During testing of the Woodridge grill, an unusual observation was made: dogs appear to be drawn to the large knob on its control panel. Three different dogs, who visited during smoking sessions, interacted with the knob using their noses. This behavior was likely triggered by the combined scent of meat and the sight of people touching the knob. While these curious or mischievous dogs cannot activate the grill, they can interfere with temperature settings during adjustment.
### The Smoke
The substantial size of the Woodridge Pro grill was particularly noticeable to a user with experience primarily in propane grilling. It has the capacity to smoke two full-sized pork bellies simultaneously, a task the user anticipates performing soon. Typically, a Costco-sized pork belly fills half the smoker, providing ample servings for guests and leftovers for the user.
Operating the grill is straightforward: set the temperature and keep the hopper filled, as the grill automates the remaining processes. This simplicity allows the user to relax in the backyard, focus on the meat, attend to other tasks, or play with their dog, without the need to manage vents, fan speeds, or fuel manually.
The ease of use motivates the user to invest more effort into meal preparation, resulting in engaging in tasks such as marinating, brining, and sourcing rub recipes from friends. They even opt for making pickled onions rather than purchasing them. These previously overlooked steps are now part of the routine, driven by the anticipation of a delicious outcome from the smoker.
Consequently, the user has been able to create or contribute to outstanding meals in recent months, sharing these culinary experiences with friends. They have enjoyed dishes such as tender pork belly tacos with a spiced rub devised by a neighbor, juicy pork chops with a crispy exterior, and coppa sandwiches on homemade focaccia from a friend. Additionally, luxurious leftovers like fried rice, smoked egg salad, and simple sandwiches have been part of the enjoyment. Thus, the Woodridge grill has seamlessly integrated into their kitchen and cooking routine, becoming an essential element much faster than anticipated.
