I also wanted to call out one oddity I noticed in testing, which is that dogs seem very attracted to the big knob on the Woodridge’s control panel. Three different dogs who came over to my house during smoking sessions pressed it with their noses, probably due to the combination of meat smell and seeing other people touching it. They wouldn’t be able to turn on the grill, but they can mess with you while you’re setting the temperature if they’re mischievous or curious like mine.
The Smoke
Coming from the world of propane grills, the size of the Woodridge Pro really struck me. You could easily smoke two full-sized pork bellies at the same time, and I hope to very soon. As it was, my usual Costco pork belly loads up half the smoker, which is more than enough to feed some friends and have leftovers for myself.
It couldn’t be easier. Set the temperature, keep the hopper filled, and everything else is managed automatically. Instead of worrying about vents or fan speeds or fuel, I typically just hang out in the backyard, get some work done, play with the dog, and focus on the meat.
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Photograph: Brad Bourque
I’ve found myself more willing to do all the extra steps that really make a meal great. I’m marinating and brining ahead of time, getting rub recipes from friends, making pickled onions instead of buying them. Stuff that sounds simple but can be easy to skip if you’re feeling lazy. Knowing I have a delicious chunk of meat on the smoker motivates me to go the extra mile.
As a result, I’ve made or contributed to some of my best meals ever over the last couple of months, and brought my friends together to enjoy them. We’ve eaten tender pork belly tacos coated in a savory and spiced rub carefully refined by my neighbor, juicy pork chops with a crusty exterior, coppa sandwiches on a friend’s homemade focaccia. In between, I’ve enjoyed luxurious leftovers like fried rice, smoked egg salad, and simple sandwiches. More than just a grill, the Woodridge has become a part of my kitchen and cooking routine more quickly and seamlessly than I would’ve imagined.