Updated: Question for Slow 'N Sear Owners - SNS vs. SMC

[Mark Schnell]

I completely revamped this question. So if you read the first several responses it might not make sense. I made the mistake of asking the question wrong and was too vague, instead of being more specific to myself.    Let me try again.

So, IF you own a Slow 'N Sear, (and it helps if you have experience with a Smokey Mountain Cooker): Would you think a SNS would/could take the place of a SMC? What do you think? @Troy

Reasons for my question specific to me:
1. I LOVE to look at all the kettle collections others have. Love it. But I've decided to not have much more than I can use. I prefer cookers and not lookers. I want good lookin' cookers, but like to keep my collection small.
2. I have enjoyed my SMC, but I'm not sure I use it enough to bother keeping it.
3. But, I don't want to regret selling the SMC. I've sold stuff before that I regretted.
4. I won't keep both of them. The sale of the SMC would pay for the SNS and some upgrades for my Performer.

Thanks

[MikeRocksTheRed]

Should absolutely sell it....to me.  I'll give you $75.

[landgraftj]

I have the 14.5, 18.5, and 22.5 WSM and will not get rid of them, probably ever. Also have tons of kettles. Each has their own use. No SnS but maybe somewhere down the line.

[Russell C.]

Here's my question - Is the SnS so awesome that you'd sell a SMC after getting it?

I think you answered your own question there.  Get the SnS and decide after getting it.  I don't have an SnS yet, but do have a 22 WSM and a Smokenator.  I got rid of my 18 WSM after getting the Smokenator for many of the same reasons you are thinking.  I regret it terribly.  Again, I do not have the SnS, but I just don't know that any in-kettle gadget can truly replicate the results of a WSM.  Just my $0.02.

[Mark Schnell]

Good responses thus far, thanks. I updated the original post to be more specific. My first question was sloppy.

[addicted-to-smoke]

Kettles are most versatile overall but what they don't have is meat capacity and ability to maintain temp for the same length of time as a WSM. The SnS will help with the latter issue for a kettle but can't overcome the former.

Different machines for different uses, is all.

[Troy]

It really comes down to capacity.

I love the SNS, but it will never replace my full sized smoker.

The SNS is great for a couple slabs or ribs, or a couple smaller butts, or a brisket.
Anything beyond that needs a bigger boat.

[SmokenJoe]

For me, the SnS affords some additional enamel protection.  It's easier to re-load coal for a longer cook than my SmokenAtor and doesn't require the same attention during the cook (not a problem for me since that's one of the reasons I slow cook, time to enjoy life, cigars, and single malt).  That being said; the "in your kitchen cooker" devices always take up some room in the cooking chamber  ...  since the WSM has the "fire down below" you get more cooking space upstairs.  Plus, it's just so cool to look at while it cooks    I'd be at a loss without both.                     SJ

[WNC]

Don't have the SnS, but I do have a 22wsm.

I think the biggest obstacle in getting a wsm is the price tag. Once you have one don't get rid of it! Like Troy said its about capacity. Do I often need the space of the wsm...no. But the way I figure it, better to have the room and not need it, than need the room and not have it.

One butt, kettle.
A lot of friends over and lookin' like a boss...WSM

[ABCbarbecue]

@Mark Schnell feel free to give us a call on our dedicated line (704-425-1023) and I'll talk you through the pros and cons of the Slow 'N Sear, and I'll be surprisingly objective.  Scouts honor!

Of course I hope folks still chime in here, I'm just offering my help.

[MrHoss]

Keep the Smokey Mountain. Even if it's just to look at.

[Mark Schnell]

Okay, thanks for all the great responses. I especially appreciate what @WNC said, once you get over the price tag and get a WSM, don't get rid of it. That makes a load of sense. So, I'm amending what I said, I'm gonna keep the WSM AND get a SNS too!!

It's input like this that makes me love the WKC so much!!

[SmokenJoe]

Like it's been said before: "When you come to a fork in the road, take it" ...                              YB

[AZRaptor]

I actually got rid of my WSM before buying the SnS, but not because of it. I have multiple kettles as well as a couple other dedicated smokers (non-Weber types) so when a co-worker finally started voicing some interest in BBQ after all of my ramblings I hooked him up with my WSM.

[MeatAndPotatos]

on the low end of temps, my kettle runs  a little hotter then my WSM. Though the kettle is a 22 vs a 14.5 wsm... But temp gets low enough.

Otherwise, kettle works just as good... Just less space in general then any given size.

Really more about the capacity you need.