Heston Blumenthal Everdure CUBE

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Summary

Heat Guidance for Barbecuing

Heat Guidance Tip

Use the hand method to judge barbecue heat by holding your hand above the cooking grid.

CUBE Barbeque Operation

Getting Started with the CUBE

Setup involves removing the grill and understanding the charcoal tray and grid for airflow.

Direct Cooking Method

Used for searing and flame grilling by spreading ignited charcoal evenly on the tray.

Indirect Cooking Method

Suitable for delicate meats, spreading charcoal to the sides to create a cooler zone.

Important Handling and Heat Tips

Tips on charcoal heat levels and safely moving the hot grill using its handles.

The Everdure CUBE™ is a portable charcoal barbecue designed by Heston Blumenthal, offering a compact and convenient grilling solution. It is part of a range that also includes the FUSION™ and HUB™ charcoal barbecues, all emphasizing ease of use and efficient cooking.

Function Description:

The CUBE™ is primarily designed for direct cooking, ideal for searing and flame grilling steaks and vegetables. It utilizes natural lump charcoal for fuel, with a recommended ignition time of 10-15 minutes for 1.1 lbs of charcoal. The barbecue features a chrome cooking grill and a charcoal tray made of black enamel. A chrome charcoal grid is integrated to slightly raise the charcoal, enhancing airflow for better ignition. The design encourages the use of natural firelighters, such as compressed wood, which are free from chemicals and toxins, promoting a cleaner cooking experience.

Beyond direct grilling, the CUBE™ also supports indirect cooking, a method suitable for more delicate meats or fish. This involves spreading the ignited charcoal to the sides of the tray, leaving a clear area in the center for grilling, and then placing the cooking grill back on. This technique allows for gentler, more even cooking, preventing direct exposure to intense heat.

Important Technical Specifications:

Fuel Type: Charcoal (100% natural lump charcoal recommended). Briquettes can also be used, though they may result in longer ignition times due to their composition.
Charcoal Capacity (for ignition): 1.1 lbs of lump charcoal.
Ignition Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes for the recommended charcoal amount.
Temperature Range (Hand Method):
- High: 428-500°F (2-4 seconds hand test) – Perfect for searing.
- Medium: 338-428°F (5-7 seconds hand test) – Ideal for chicken or rotisserie.
- Low: 302-338°F (8-10 seconds hand test) – Suitable for slow cooking meat.
Components: Chrome cooking grill, black enamel charcoal tray, chrome charcoal grid.

Usage Features:

Portability: As a "portable charcoal barbecue," the CUBE™ is designed for easy transport and use in various outdoor settings, from picnics to small patios.
Simple Ignition: The charcoal grid's design aids airflow, facilitating easier and quicker charcoal ignition. Users are advised to use natural firelighters for a cleaner start.
Direct Cooking Method: Once charcoal is fully ignited and covered with a light layer of grey ash, it is spread evenly across the charcoal tray. The cooking grill is then placed back on for direct searing or grilling. Additional coal can be added as needed based on the quantity of food.
Indirect Cooking Method: For more delicate items, the charcoal is spread to the sides of the tray, creating a cooler central zone. This method allows for indirect heat cooking.
Heat Guidance Tip (Hand Method): A practical method for judging barbecue temperature involves holding a hand roughly 6 inches above the cooking grid. The duration one can comfortably hold their hand indicates the heat level: 2-4 seconds for high heat, 5-7 seconds for medium, and 8-10 seconds for low heat. This allows users to determine the optimal cooking zone for different foods.
Safety Precaution: When performing the hand test, users are reminded to remove any flammable materials from their hands or arms. When moving the grill, it is crucial to grab the handles, not the grill body, as it will be hot.
Charcoal Heat Capability: The manual highlights that charcoal can reach temperatures over 1472°F, emphasizing that a large amount is not always necessary to achieve significant heat.

Maintenance Features:

While specific cleaning instructions are not detailed in the provided pages, the design with a removable chrome cooking grill and black enamel charcoal tray suggests ease of cleaning. The use of durable materials like chrome and enamel typically allows for straightforward cleaning after use. The emphasis on natural lump charcoal and firelighters also implies a cleaner burn, potentially reducing residue and making post-cooking cleanup simpler. Regular cleaning of the grill and tray would be essential to maintain hygiene and prolong the life of the barbecue.