Weber Kettle Club Forums
Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: AnakiMana on April 20, 2014, 10:06:36 PM
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Let's say you received a gift of $250 and the spouse said you could spend it however you want... even expects you to buy BBQ stuff. You're just getting started but already have a Performer Platinum and 22.5" MBH, the Gourmet BBQ Sear Grate set plus Weber wok.
What would you spend it on?
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
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Let the enabling begin! Cajun Bandit, Roti ring, dutch oven, cast iron skillet, pizza stone, Maverick thermometer, Thermapen, MEAT. A rub pack from Big Poppa Smokers or similar, Smoking wood from Fruita or similar. Lots of options here!
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Up your game with a Cajun Bandit Stacker or Rotisserie ring (or both) and a Rib-O-Lator!
Thank me later!
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Holy crap. I just visited cajonbandit.com. Now my acquisition disorders are acting up something fierce!
Is the rotisserie they make better than the Weber made one? What's the difference?
My wife bought a whole chicken because she wanted to try cooking it in the crockpot like a friend described. I just thought its a shame, I should be cooking it outside! But I need a rotisserie or something.
Oh, and that rib-o-lator looks awesome!
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
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Thermapen. Or the pro bbq kit. Or thermapen plus 8060 kit.
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/handheld/TW8060.html#KitsTab (http://www.thermoworks.com/products/handheld/TW8060.html#KitsTab)
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/thermapen/backlit_thermapen.html (http://www.thermoworks.com/products/thermapen/backlit_thermapen.html)
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Is the rotisserie they make better than the Weber made one? What's the difference?
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
I think it depends on who you talk to and which one a person already owns. Those that own a Weber roti seem to love them. I own the CB and I can't speak highly enough about it. When you're using a rib-or-lator or doing a chicken on the roti it's not as important to get a very air-tight seal so the Weber one is great. But if you're doing a longer smoke and using the roti ring as an extender, like for a big turkey, I think the CB roti shines. That thing seals up on the kettle incredibly well. So here's why I recommend the CB roti:
1. It's made of a very high grade of stainless steel, won't rust, chip or peel — ever.
2. The seal I mentioned above, you don't have to stuff the gap with anything to seal it. If using as an extender ring just put a little foil over the roti holes.
3. It can be bought in a version that seals on the kettle on one side and the CB smoker on the other, or a kettle/WSM combination
Now, going back to what I wrote at the beginning, I own the CB roti. Those that own the Weber seem to love them too. Ultimately, you won't go wrong with either one but if the price point is the same, and the CB is actually about ten bucks less, then I'd say go with the CB.
But, hey, I don't really have much of an opinion one way or the other. ::)
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Let's say you received a gift of $250 and the spouse said you could spend it however you want... even expects you to buy BBQ stuff. You're just getting started but already have a Performer Platinum and 22.5" MBH, the Gourmet BBQ Sear Grate set plus Weber wok.
What would you spend it on?
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
I would put it toward an 18.5 WSM and embrace Low-n-Slow.
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I would put it toward an 18.5 WSM and embrace Low-n-Slow.
What DD says. Period. If I ever were to pare down to a pair of kettles, it would be my performer and the 18.5 WSM.
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Ok, so I have a confession. I don't really understand the purpose/point of a smoker verses smoking on a standard kettle. What makes a WSM worth the money?
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
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Ok, so I have a confession. I don't really understand the purpose/point of a smoker verses smoking on a standard kettle. What makes a WSM worth the money?
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
They fit more meat than a kettle and you can usually find a used 18 around for a fraction of new. The Cajun Bandit quality stuff though.
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So, it must have multiple cooking grates if it fits more meat despite being smaller around (speaking of 18.5" WSM vs 22.5" kettle). Or the lid is taller? I feel like I'm missing something obvious with how much everyone loves them around here.
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
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A WSM much larger volume than a kettle so the charcoal is far away. An 18" WSM is a short barrel capped with 18.5" bowl at both ends. You can pack BOTH cooking grates and have even heat distribution. The deep dome lid also gives additional headroom for tall roasts, beercan chicken, turkey, etc. There is also a diffuser between the charcoal and cooking chamber to reduce direct heat from the charcoal. The entire lower bowl can also be packed with charcoal allowing for longer cooks. The airflow and vents are set up for low temps so it's a little easier to control. A wsm is not necessary. but it's very nice for smoking lots of meat or for long periods of time.
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Ok, so I have a confession. I don't really understand the purpose/point of a smoker verses smoking on a standard kettle. What makes a WSM worth the money?
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
I think of it more as BBQ machine....that heat zone between smoke and grill.
With a kettle you can do indirect, low and slow but you have to give up grill area to do it.
The WSM can be set up for very long cooks and they are so effective that they used on the competition BBQ circuit.
I really don't know why their price points are higher than the kettles.
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Ok, thanks for the great explanations! I get it now. I started watching some YouTube videos to get better visualizations as well. This would be great if I were cooking for more than just me and my wife! I'll keep an eye out for cheap used ones... I want one now even though it's hard to justify with the small amount of food we make.
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I do small amounts on my wsm all the time, but I like the Cajun bandit better because it's a 22 and you can lay ribs easier than with an 18. You8 can also easily store it away when it's not in use.
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You need to buy a food saver, to vac pac your leftovers. I do 3 butts at a time and make 1 lb packs for me and my wife. Just reheat in hot water and you would think you just took it off the smoker, same with meatloaf, seal slices. Quick and easy meals that taste great.
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Either the CB or Weber roti setups are nice for the kettle. I know some like one better than the other, but they both work fine on the kettle (I have both). The advantage as others have pointed out is that the CB ring can be used on a 22 WSM too.
You could also get a 14.5 WSM and have 50 bucks left over. This little cooker can turn out some great bbq.
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I really don't know why their price points are higher than the kettles.
There are more parts and processes to make it, larger shipping size, lower volume, and the competition is those $3-400+ offsets and smoker boxes. It's the best value smoker on the market imo!
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Ok, thanks for the great explanations! I get it now. I started watching some YouTube videos to get better visualizations as well. This would be great if I were cooking for more than just me and my wife! I'll keep an eye out for cheap used ones... I want one now even though it's hard to justify with the small amount of food we make.
Another way to do this is to build a Mini WSM.
Search on that or Smokey Joe Conversion and see what you think.
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Another vote for the CB ring.... I will throw vacuum packer out for consideration also..... Maybe not a "tool" but handy to have if you smoke/Q/cook a lot.
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You may recall that I posted a link to this a few weeks back: http://kpr.craigslist.org/app/4390369711.html
It may still be available. Worth an email, anyway.
I would absolutely recommend a Thermapen, and surprisingly enough they stock a few colors at Ranch & Home. I would also suggest a probe thermometer that allows you to monitor temps on low & slow cooks, something like the Maverick.
The Rotisserie may be great, but I've never had one, and I must not know what I'm missing. My kettles make seriously MEAN chickens, and yardbirds are one of the easiest things to cook. Medium indirect heat until the bird is up to temp in the breasts & thighs, usually about 60-90 mins. Yummm.
So, to sum it up:
- Thermometers
- An 18" WSM will definitely expand your game
- Maybe a mini chimney to go with that WSM
- A few of the famous rubs you've read about: Plowboys Yardbird, Simply Marvelous, maybe some Tatonka Dust, etc.
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You may recall that I posted a link to this a few weeks back: http://kpr.craigslist.org/app/4390369711.html
It may still be available. Worth an email, anyway.
I would absolutely recommend a Thermapen, and surprisingly enough they stock a few colors at Ranch & Home. I would also suggest a probe thermometer that allows you to monitor temps on low & slow cooks, something like the Maverick.
The Rotisserie may be great, but I've never had one, and I must not know what I'm missing. My kettles make seriously MEAN chickens, and yardbirds are one of the easiest things to cook. Medium indirect heat until the bird is up to temp in the breasts & thighs, usually about 60-90 mins. Yummm.
So, to sum it up:
- Thermometers
- An 18" WSM will definitely expand your game
- Maybe a mini chimney to go with that WSM
- A few of the famous rubs you've read about: Plowboys Yardbird, Simply Marvelous, maybe some Tatonka Dust, etc.
I emailed the seller earlier today to check with her. If I understood more about WSMs when you first told me about it... *sigh* Well, I didn't have the spending money then anyway... I just checked my email and she said she already sold it. Turns out she knows me by name - I fix her computers where she works! LOL
Well, I really appreciate all the ideas here. The vacuum sealer is definitely in. I can probably convince my wife to use our other money on it, too. The Cajun Bandit will probably win, but I'm gonna wait and research more before deciding.
I have the standard Weber thermometer and a pretty inexpensive cheapy from Target that's wireless. I'm picking up a grate surface thermo for super cheap on Amazon as an add-on item next time I order something. When I start cooking low & slow I'll probably look at those better ones.
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On a side note, my wife rolls her eyes because we have a small house and I tend to get really into some new THING and start obsessing & collecting. Guitars. I always wanted to play, growing up listening to classic & hard rock, but my parents wouldn't spend the money on an instrument or lessons. So now I have 4 (3 electric, 1 acoustic-electric) and I still don't know how to play! Old razors. I bought a $7 double edge razor made in the early sixties at a 2nd hand store because I could get 100 blades for $10 online and have a sharp shave every day instead of spending $4 per cartridge. Next thing I know I've collected like 50 different historical razors and even straight edges that I haven't learned how to use yet!
Point is, she thinks I'm going to fill the back yard with Webers now, and I'm gonna try not to! (and why am I watching CL like a hawk?! Dammit!)
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
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A visual on the Mini WSM.
This is Sian's from Wales recently completed mini.
It has his rugby team's logo on it.
He did an excellent job re-purposing that old SJ.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h150/PostHoc/IMG_3983_zpsce77d754.jpg?t=1397693781)
At the Bullet forum search on "welsh" to see his build thread.
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If I could find a used WSM I'd get it. Until then I'll do all my smoking on my performer. Chicken, Ribs, and other pork products turn out pretty excellent. And I always get a good smoke ring and bark.
I live in Canada, I've looked for nearly 3 years and have not been able to find a used WSM. I've found a couple NIB which are still full priced though.
I get the feeling that may change soom. There have been a lot more charcoal BBQs for sale the last year or so.
I would buy one if I could find it for under $200.
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I just stopped into Ranch & Home and looked at their lineup of Webers again. They have all three sizes of WSM on display. I must say, the 22" WSM actually gave me an adrenaline rush as I looked at it and imagined owning it! Considering the gift money, it would be like getting one for $150 +tax, brand new. I think I'm ready to sell something to get my hands on one of those... I say as I'm sitting in the parking lot typing this. It's in stock, too. *sigh*
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
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I just stopped into Ranch & Home and looked at their lineup of Webers again. They have all three sizes of WSM on display. I must say, the 22" WSM actually gave me an adrenaline rush as I looked at it and imagined owning it! Considering the gift money, it would be like getting one for $150 +tax, brand new. I think I'm ready to sell something to get my hands on one of those... I say as I'm sitting in the parking lot typing this. It's in stock, too. *sigh*
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
The 22.5" WSM is a thing of beauty. 8)
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The 22 WSM next to it's twin brother, RK. Loved this shot I took last year for a big summer party 😃
(http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i480/okmiller/null-42.jpg) (http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/okmiller/media/null-42.jpg.html)
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^^^^^^Great pic!
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk
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I just stopped into Ranch & Home and looked at their lineup of Webers again. They have all three sizes of WSM on display. I must say, the 22" WSM actually gave me an adrenaline rush as I looked at it and imagined owning it! Considering the gift money, it would be like getting one for $150 +tax, brand new. I think I'm ready to sell something to get my hands on one of those... I say as I'm sitting in the parking lot typing this. It's in stock, too. *sigh*
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
Go back inside and do what must be done.
Be sure to get the WKC discount.
If any forgiveness is needed, ask for it later.
:)
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Go back inside and do what must be done.
Be sure to get the WKC discount.
If any forgiveness is needed, ask for it later.
The WKC discount? Is that a 5 finger discount, because it's an awfully big item. Seriously, though, is there a discount?
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Go back inside and do what must be done.
Be sure to get the WKC discount.
If any forgiveness is needed, ask for it later.
The WKC discount? Is that a 5 finger discount, because it's an awfully big item. Seriously, though, is there a discount?
Of course....tell them how influential our forum is in the BBQ World.....
:)
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Well, something wonderful happened. I talked to the wifey, who said I can't buy anything unless I have ALL the money. After briefly considering what I could sell to earn the extra, I remembered I have credit card points to cash out. We have a deal where I get 100% of credit card points because she never wanted any credit cards and won't use them unless u make her for large purchases. I order all the parts for our home-based custom computer/repair business with the card, the points accumulate decently quick. Short story long, now I have $500!
Question is, despite my desire to get the biggest WSM, which will continue to take my breath away every time I see it... Is it a bad idea since we're a small family? I want to be able to smoke big turkeys sometimes, and have parties somewhat regularly, but the 18.5" can still fit a lot of food.
If I put the same chunk of meat into a 18.5" and 22.5", does the larger one require significantly more fuel to do the same cook? I hope not and that bigger is only better... Ready for the big cooks, but good for small ones too. What do you think?
P. S. TechBargains.com shows Lowe's has a coupon code for 10% off... I can order the 18.5 there but they don't seem to list the 22.5.
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
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Tough call.... I've had a 22.5" WSM and 4 18.5" WSM's.... I got rid of them all, in favor of 22.5" and 26.75" kettles and a Performer..... Works best for me (family of 4) and probably 3-4x a year grill/bbq for 15-30 folks. I like the convenience & versatility of the Performer & the 26.75". I smoke/cook everything on them (briskets, butts, ribs, etc.) with results similar to the WSM's, without the hassles of the WSM's set up, lack of mobility, 3 part construction, etc. That said, you don't have the volume capability as they come stock. From my experience, you will use more fuel in a 22.5" WSM.... Rough estimate would be 25-30% more+-..... Which, if you buy your fuel at the right price, is not too bad..... IMO, it just depends on what you really need for YOUR use..... I must say, the 22.5" WSM does have the WOW factor!
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If you're cooking for yourself and your wife primarily, get the 18.5 WSM.
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I think you guys are right. I just got Weberitis.
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
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If it were me, and I only had 1 cooker to start with, with a family of 4, it would be a Performer no doubt. You can build your "collection" from that point, but I use my Performer more than anything..... And it's even that ugly Brick color! Haha..... Just my view.
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I would like to do some low & slow on indirect heat while being able to cook other things on the Performer. My dream cook is baking desert on one kettle, breads on another, and slow cooking/smoking meats and potatoes, etc, on the future WSM. I don't see ever cooking on more than 3 Webers at a time, though.
I already have a Performer Platinum & another 22.5", so I've already got to the point of adding to my initial collection.
Sent via smoke signals from my Weber kettle
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i would honestly go for the cajun bandit stacker over the WSM.
If you go WSM, the 22 is the way to go. The 18 and the 14 are great, but you can't lay ribs flat in them. This means you're rolling ribs up, or cutting them in half to lay them flat. That sucks.
The WSM does need more fuel than the smallers, but it will also hold a LOT more food. I've done 8 butts in mine at once. I've also done 15 racks of ribs (laying flat!).
With the stacker, you have the freedom to do 3 pork butts (feed a lot of ppl). You can also do 6+ racks of flat laying ribs.
With 500 bucks, you can get a rotisserie ring and the stacker.
Or a stacker and a thermapen and a maverick.
If you end up buying on amazon or lowes or something, i'd be fantastic if you use a WKC link. I can't get you a discount, but purchasing through a WKC link helps support the site :)
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I e-mailed the Cajun Bandit guys to ask when the Cajun Bandit Conversion Kit will be back in stock. They informed me that it's been replaced with the stacker kit with optional coal ring and heat diffuser. I guess that means it won't have a door and won't be as tall. I wouldn't be able to add or view coals like this, would I? It just doesn't seem appealing unless I could get the discontinued kit.
I was watching YouTube reviews on the WSM 22.5" and saw this guy making beef jerky (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhF65Op1l1s) and using a small amount of charcoal despite the large smoker. Looks like I don't necessarily need more fuel. Makes me want to just go big in case I need it. Also I'm worried I might have buyer's remorse for not getting the one that really impacted me.
About supporting WKC... I'm glad you reminded me! I usually visit these forums on my Android phone using Tapatalk and rarely see the rest of the site.
The support WKC page has a lot of links, but only the 1st two have tags identifying the club. Do you actually get credit when following the rest of the links, like for Lowes? Do they really know where I came from - or do those links need to be fixed?
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I e-mailed the Cajun Bandit guys to ask when the Cajun Bandit Conversion Kit will be back in stock. They informed me that it's been replaced with the stacker kit with optional coal ring and heat diffuser. I guess that means it won't have a door and won't be as tall. I wouldn't be able to add or view coals like this, would I? It just doesn't seem appealing unless I could get the discontinued kit.
I was watching YouTube reviews on the WSM 22.5" and saw this guy making beef jerky (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhF65Op1l1s) and using a small amount of charcoal despite the large smoker. Looks like I don't necessarily need more fuel. Makes me want to just go big in case I need it. Also I'm worried I might have buyer's remorse for not getting the one that really impacted me.
About supporting WKC... I'm glad you reminded me! I usually visit these forums on my Android phone using Tapatalk and rarely see the rest of the site.
The support WKC page has a lot of links, but only the 1st two have tags identifying the club. Do you actually get credit when following the rest of the links, like for Lowes? Do they really know where I came from - or do those links need to be fixed?
those links should track :)
regarding the bandit: adding coals isn't super challenging. Just lift the stacker off and place off to the side somewhere.
regarding fuel in 22 wsm - making jerky is different than bbq. jerky is super low temp, 100 - 140ish. For bbq you'll need to be 225 - 275
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i would honestly go for the cajun bandit stacker over the WSM.
If you go WSM, the 22 is the way to go. The 18 and the 14 are great, but you can't lay ribs flat in them. This means you're rolling ribs up, or cutting them in half to lay them flat. That sucks.
The WSM does need more fuel than the smallers, but it will also hold a LOT more food. I've done 8 butts in mine at once. I've also done 15 racks of ribs (laying flat!).
With the stacker, you have the freedom to do 3 pork butts (feed a lot of ppl). You can also do 6+ racks of flat laying ribs.
With 500 bucks, you can get a rotisserie ring and the stacker.
Or a stacker and a thermapen and a maverick.
If you end up buying on amazon or lowes or something, i'd be fantastic if you use a WKC link. I can't get you a discount, but purchasing through a WKC link helps support the site :)
I'm sorry, but I just had to join after reading this, just how did you get 15 racks on a 22.5'' WSM (laying flat)? Please do tell....
I'm very intrigued.
Johnny
Sorry for bumping a very old thread but I just had to.
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@Mac7504
3 racks on the bottom grate,
turn a 22" grate upside down and set it on its handles over the bottom grate and the first 3 ribs
add 3 racks on the upside down 22" grate
add another upside down 22" grate, and 3 more racks
do the same on the upper grate, but there's only room for 1 upside down grate
9 flat slabs down below, 6 above
you have to run it hot at the start to get the ribs to shrnk up and create some airflow ;)
(and use baby backs)
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Beware the rub o later. PIA!!!
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Up your game with a Cajun Bandit Stacker or Rotisserie ring (or both) and a Rib-O-Lator!
Thank me later!
^^^
This!
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Get the rotisserie the new weber rotisseries have closed the bottoms just like the cajun bandits so there are no air gaps like the old weber rotisseries. So the choice is yours silver or black. After your first cook you'll find out that one chicken in a 22" roti is a waste. Thats when the 18" steps up and shines. Oh well its all a slippery slope towards weberitis.
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@Mac7504
3 racks on the bottom grate,
turn a 22" grate upside down and set it on its handles over the bottom grate and the first 3 ribs
add 3 racks on the upside down 22" grate
add another upside down 22" grate, and 3 more racks
do the same on the upper grate, but there's only room for 1 upside down grate
9 flat slabs down below, 6 above
you have to run it hot at the start to get the ribs to shrnk up and create some airflow ;)
(and use baby backs)
Madness. Shear madness. I love it.