ECB - I made a spreadsheet of features and compared that to my wants and needs. In the end both had my primary asks: firebox, adjustable height grill, searing ability; ability to use water pan if desired, ability for zones, ability to fit small pig. So its at this point I began splitting hairs. I asked Travis for a few modifications and he said no including charcoal access doors, which come standard on the Klose. The shelving on the M36 seemed unusually small. And although it probably does not matter, the fact that the Klose was welded, rather than bolted and weighed almost double made me feel like I was getting a better deal. With the 1/2" firebox upgrade, the cost was the same, so it was not a price issue. I did not upgrade for the stainless grates which come standard on the M36.
GTR - David tried selling me on the stainless ash pans, but it seemed like something I could manage without. Should I have opted for them?
In the end I'm sure I would have been happy with either one. I will say, I had several conversations with David and found them quite enjoyable. He has no limit to the number of topics he can fit in 30 minutes, that's for sure. Pics to follow....in a while.