Smokenator -- Is it worth it?

[JDLones]

I'm curious to see if anyone on here uses a Smokenator with their kettles?  It seems like you could accomplish almost the same effect by banking the coals on one side and maybe using fire bricks to contain the coals, or something similar.  I guess I'm wondering if there is some added benefit to to it aside from indirect heat?  In short, is it worth the $60? 

Clearly I'm new on here, and am just wondering what all of you seasoned Kettleheads (great nickname, by the way) think.

Thanks for the input!!   

[landgraftj]

Your points are dead on. I have one that came for free with a $25 SS performer but have never used it. I just use my baskets or fire bricks when I smoke on the kettle.

[saxart]

I almost bought one of those when I first got back into charcoal, but then read how someone had pretty much said exactly what you mentioned about banking coals and using fire-brick. 

I would add that using charcoal-baskets certainly won't hurt the process, but may keep your kettle from losing some of it's porcelain that heavily banked coals can sometimes cause.

Landgraft-
A $25 SS-Performer...  Have you no conscience?  LOL   

[JDLones]

That was kind of my line of thinking, too.  Thanks for the tip about the baskets. I need to pick some up.  Y'all have a good night.

[Troy]

this post showcases ways to smoke in a weber grill

[saxart]

That's a GREAT write up Troy!

[landgraftj]

Art, that SS was rough...zavod currently has it, probably for parts.

[JDLones]

Troy, thanks for that write up.  That's exactly what I was looking for.

[OoPEZoO]

I have one, and have used it twice.  It works as advertised, but its just as easy to set the kettle up to smoke without it (via fire brick or snake method).  Going back, I wouldn't buy another one.

[LightningBoldtz]

I have the smokenator, I like it and use it.  However, i think there are a lot of other ways to smoke.

[unl1mtd]

I have the smokenator as well. I find it useful for the cost. I have been very successful with pork butt, chicken, ribs. But haven't had a brisket on there.

I agree the water pan is too small to be useful on its own, but coupled with another pan under the food it provides an easy way to add more water through out the smoke.

I enjoy using it and definitely will continue to do so.

[Joethebartender]

I have one, and have used it twice.  It works as advertised, but its just as easy to set the kettle up to smoke without it (via fire brick or snake method).  Going back, I wouldn't buy another one.

This.

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