dadsr4
somebody shut me the fark up.
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Location
- Howell, MI
/Get a divorce get what you want
But seriously, for me a kettle. Maybe even space age dancook
Non-valuable answer. Lose- lose result.
/Get a divorce get what you want
But seriously, for me a kettle. Maybe even space age dancook
Non-valuable answer. Lose- lose result.
Great analysis, agree with many of your points. All good cookers.
For those looking for a non-ceramic Kamado, I went through that thought process recently. My Bayou Classic Ceramic Cypress suffered a fatal lid crack for the very reasons stated by BBM, a misaligned hinge. Something I probably should have paid more attention to although I did adjust it periodically. Was it a great cooker? No, it was a good cooker and my go to was always the Bubba Keg. The fact that the BC is no longer sold and replacement lids weren't available led me to look at other Kamados, non-ceramics.
Tossing ceramics out of the decision process left me with a handful of choices. Blaze Aluminum, Caliber Stainless Steel, another Big Steel Keg/Broil King Keg, Akorn. Had I known about the Weber Summit Charcoal I might have considered it.
With a Google search I stumbled across the Goldens' Cast Iron. Not a well known brand, hardly any reviews, and frankly I took a chance on it. It was cheaper than the Blaze and the Caliber. I wasn't keen on the Akorn reviews. Wanted something different than my Bubba Keg.
I've only had it six weeks or so and am pleased with the purchase. It does everything I need in a Kamado.
Have not tried overnite low and slows yet, those are on the agenda.
Pros:
Cast Iron, not ceramic
Built like a tank
Will outlast me, my great-great-great* grandchildren will get to use it.
Cooks thus far have been effortless, like I've been using it for years
Interaction with the company has been outstanding
Cons:
Unknown company making its mark in the Kamado world (though they've been in business as an iron foundry since 1882)
Price is up there, but for me it was a good value
Won't be tailgating with it :-D
Just another Kamado to consider and solely my opinion based on ownership. I'm probably the only forum member who owns one!
-lunchman
I can understand why alot of the Northern Brethren choose the ceramics but how long do they last? I'm liking the WSCG.
I have seen a BGE that was pushing 40. The ceramics looked fine but the metal parts were showing their age. I think it comes down to how well you take care of it plus a little luck.
I can understand why alot of the Northern Brethren choose the ceramics but how long do they last? I'm liking the WSCG.
With no disrespect intended toward Baby Back Maniac and his excellent YouTube video, I think a more appropriate or possibly a follow up video should be something along the lines of, best smoker for someone on a modest budget (no earthen pits, no assembly (or very limited) required).
I will admit my bias against Big Green Eggs. Yes they are excellent appliances for most people but, I don't like being price gouged and upsold and I am underwhelmed by their lack of evolution and improvements as noted by their competitors. Being nickeled and dimed is irritating to say the least. They lost me as a customer even though I always thought I wanted a BGE.
For example, with $300 do I get a Pit Barrel Cooker, a 22.5" WSM or, a Kettle and some accessory for smoking?
The Weber 22" Kettle with the accessory charcoal basket mentioned in the video is a sub-$300 option as well, granted the 26" Kettle and basket would kiss $500 but, how much capacity do I really need? Where would a PK Grill fit in?
The generic big box offsets from various vendors would have to included as a group along with the various electric options (which are probably their own category with the pellet options as another category).
22" WSM is a nice tool for smoking but not much of a grill. The PBC to me is too simplified/non-flexible and not a great value compared to a larger self built UDS. For $300 new not on sale, the 26" kettle comes with a pair of charcoal baskets so I don't think you would need a slow-n-sear to get a whole lot of flexibility out of it. Yes the S&S may be better but it is pricey and can be added later. Not a bad option but...
I think if I was truly limited to $300, with a little Craig's list shopping, you could put together a pair of 55 gallon sized UDS's for smoking and have a pair of 22" Weber kettles for grilling. That is some serious capacity and they are tools that can put out quality Q. If money was tight, that is what I would do.
I can understand why alot of the Northern Brethren choose the ceramics but how long do they last? I'm liking the WSCG.