I haven't cooked with both so I don't think I'll vote.
The WSM is my vote purely because of its uniformity. Each one is the "same". There is a wealth of knowledge available on them and their learning curve is quick and slight. The PBC has so many builds it is different from one to the next. Of course they are gaining uniformity as the construction goes from the backyard to production plant. They are both bullet proof cookers I just think the WSM has more to support it.
which one would you recommend?
I haven't cooked with both so I don't think I'll vote.
Invalid poll since the mini wsm, and jimmy isn't included. I think Bob needs a mini because the mini RULES :heh:
Out of only those two? Let's see....both you light charcoal and cook so equally easy as any simple charcoal cooker. The WSM can fine tune temps much better but that isn't hard to do.
I think you're confusing UDS's with PBC... simple mistake though because after all the PBC is a drum smoker but with rebar and horseshoes. All PBC's are the same though except the new ones have the porcelain.
WSM for sure. PBC has two fundamental faults:
1. It makes you believe that temps are preset
2. It perpetuates the completely false idea that you can cook BBQ by time
The PBC isn't bad per se and you can certainly turn out edible Q with it, but if you really want to learn the craft of smoking meats, get a WSM.
...you can certainly turn out edible Q with it, but if you really want to learn the craft of smoking meats, get a WSM.