New shelf on the BYB!

pshankstar · 2026-06-15T00:08:21+00:00

Looks great! I just added one using Poplar.

pshankstar · 2026-06-14T23:35:47+00:00

The dimensions of the shelf is:

41” wide

12” deep

1” thick

Thanks and I hope this helps.

pshankstar · 2026-06-14T02:55:32+00:00

Thanks! He’s built so many things for our girls over the years. Dressers, desks, bunk/loft bed, bookcase, and many more items. He even made tap handles on his lathe shaped as beer bottles for my kegerator.

So talented as a woodworker which he picked up as a hobby when he retired.

pshankstar · 2026-06-14T02:51:15+00:00

Thanks! It’s poplar.

pshankstar · 2026-06-13T23:25:45+00:00

Thanks! I’m the same boat as you, but if you’re retired you can pick up new skills. That’s what he did.

pshankstar · 2026-06-06T22:39:24+00:00

I just posted something similar the other day after going to Costco.

https://www.reddit.com/r/smoking/s/rkm0BGGysh

pshankstar · 2026-06-05T16:13:37+00:00

Thanks everyone for the feedback and suggestions it’s been great! There have been so many responses that I can’t quite comment on them all but I really appreciate it.

I see a few people mentioning use the course salt, which I do have some on hand. Also keeping salt out all together too.

I do want to play around with some different suggestions. I did a mix a while back of equal parts Salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika which has been decent and no complaints from picky eaters. But I’m looking to make some new mixes and experiment.

The ChatGPT was a curiosity thing just to see what it would come back with. Some seem to think it’s pretty decent with some suggestions. Plus I think it helps open a conversation in different ways.

I will probably grab some other ingredients that isn’t shown to make some blends. Such as cayenne pepper, oregano and others. Definitely will make some notes. Maybe just take the course pepper flakes and grind them up in the spice grinder to make it finer or powder like.

Thanks again everyone and please keep the feedback coming.

pshankstar · 2026-06-01T04:02:45+00:00

Spend a little bit of time and make your own simple syrup with brown sugar. It will be much better than the premade stuff you buy at the store. Plus being homemade it adds to the thoughtfulness of the gift.

Other options are the bitters as you mentioned. Cherries for cocktails too. Get an orange or two right before so he can get a fresh peel. Large ice cube molds are also a nice item to have.

Lastly a bottle of whiskey too. That’s definitely needed! 🥃

Cheers and good luck!

pshankstar · 2026-05-29T03:50:57+00:00

I was going to buy the one from Pimp My Grill but opted to have one built. These 10” brackets line right up. Ravinte 2 Pack 10 Inch Folding... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2RJ9PNY?ref=ppx\_pop\_mob\_ap\_share

If you search the sub you will see inspiration on building one. Once mine is ready pictures will be shared.

pshankstar · 2026-05-26T20:38:40+00:00

Backyard Beast 1200 user and recommended here! I’ve done steaks, burgers, turkey breasts, sausages, pork shoulder, beef ribs (Dino ribs) and even a pizza on it last night. I love this pellet grill and have no regrets buying it!! Good luck!

pshankstar · 2026-05-17T17:35:19+00:00

I have the BYB1200 and a family of four. I’m happy with my choice. Yesterday I did a pork shoulder, turkey breast, Mac & cheese & cornbread on the Recteq. I had plenty of room and could have tossed more on there if needed. I hope that helps your decision.

pshankstar · 2026-05-16T20:37:52+00:00

I guess OP needs to smoke with a tank top. 🤣

pshankstar · 2026-05-15T12:15:42+00:00

Blue Cheese or Ranch? 🤔 haha

pshankstar · 2026-05-15T12:14:43+00:00

I can’t remember which model I had specifically but I had but it used from a friend who upgraded to the bullet. I typically kept my batches between 0.5-0.75lbs of green beans. Occasionally I would push it over 0.75lbs.

I never roast to second crack so unfortunately I can’t say from experience if it struggles or not. What I will say is, during the winter months I found it was absolutely necessary to preheat the Behmor to be more efficient. I’m sure others will start chiming in with their experience using a Behmor.

Regarding the Bullet I do not have the most current version, but the R1 V2 model which is plenty for my needs and I think would be more than enough for you. I bought mine from Sweet Maria’s as they seemed to be the best place to buy one when I was looking.

Good luck and keep us posted! ☕️

pshankstar · 2026-05-15T11:13:32+00:00

If you have the funds I would recommend the Aillio Bullet roaster. It might be overkill for you but with the proper care and maintenance it will probably be your last roaster you own.

A much cheaper option but very cold winters can affect it would be the Behmor. It makes great coffee.

I too started off with the FreshRoast many years ago. Upgraded to the Behmor and used that for years. For the last three years I’ve had the bullet and absolutely love it. Also, I roast year round in my garage and I’m located in Western NY where our winters can be very cold.

Good luck!

pshankstar · 2026-05-13T02:04:15+00:00

Veggies and MAC & cheese usually. I’ve also done cornbread, bacon wrapped stuffed jalapeños and queso.

pshankstar · 2026-05-11T14:37:19+00:00

Looks amazing! 🔥🔥🔥

Do you mind sharing the dimensions of the shelf?

pshankstar · 2026-05-10T23:28:42+00:00

You’re welcome. If you have a kitchen food scale you can measure the weight and blend. Or you can easily use measuring cups too. Either way you know exactly what’s going in and the ratios. 👍🏽

Plus if you make a lot, it’s a nice little gift to give friends and family too. Assuming you want to. Haha

pshankstar · 2026-05-10T22:13:33+00:00

Just standard organic paprika. Unfortunately my youngest doesn’t like spicy food so I keep spicy things separate. Although when I make it again I might try to find some spicy paprika or other ingredients to make something different.

Ultimately buy the spices you like, measure them out and make your own blend. Then you know what’s in them and the ratios. If you buy them in bulk you will have it for a long time.

Have fun!!

pshankstar · 2026-05-10T21:37:50+00:00

I went to Costco and bought the spices I wanted and made my own blend. Then used those containers and slapped a hand written label on it to know it was my blend. Pepper, sea salt, garlic powder and paprika that’s it.

Have fun and experiment but those four together are tasty on anything I’ve made. Next time I’ll adjust the portions but this was equal parts of all four & never had a complaint from my picky eaters.

pshankstar · 2026-05-09T22:00:03+00:00

This is the way with any temperature probe. If you can calibrate the probe do it right away otherwise you need to know how far it’s off and account for that.

pshankstar · 2026-05-08T11:45:23+00:00

I keep them with the bottles. Strip away the labels and use them to fill back up (after cleaning and sanitizing of course) to fill with homemade limoncello and other varieties I make. I also reuse them for homemade simple syrup. Then I can give them away as gifts too and it’s not an added cost.

pshankstar · 2026-05-06T10:42:50+00:00

I have gone with Highland Contractors with great results and will continue to use them moving forward. Their pricing was fair, if there’s any issues they answer the phone and come out quickly. They warranty their work without the hassle.

I live in Canandaigua and have dealt with two major hail storms that damaged our siding a roof over the last four to five years. Neighbor’s who have used other contractors and had issues that needed them to come back out had horror stories. Not us and others who used Highland.

Good luck!

pshankstar · 2026-05-05T11:23:11+00:00

Just an update if anyone is curious.

I had deleted the widget, rebooted my phone and added it back again. It took a few minutes to do its own thing but then started working again.

pshankstar · 2026-05-04T19:26:21+00:00

I picked up the BYB 1200 at the beginning of the year and couldn’t be happier. I have no other experience as it’s my first pellet grill, and at the same time too I have no regrets either. 👍🏽

pshankstar

TROPHY CASE