iron and the stainless fish/vegetable accessory. Great video. We can relate to the blistering heat here in Florida as of late. 😓
cheers
Thanks for the test. I have a cast iron one now after I drop the soap stone years ago.. Glad the taste is the same. Looking forward to your next video, stay cool, it was a 100 degrees here today and I doing chicken outside. Must be BBQ nut!
Would really like to see a Bloopers video!
it would be a long video lol
Good one James! I am team soapstone! So much easier to care for and the cooking for me is easier as well! Cheers!
Absolutely, cheers
I also sometimes put the trimmings in an aluminum tray next to whatever I am cooking and let the tallow render out and absorb smoke flavor in the process, then use it in the wrapping or freeze it for later use.
good call
Hi. This isn't a question about these accessories, but something I saw online. I have a KJ C2. I saw an adjustable rig from the Ceramic grill store in TX, that seems like it would raise your cooking height to what you would get on a KJ C3. Have you heard about those adjustable rigs or worked with them?
Thanks for the comparison! I only have the cast iron grill but the soapstone is definitely on my wish list…
glad you enjoyed the comparison!
Thanks for this video any chance you can do or do have a past video of jo tisserie on the classic grill and not the big joe. Just interested to see how much room you get with the classic. I use the classic 2 I know the Big Joe will obviously have more room I just wanted to see how much space you have on a classic Model. And thanks again
Hey James, would like to make a humble suggestion on the smash burgers that I learned from Kenji Lopez-Alt.
Instead of doing a singular 1/4 lb patty create two 2 oz patties and smash them with a burger press or trowel until they are paper thin. Let them cook from for about a minute where they will cook almost completely because they are so thin. Then scrape them up and flip before topping one patty with cheese and stacking the other on top.
You can get an intense crust this way and it will come out like a burger you would get at Smashburger.
Here is the video
th-cam.com/video/-EAQvw0Ml5g/w-d-xo.html
love the suggestion, thanks Steven
I have a 21'' Victory Kamado it came with stainless griddle...Im having a hard time finding a 21'' cast iron...will the 18'' be ok (with grate under)?
it does not hurt to have an extra accessory. It might come in handy for some recipe that calls for an extra hot cooking surface.
i just used it as a panini press and it worked amazing..... hot and the flip and set down on the subs and it melted the cheese and gave nice lines on the bread
I wonder: half moon soapstone vs KJ mini soapstone onto a X-rack. Will those burgers on the second stone be better as you have much more airflow coming from above making your stone hotter?
James I'm so glad that you did this comparison. I was on the fence about getting the soapstone. I will definitely get one. What are your thoughts about the laser cut stainless steel for vegetables or fish compared to these other flat surfaces? I've been on the fence about this one too. Thanks for your time.
I don't use it much and didn't replace it when i sold my classic, i prefer a stainless veggie basket that holds things in
and the soapstone is great for fish
I tried Fogo in the paper bag and was stunned (and burned) by the shower of sparks. I see the same in your ignition frames.
it definitely sparks more than jd or Kj on ignition which I don’t love but once it’s going the taste tvr family all prefers so I tend to just stand back 😂
I made smash burgers on the soapstone for my JJ. They were 😋! I bought a cast iron grate but have yet to use it. Lowe's doesn't have deep discount deals in my neck of the woods 😢. Keep the great videos coming! Be nice to add more videos to my JJ collection (hint-hint). 😉
Btw, you look nice without 👓. 😊
I have a hankering for burgers now, nice video. Have you ever made barbecue beans, I would like to see your take on that. Thanks
Thanks for the idea!
Maybe you’ve answered this in an older video, but cleaning the cast iron? Is it just to flip it over like the soapstone and burn off any crusty/ hardened grease?
yes i let fire do most of my cleaning work
I use both the cast iron flat half moon and the griddle for wagyu inside skirts (should try that) as well as hot dogs etc, the sear mark of the griddle is just next level.
right on
Use small chunks of Velveeta instead of the cheese slices. The oil in the Velveeta makes them awesome.
A lot to learn here, even how to open my bags!
haha get that question a lot so i sneak it in a few now and then
@@SmokingDadBBQ There's still something I'm doing wrong, sometimes they come off real easy, other times I mess it up
where did you get that infrared thermometer?
This has convinced me to finally invest in a soapstone plate. Like the "Costco" theme. Very disappointed to have missed out on a Joetisserie sale a while back but it never hurts to have another Cast Iron half moon. Heading to Lowes now! Well done
Right on
I have had a bit of trouble using my soap stone. It seems each time I've used it, I can't seem to get my temperatures to go above low to mid 200's and the soap stone remains around that temperature as well with an IR thermometer. I've tried leaving vents all open, but it seems to absorb so much heat and almost seems to snuff out the coals. Any advice?
My soapstone broke after a year and half. I always have a grate under it for support. It still beats the cast iron!
100% on the support
How have you found the best way to store the Soap stone? I have for both Classic and Big Joe and store inside Kamado when possible but when using other accessories I can’t find best way without chipping it
i have a drawer under the joes i store it in
Have you done a video on the Kamado Bone Grande? Mine arrives today.
no i haven't, how do you like it
@@SmokingDadBBQ
I love it, a lot easier to control temp than my previous Kingsford bullet smoker and I’m more relaxed when cooking. While I was seasoning on first use I did a couple of sausages near the end and they tasted delicious, On Sunday Ialso did a beer can chicken on the sitter accessory I got with the Bono and it was succulent.
Love watching your videos.
My cast iron half moon is rusting on both sides after almost zero use. Stored inside too. Does feel like too much admin. I reckon I’ll get a soapstone at some point
thats my biggest pet peeve too
Burgers looked great, I'm with you go the soapstone.
100%
Hey SDB, is there a good cast iron or soapstone for the Kettle Joe? I have a castiron for the classic, though this doesn't "fit" unless I Las it on the normal gritt. Thanks in advance..
chef tom shows it fitting down low along with a big joe deflector here - th-cam.com/video/JCMkavNEB-U/w-d-xo.html
@@SmokingDadBBQ why thank you sir... have a great,day today. I just finished a great steak on it. 🥩👍
What torch is that
Lowes has the classic cast iron griddle for $10 over what others have it currently 7/3/22 8am mst. $69 vs $59 👎 for now. Maybe a sale in a September.
boo, it was even cheaper when i bought mine but i didn't get a screen grab of the website until later when doing the video
We have similar deals in Germany at the moment. We got the soapstone already but when the cast iron was offered for $42 I ordered it as well. The price for the big Joe plate is just too good. Will most likely use it for breakfast bbq sessions.
love breakfast on the bbq
Just in time, just got my soap stone delivered 30 min ago :)
Hope you're enjoying it!
Very high heat for olive oil
it burns up for sure but clearing the surface from packing materials, when i go to add more seasoning layers it will be more like 400-450f
I use camelina oil anytime for higher temperatures.
good call out Robert, cheers
Do they call it "American" cheese in Canada?
we do
@@SmokingDadBBQ Well, we have "Canadian Bacon" down here so I guess we're even... Not sure I feel too patriotic about American cheese. Chudds makes one from scratch out of cheddar cheese that looks pretty good.
Can you freeze your brisket trimmings if you don’t want to make smash burgers that day?
yes 100%
you should try some "chopped cheese" on them 😋
nice
Not sure what we learned if the surface temperatures of the two media varied widely.
that in itself is the point, cast iron over a live fire is far more difficult to land and sustain a target temp than the soapstone is
@@SmokingDadBBQ I appreciate that it is easier to maintain temps with soapstone but I'm making a different point: To compare how well they sear the temperatures need to be the same.
The soapstone for the Big Joe costs $150 (US) + tax. Most people already have have a cast iron pan so it the extra money worth the expense, time and effort?
A 12 inch wide soapstone slab would be very nice: cheaper, could be used on all of one's grills and much easier for most people to wield and store. It would still be large enough for 2 or 3 juicy ribeyes!
Q: Which charcoal do you suggest for high heat for pizzas?
Video Suggestions:
Which Charcoal suggestions for different
cooks. Fast/hot, low/slow, chicken, fish, beef, baking, breads, etc.
KJ, Jealous Devil and Fogo all have hight heat power... i like fogo for pizza as its the least like charcoal flavour (closer to wood / less smoke) which on pizza crust is a good thing. JD is the strongest taste, burns really hot but i dont like the flavour as much on smoke sensitive things like bread
I liked it but nearly as much as I imagine you did.
😋
haha cheers
Checked out Lowe’s Canada and they are out of soapstone - sad panda.
Doh
No more Lowes deals by me in Chicago.
they might have been clearing out stuff
No bun toasting?!
not this time, they were fresh and good that way
Cast iron always win, Just admit it.
haha for the price it makes sense for sure but i love my soapstone in general especially for maintenance
soapstone cracked after a couple of uses, people becaredull of what you are buying!
Ask for a warranty replacement. I’ve had this one several seasons
BE sure you inspect the inside of those meat grinders and see if the metal is not cheap or touching causing chipping into the food.
too much stuff from China with no US standards of safety controls or knowledge.
That's not smash burger, 🔥
cheers
James, sorry to hijack this video, I received an email that looks like it’s from you to let me know I won a Kamado Joe Big Joe III. It said to text you at area code 510 plus the number. I texted and was told it would be $200 shipping. I would love for this to be true, but I need to know if this true. If it’s not true you and TH-cam need to know.
its not my account that sent you that, its a scam account using a photo to trick people. report the scammer account which is a phone number
I laughed out loud when you mentioned antibacterial property of the soapstone. Hilarious pseudo scientific paid shill ad gimmick without any grounding in reality. You’re welcome.
do me a favour and google that... you're welcome
I got this last week on sale and made smash burgers too lol it’s a nice addition for the price. Soap stones were sold out 🥲
Nice!!