Steak crust taste test. Which sear method creates the best tasting steak crust?

Can you taste the difference between the most popular sear methods? Which steak sear creates the best tasting crust? To find out which method will be crowned our best steak crust champion I am putting the 4 most common steak sear methods head to head in our virtual steak crust Olympics.

The 4 steak sear methods in today's experiment are:
1) the factor Kamado Joe stainless steal grid
2) Caveman sear
3) Soapstone
4) Cast iron

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► Quarterly News Letter with insider tips, giveaways etc.

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Gear I’ve used in videos without a discount
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[codyduncan]

As someone who has a soapstone for the KJ Classic III, I can confirm that the sear it produces is great. I've done smash burgers, NY Strips, a try-tip, a picanha, and even talapia loins, and each time the soapstone does a great job. All the steaks were done with a reverse sear cook, like in this video, and the finished product has been unbelievable. I thought about getting the cast iron insert when I purchased the grill last summer, but decided on the soapstone after watching a few of James' videos, and I'm glad I did. If you're on the fence on purchasing a soapstone for your KJ, let me put your mind at ease. Get one. Get two even, to have more smash burger smashing real estate. Great purchase.

[MemBaseball]

I've got the KJ Jr with a soapstone. After I cook the steaks. What's the process of getting the Joe to searing temp with the soapstone?

[MWAWoodworks]

James, awesome content and I'm glad I saw this before buying any accessories for my new KJ. Before this video gets too far down the road, I did notice a good lag on the audio around the 15:00 mark. I don't want to be "that guy" but in case you didn't notice it and want to fix. ;-) Thanks for all the great KJ content. I bought a new dutch oven just for your chili recipe!

[brandonnelson]

“Seariously” a great video!! You reminded me that I want to order the soapstone. It’s just so dang expensive in Switzerland!

[MrSupernova]

Phenomenal comparison and exactly what I expected based on visual observation prior to you doing the taste test. I have to look into a soapstone. Thanks!

[CWPWR]

Hey James, great video as always. There was parts of the video when the sound wasn't synchronized which can be a little distracting. I first noticed this after you ramped the speed and slowed down at 15:10. Thanks!

[AndrewDacey]

Several years ago before I bought my series 2 classic I went to a Kamado masterclass here in London, mostly just to try before I buy. But that taught me the reverse sear method with the “caveman sear” and it’s become my go to technique for steaks. I love picking up one big bone-in cut to feed the 2 of us (like a nice côte de boeuf). I’ll often throw a couple oak chunks to add a bit of smoke and that works great with this searing method.

[BartlowsBBQ]

Love a good steak competition. The soapstone looked awesome! Can't wait to add that to my accessories!

[Captpct]

First of all, let me say that I love your channel. You do the best job of explaining all aspects of cooking on the Kamado Joe. How long did you sear the steak on the Soapstone? I'm grilling some filets tonight and plan to try this method. Thank You, Eddie

[jflint]

Love your videos I'm learning alot from you and about my kamado joe grill !

[alanprice]

Great video James, I now make sure I've eaten before watching but I still end up drooling. I said last time that I had ordered my soapstone. Well, it arrived with a chunk missing out of it so it has to go back. Now waiting for the replacement and I have two fine steaks waiting to go on it.

[chriszinn]

Great content really enjoy your videos. Do you think you could do any more videos of the soap stone cooks with something other than steak. Maybe a smoking dad bbq breakfast?

[ivanmarshall]

Very informative and well made always learn something new! Thanks

[bigchung]

Fantastic video as always. I would love to see a video of you walking through the vent settings that you use for different temperatures maybe in 25-50 degree increments as I feel this is one of the hardest aspects many run into with a KJ.

[leeh]

I really like your style - not hyped, and easy to listen to. First vid of yours I've seen & subscribed!

[floid]

You should try sous vide for the initial cook before the sear

[julesbling]

So glad you made this video...have been vacillating on which one to get! Thanks 🙏

[ItsRyanTurley]

The ‘Maillard Reaction’ in full effect. Great video James!

[robertdewalt]

I like using the soap stone the most. My wife’s side of family has never had a steak that matched the taste they got to try from what I made on soap stone. They recently told me on family online chat that the best steak they had ever had were the ones I made,

[williamehlers]

What is your view of a Blaze cast aluminum Kamado? It would be helpful for you to do a review. I love your videos and always learn a lot. Have a great 2023.