Ive been grilling for years now, nothing special; Burgers, steaks, chicken and etc on a generic propane grill. I recently got into smoking, meats that is, on a Traeger. This his created an addiction now. After replacing by 4 th propane grill in 10 years. I was looking to replace my propane rust bucket with a Weber, and I came across the Weber Kettle. I believe I can dump the rust bucket use the kettle for all my grilling.
The Weber kettles seem to be in short supply/high demand. I cant even find a local shop that carries a 22, much less a Performer Deluxe. A 26 kettle? Forget about it, a search nation wide NOTHING, short of one shop that wanted $150 for shipping.
I can order a 22 or Performer sight unseen, but Im not sure if that is the right size for me. A 26 kettle will take 6-8 weeks to get here, with reasonable shipping charges. Without something to look at its hard to say what size or model will fit my family. I could really use some help.
About me...
I have a family of 5 including me. When I cook Im cooking for 5. We are soon to become 4, then 2 over the next 2 years, as we become empty nesters. Outside of COVID we entertain often for groups of 6-8 people.
I would like to use the Kettle for grilling, searing and experiment with smoking, instead of my pellet smoker. If Im able to figure out charcoal smoking. Ill get rig of the traeger.
I plan to get a smoke and sear as well. I know it will take up 1/3 of my cooking real estate. My dilemma is this. Will a 22 kettle fit my needs, grilling, searing and smoking, or should I hold out for 26, 8 weeks? If I go with the 22 is the performer worth the extra money for gas assist? I dont need the table, I have one and can build an add on if needed.
Considering all the number pad people Ill cook for and what I wan to do, can anyone help me with some guidance?
Thanks in advance,
Sunil Punjabi