A recent post talked about some of the benefits and issues of ceramic cookers.
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205267
I'm in a similar spot to the OP from that thread. I already own a Weber Genesis for most of the grilling, a Rec Tec for smoking and a Blackstone for pizza. So I don't really NEED anything else.
There are two, well actually three, reasons I'm considering it.
First, I've been thinking I'd like to play around with something that's a little less completely idiot proof than the RecTec and to a lessor degree, the Weber
Second, the one legitimate issue I have is that I'm not completely happy with how the Rec Tec does in the kind of absurdly cold temperatures we've been having. It works fine -- it is every bit as easy to use at 0 degrees as 85. The issue is more the lack of smoke flavor given how much harder it's having to work to get to and maintain the target temp. I have a welding blanket over it but it doesn't really change the outcome even when I use a smoke tube.
Finally, I can pickup either a large BGE or Kamado Joe Classic for a very good price (though that's relative)
Winter aside I could solve my itch to try something new with a used Weber Kettle for $20 or $30 -- a heck of a lot less than the other options. I think I would like something insulated though and I think that something like a vertical smoker would be even more than the Kamados. It would have more capacity too but that's not really a priority as it's pretty much just cooking for the family in the winter.
Thoughts?
The other decision I have is which brand to buy. I don't think there is really much difference in performance. I lean towards the KJ for it's better bang for the buck (probably a couple hundred cheaper) but I suspect that the BGEs hold their value better given enthusiasm of the user base.
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205267
I'm in a similar spot to the OP from that thread. I already own a Weber Genesis for most of the grilling, a Rec Tec for smoking and a Blackstone for pizza. So I don't really NEED anything else.
There are two, well actually three, reasons I'm considering it.
First, I've been thinking I'd like to play around with something that's a little less completely idiot proof than the RecTec and to a lessor degree, the Weber
Second, the one legitimate issue I have is that I'm not completely happy with how the Rec Tec does in the kind of absurdly cold temperatures we've been having. It works fine -- it is every bit as easy to use at 0 degrees as 85. The issue is more the lack of smoke flavor given how much harder it's having to work to get to and maintain the target temp. I have a welding blanket over it but it doesn't really change the outcome even when I use a smoke tube.
Finally, I can pickup either a large BGE or Kamado Joe Classic for a very good price (though that's relative)
Winter aside I could solve my itch to try something new with a used Weber Kettle for $20 or $30 -- a heck of a lot less than the other options. I think I would like something insulated though and I think that something like a vertical smoker would be even more than the Kamados. It would have more capacity too but that's not really a priority as it's pretty much just cooking for the family in the winter.
Thoughts?
The other decision I have is which brand to buy. I don't think there is really much difference in performance. I lean towards the KJ for it's better bang for the buck (probably a couple hundred cheaper) but I suspect that the BGEs hold their value better given enthusiasm of the user base.
