The Briner

[DivotMaker]

Man, I don't know which one of those fridge mates makes me happier!  OK, it's actually the one on the right.

[Three Sons BBQ]

Yuh. I was thinking a poll ... Which would you prefer to tap....

[DivotMaker]

That'd be a tough choice!  Don't know I could just tap one at a time!

[swthorpe]

Divot---I am planning to smoke a tenderloin tomorrow...did you recommend brining?  I remember in an earlier post you were planning to try it out, but I don't recall your verdict.  Thanks!

[DivotMaker]

I brined a whole loin, but haven't done a tenderloin.  Worked great, though!  Here's the link:

http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=1235.0

[swthorpe]

Thanks..you changed my mind; I'll smoke a pork loin instead!

[DivotMaker]

Let me know what you think, Steve!  I've just done that one, but am going to try it again next weekend, just to make sure the first time wasn't a fluke!

[DivotMaker]

By the way, Steve, congrats on the "Hero" status change!  I think there's 4 of us here now! 

[DiggingDogFarm]

These are a real neat idea but I don't think I can justify the expense when I can get a white HDPE 5 gallon food safe pail and lid (made by Encore Plastics) for less than $4.00 at Wal*Mart.

[benjammn]

My thoughts exactly, the only plus from the briner is the locking plate inside but overall it is just a bucket.

[DivotMaker]

These are a real neat idea but I don't think I can justify the expense when I can get a white HDPE 5 gallon food safe pail and lid (made by Encore Plastics) for less than $4.00 at Wal*Mart.

True, and I would go that route also, but don't have the fridge real estate to spare!  The Jr., while a little pricey, works great for me.  The locking plate is nice, and works well, but the size is perfect for anything up to a turkey breast, and has a nice small footprint.  Cuts down on wife complaints!

[DiggingDogFarm]

There are also various sizes of polycarbonate or HDPE containers available at any restaurant supply store at a reasonable price. I use whatever size best fits the job.

[bocaboy]

I took a look at this item and was tempted to buy it, but the shipping charges are outrageous! It's $12 to ship the The Briner Jr., almost the cost of the item itself. Unless the shipping charges are more reasonable, I won't be buying this item from the manufacturer any time soon. At $20 for a plastic bucket, there has to be a margin to allow for reasonable shipping charges.

What I discovered is that Cabela's sells the Jr. for the same price as the manufacturer and only charges $5.95 for domestic shipping. I ordered mine from them since I consider that charge more reasonable than the $12 charged by the manufacturer. The item is backordered as of today, but I figure I've waited this long without it, a couple more weeks won't hurt.

One other thing that I'm looking forward to doing with this item are pickles. The best sour pickles are those that are brined in a simple solution of salt and garlic. Take 3 tablespoons of kosher or pickling salt per quart and lots of crushed garlic. I usually use five smashed cloves for about 2 quarts of brine. In one week you will have the best sour garlic pickles you've ever tasted!!

[DivotMaker]

Good tip about Cabela's!  I don't think they had it when I got mine.  Yes, you can certainly go with cheaper options for a brining bucket, but I really like the Briner Jr., and use it often. 

[es1025]

The briner lives.  I bought mine on amazon with some bring salts that were included.

I have CB processing nicely, half thru Pop's 12 day brine.