Summertime...Barbeques, Grills & Smokers!

I've got a set of charcoal rails that work pretty good, and sometimes I just stack the coals on one side and put the water pan next to them to keep,them on place. Here are the rails, really inexpensive compared to the Smokenator:
http://store.weber.com/accessories/category/cook/tools-and-grillware/1348

Weber also has these, again less expensive than the Smokenator:
http://store.weber.com/accessories/category/cook/tools-and-grillware/1286

Either of these products, as well as just stacking and holding in place with a water pan will work, but I'm really intrigued with the Smokenator. While the others work, the Smokenator looks like the Cadillac system for smoking in the Weber kettle. It looks like it would have more charcoal capacity, and being enclosed, may offer lower temperatures and longer cooking times

I believe the Weber kettle is one of the most versatile grills for the money, and I think the kettle shape and domed top circulate heat and air better than most designs.

 

My Weber came with the coal baskets, the second link you have.
And I agree, hard to beat a Weber. As I said, it can grill and smoke.

 

My best friend is a "professional" pit master, so I just use a gas grill here at the new digs in Hondo, Texas. I fired it up tonight for a nice Prime New York Strip.

...........now for a relaxing cigar.



This is my buddy Doug and his "Pit". You can see why I just need a grill.............

 

I have the baskets and the smokenator. They're both good but I tend to like the baskets. Just one on one side for indirect "smoking" seems to work fine.

 

After Reading that @swarden43 only uses a weber kettle for Both grilling and smoking I started googling and watching YouTube videos.

I know I have talked about having a nice and big grilling station. But I think all that will start with a weber kettle. I really don't have to decide now as this is a few years in the future.

But it really looks like a great place to start!

 

The Weber Kettle's are great. Mine "died" just before my recent move, which is why I got the gas grill. It is much faster and probably better for one person, IMHO.

You will really like the Weber. They are very versitile.

Bob

 

I want @Bobcat s setup - a next door buddy with a competition smoker!

 

You will not regret it! I've been smoking and grilling on mine for about 16 years now, replacing the cooking grid once.

 

I had no Idea that a kettle grill was so versatile.

A weber 22" master touch or a 26" premium. Thats what im looking at =)

 

The 26 Premium comes with a thermometer, something I have found invaluable for smoking.

 

I would definitely want a thermometer in my grill. I bet that's invaluable.

I like the premium 26" because if the wider cooking area. But the master touch has a bunch of extra features. I REALLY like that. Especially the wook thing. My girlfriend is a vegetarian, and I bet that will be very handy!







If they make a 26" master touch by the time I go shopping for one... Then there will not be any questions about it! =P

 

You can always buy the fancy extra accessories after market.

 

But hey... How do you fill the sausage? Do you have the machine for it?

 

Yes. A couple of stuffing machines in different sizes, depending upon how much meat there is to stuff.
This stuffer holds five pounds...

This hydro-cannon will do about 12-14lb loads...


They also make stuffer attachments for meat grinders. They aren't as efficient and require more effort, but only one machine is needed to grind then stuff...

 

Hahaha I have a lot to learn!

 

You really are the king of meat. Are they not expensive?

I would love to own machines like that some day =)

 

You can get this grill for ~$59.00 at Home Depot. Does everything the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22 in. Charcoal Grill in Black will do with more than half the price.

 

The grills I bought before I switched to Weber Kettles didn't last very long, but the Weber Kettles I've had have all lasted several years. My old one I gave to my Dad, and the one I have in my Performor set-up I've had for probably 6 or 7 years.

 

Please take a look at this one. Sturdy, same coating as a Weber. I have one and am pleased.

 

I just checked my Amazon order history, and I bought this one on June 8, 2006.


I've replaced the charcoal grate, cooking grate and the semi-circular charcoal holders once, but an advantage of the Weber is the availability of replacement parts. Only time will tell if the Masterbuilt Pro will last as long, although it does have godd reviews on the Home Depot site.