Timberline 850 vs Little Old Junior when roasting chicken parts.

[RemE]

My family loves dry rubbed and roasted boneless/skinless thighs and breasts. I'm finding a huge difference in cooking procedure coming over to the new grill.

Cooking on the Junior, set to 275 degrees, breasts are 15min per side, thighs are 10min per side. The chicken sizzles and looks beautifully browned.

Cooking on the Timberline same temps, bottom rack, the chicken looks uncooked at the "normal" times. Using a ThermoPen I had to cook much longer to finish, and not really browned well.

I have now cooked chicken several times and have been increasing the temps to get me back to the 10/15min per side. I'm currently setting to 480 degrees to achieve the same sizzling and browned end results.

Regarding efficiency, I'm finding that the quantity of pellets burned to cook a batch of chicken is 2x to 3x more than the old Junior needed. I'm cooking in mild weather with no wind.

I do love the quality of the 850 but am surprised at the differences I'm finding from the trusty old Junior. Plus the WiFire continues to just plain suck regarding push notifications, very disappointed with it.

 

[nmiller0113]

I noticed the same thing yesterday when cooking a steak and also when cooking burgers the day before. Had to go to a higher temp. I'm curious if someone could add some clarity on this.

 

[RemE]

I noticed the same thing yesterday when cooking a steak and also when cooking burgers the day before. Had to go to a higher temp. I'm curious if someone could add some clarity on this.

I've now cooked countless batches of chicken on the grill. I ignite it at a set temp of 250, once there I take it to 465F and roast away 15min per side for boneless beasts and 10min per side for thighs.
I'm sure that the difference from the junior grill is the insulated 850 versus the open vented Junior that has to burn hotter to maintain the Temps.
After adjusting my set Temps higher, I'm really happy with the 850 now, plus the WiFire is finally reliable after the recent updates.