Discover the Amazing Flambadou - The Viral BBQ Smoker Taking Grilling to New Heights

All About Flambadous - The Must-Have BBQ Accessory

If you're a barbecue enthusiast, you've likely seen flambadous making appearances on social media and cooking shows lately. But what exactly is a flambadou? And why is it becoming so popular among backyard grill masters and professional chefs alike?

A flambadou is a grilling accessory used to infuse food with flavorful smoke. This stainless steel cylinder has a unique design that allows you to fill it with wood chips, herbs, spices, or other aromatic ingredients. As the flambadou heats up on the grill, it releases flavorful smoke that permeates whatever you are cooking.

The Benefits of Cooking with a Flambadou

There are several key benefits that make flambadous a worthwhile addition to your BBQ arsenal:

• Infuses food with rich, smoky flavors
• Allows you to experiment with different woods, herbs, spices, etc.
• Easy to use - just fill, close, and place on the grill
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Compact size takes up minimal space on the grill
• Can also be used in the oven or on the stovetop
• Affordable price point compared to buying a separate smoker

The smoking effect imparted by the flambadou allows you to take your grilling game to new flavor heights. Smoky flavors pair exceptionally well with meat, fish, vegetables, and more. Even foods you wouldn't expect like fruits, cocktails, and desserts can benefit from a touch of smoke.

How to Use a Flambadou

Using a flambadou is simple. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Remove the top lid of the flambadou cylinder.
2. Fill the container with wood chips, herbs, spices, citrus peels, tea leaves etc. How much you add depends on the level of smoky flavor desired.
3. Replace the lid tightly so smoke doesn't escape as it heats up.
4. Place the filled flambadou directly on the grill grates or on a veggie grate.
5. Let it preheat for 8-10 minutes with the lid closed so it starts smoking.
6. Add your food to the grill and cook as usual with the lid closed so the smoke swirls around.
7. Top off the flambadou with more flavorings as needed during cooking.
8. Let the smoke work its magic! Your food will be infused with delicious flavor.

It only takes minutes for the flambadou to start smoking once heated. Avoid opening the grill lid too frequently, as this will allow smoke to escape.

Choosing Your Flavorings

One of the best parts about using a flambadou is that you can constantly experiment with new smoke flavors. Get creative with your choice of wood chips, herbs, spices, or other aromatics. Some popular options include:

• Wood chips - apple, cherry, mesquite, hickory, oak, etc.
• Herbs - rosemary, thyme, oregano, mint, sage, etc.
• Spices - smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, onion, chili powder, etc.
• Tea leaves - black tea, green tea, herbal teas
• Citrus peels - orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime
• Ground coffee
• Vanilla beans
• Bay leaves
• Lavender buds

Try mixing different flavors together for unique flavor combinations. For example, apple wood chips, rosemary and lemon peel make an excellent pairing. Let your imagination run wild!

Types of Flambadous

There are a few different styles of flambadous available:

• Stainless steel: The most common type. Durable and affordable option.
• Cast iron: Heavier material retains heat well. Imparts iron flavor.
• Ceramic: Lightweight and portable but more delicate. Distributes heat evenly.
• Square shape: Offers more surface area than cylinder style.
• Stovetop model: Designed for use on the stovetop or in the oven.

Look for a flambadou made from food-grade stainless steel or cast iron. Size options typically range from 4-6 inches tall and 3-5 inches wide.

What to Cook Using Your Flambadou

The possibilities are endless when cooking with a flambadou! Almost anything can benefit from a touch of wood smoke. Here are some top options:

• Meat - beef, poultry, pork, lamb, sausages, ribs
• Seafood - salmon, shrimp, mussels, tuna, lobster tails
• Vegetables - potatoes, onions, cauliflower, eggplant, zucchini
• Fruit - pineapple, peaches, oranges, bananas
• Cheese
• Nuts
• Cocktails & drinks
• Popcorn
• Salt
• Butter
• Desserts - puddings, cakes, macarons

Anything flavored with spices, citrus, herbs, oil, etc will beautifully absorb the smoke. Brushing foods with oil or marinating helps the smoke adhere even better.

Where to Buy a Flambadou

Due to their rise in popularity, flambadous can now be found at most major retailers that sell barbecue grilling accessories. Here are some of the top places to buy a flambadou:

• Amazon
• Home Depot
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• Target
• Walmart
• Ace Hardware
• Lowe's
• BBQ specialty stores - online or local storefronts

Prices typically range from $15-50 depending on size, design, and materials. Look for product details like food grade stainless steel construction, stay-cool handles, tight sealing lid, etc.

You can also find flambadous at craft fairs, flea markets, and farmer's markets. Supporting local artisans and small businesses is a great way to get a unique handmade flambadou.

Flambadou FAQs

If you're new to using a flambadou, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

• How long does the smoke last? Anywhere from 20-40 minutes depending on how much flavoring is added.
• Can I refill it mid-cook? Absolutely! Carefully remove lid, add more flavorings, replace lid.
• Does it need to be washed after use? Yes, hand wash with soap and water after each use.
• What fuel source can I use? Designed for use over charcoal or gas grills. Not for campfires.
• Is season prep needed? Nope -ready to use out of the box. No special treatment needed.
• Can I use rubs or liquid marinades? We don't recommend this. Stick to wood, herbs, spices, etc.

Get Your Flambadou Today!

Add the power of smoke to your grilling with an easy-to-use flambadou. Infuse your BBQ, seafood, veggies, and more with incredible layers of flavor. A flambadou is affordable, simple to use, and endlessly versatile. Bring your grilling game to the next level and enjoy mouthwatering smoked food all summer long!

FAQs

Can I use a flambadou indoors?

We don't recommend using a flambadou indoors, as it will make your whole house smell like smoke. Flambadous are designed for outdoor use over a grill. However, you can use a stovetop safe model on the stove with your hood vent on.

How do I extinguish the flambadou when done cooking?

Simply close the lid and remove from heat source. The remaining wood chips or pellets will burn out on their own. Do not try to pour water or extinguish with your hands.

What is the ideal thickness of wood chips?

Aim for wood chips approximately 1/4" to 1/2" thick for the best smoke production. Thinner chips may burn up too quickly while thicker chunks require pre-soaking before use.

Can I use flavored wood pellets?

Yes, flavored compressed wood pellets designed for pellet grills work beautifully in a flambadou. Options like hickory, apple, mesquite, or mix packs allow variety.

How do I maintain the flambadou after each use?

After each use, allow the flambadou to fully cool. Remove any remaining contents and ashes. Hand wash with mild dish soap and water. Dry fully before storing.