Best everyday backyard charcoal cooker.........Other than a Weber.

[Moose]

Thanks for all the replies.
The ceramic option is one I'm considering, but not a big fan of the weight/grill size that goes with them.

What's your concern regarding the weight/grill size of a ceramic? As to grill size, BGE's come in a wide variety of size options: S, M, L, XL.

 

[D-Train]

Hasty Bake, Gourmet or Legacy model. Extremely versatile, and can cook some hellacious ribs! Also, I can't think of a better steak cooker...

 

[DBBQ]

I love the performer too..and been look for others to join.

 

[Rusty Kettle]

Thanks for all the replies.
The ceramic option is one I'm considering, but not a big fan of the weight/grill size that goes with them.

A ranch kettle of even a 26.75 kettle is not the answer either. Even though, if they had a 26.75 performer, I might consider that route...

Akorn kamado grills are not very heavy as they are steel and insulated. They are not ceramic so in comparison not bad weight wise.

 

[Bob C Cue]

I would cook every day on the Pit Barrel Cooker if I had the time. According to amazingribs.com:

Affectionately referred to as The PBC, it has proven to be a phenomenon in the residential outdoor cooking world. Aspiring backyard pit bosses who previously struggled with cheap offset and bullet smokers, are astonished to discover the best smoked meats they ever made can now be produced effortlessly on this magic drum. Scroll down to read the numerous raves from PBC aficionados.
At the end of 2014, to address the dramatic increase in demand, Pit Barrel moved manufacturing from Colorado to a much larger facility in California. They also changed from 20 gauge to thicker 18 gauge steel, and from powder coating to more durable porcelain enamel coating. Additionally, the charcoal basket was upgraded from expanded metal to a heavier steel rod grate.


Read more here: http://amazingribs.com/bbq_equipment_reviews_ratings/smoker-pizza-oven/pit-barrel-cooker

 

[dadsr4]

:shock:


Relax, I have nothing against Weber and in fact, I have several in my collection.

However my go-to, everyday grill is my 5 year old Weber Performer, and it is time for an upgrade. (Old performer will get moved to rotation)

I've been eyeing the new copper deluxe performer with the removable grill insets.

However I mentioned this to my wife, and she says: "You don't want something nicer or bigger than what you already have?

:idea: :grin: :clap2:

Well since she brought it up, I must ask you, the experts.

What say you?

Outside of the Performer, what is worth the $$$ and could take a prominent place in your nightly backyard family cooks.

Charcoal/lump fueled ideas only! :heh:

Just because she mentioned it doesn't mean you have to do it. Copper is nice and shiny.

 

[bradymartin]

i am looking at the portable kitchen. i cannot find one bad review on every site that sells it. will never rust, last longer than a weber. grill and smokes

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Kitchen-PK-99740-Aluminum/dp/B00005KAXY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427082321&sr=8-2&keywords=portable+kitchen"]Amazon.com : Portable Kitchen PK 99740 Cast Aluminum Grill and Smoker : Charcoal Grills : Patio, Lawn & Garden@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41C1TXN8VKL.@@AMEPARAM@@41C1TXN8VKL[/ame]

 

[Pocchampion]

i am looking at the portable kitchen. i cannot find one bad review on every site that sells it. will never rust, last longer than a weber. grill and smokes

Amazon.com : Portable Kitchen PK 99740 Cast Aluminum Grill and Smoker : Charcoal Grills : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Downside to the PK is cleaning it. Ash disposal is a pain - I grew up with one. The retro look is cool. If I were considering a change, the Hasty Bake is very intriguing.

 

[bradymartin]

Downside to the PK is cleaning it. Ash disposal is a pain - I grew up with one. The retro look is cool. If I were considering a change, the Hasty Bake is very intriguing.

oh, maybe i shouldnt consider it then. i HATE cleaning. i dont think the op gave a budget but the hasty bake is 1k on amazon.

 

[centexsmoker]

BGE. They are really spectacular cookers. They are really good at most things and arguably the best at many things. If you love cooking over charcoal and have the green light to move up, I can't recommend an egg enough. I will gladly walk you through any questions you may have. I've had one for 9 years and added a second last year. I've used them in my restaurant and catered for hundreds at a time off of them. My 9 yr old egg has has basically been rebuilt under the lifetime warranty and is as good as new after 9 years outside uncovered. 4 of that in Wisconsin winter and 5 in the Texas heat. Great company and fantastic product.

 

[addertooth]

A Kamado gives the most versatility. Low and slow smoking, to baking, making pies, pizzas and screaming hot sears. I have made Crème Brulee on my Kamado Joe. I own, have owned 4 different brands of Kamados, and they all work well. Previously I have owned classical gas and charcoal grills, Weber grills, Weber smoky mountains, Masterbuilt Electric, etc... The Kamados do it all, and with ease. No need for a charcoal snake to do low temperatures, no need for a water pan to keep the cook moist. With their ceramic insulation, they use less charcoal per hour of use than any other type of grill I have used.

 

[DerHusker]

Another Kamado vote here. I have the Primo Oval XL and can feed a small army with it.

 

[smoke ninja]

hasty bake makes some nice stuff. Another option for high end grills is going through a pit fabricator. You can have a nice, durable grill with an adjustable grate made to your specifications.

 

[Dweverett]

I don't know what the budget would be but if you don't want to go the Kamado route, here's the one that I've always wanted. Takes the Santa Maria idea a bit further.

Sadly, while my wife has been fairly supportive of buying cooking devices I'm pretty sure this one would push her over the edge.

http://amazingribs.com/bbq_equipmen...recht-grills-and-cookers-1000-series-original

 

[Sausage Warrior]

A plain old chimney starter with wood!

 

[SoCalWJS]

For versatility, get a Ceramic. Can do it all. Yes, they weigh a bit more (think of it as greater stability), but you will be happy with the results.

 

[NickTheGreat]

This thread is going to cost me money. I like my WSM, but I keep thinking about something bigger and/or better.

Jerks. :shock:

:razz:

 

[Rusty Kettle]

This thread is going to cost me money. I like my WSM, but I keep thinking about something bigger and/or better.

Jerks. :shock:

:razz:

Well then get a kamado then you come back and apologize and then thank us. Just kidding lol.

 

[D-Train]

oh, maybe i shouldnt consider it then. i HATE cleaning. i dont think the op gave a budget but the hasty bake is 1k on amazon.

Right now, Hasty Bake is offering complimentary shipping on all of their grills, if ordered from their website. Offer ends March 31st. You won't find a new HB cheaper anywhere on the web.

 

[tnfan47]

I agree with others who recommended the Akorn. It will not break the wallet and it's a great starter on using a kamado style grill.