What smoker to go for...

[cattytown]

Hi all, new guy in Lancashire!

I have had a Weber 57cm kettle for a few years, and it is now getting a little tired, so I am looking to upgrade. I also sometimes find it a little restrictive on space when grilling for a few.

Ideally I would like one to use for both grilling and smoking, but am struggling to decide between barrel and bullet - a frontier or excel against a ProQ Maverick or trailblazer.

Anyone got any major yips between the two types?

Thanks,
Paul.

[KamadoSimon]

Lots of people seem to like the Weber Smokey Mountain - and there are a few on here who really like their ProQ smokers. So pays your money takes the choice I guess. The downside with using the smoker as a grill, is the height thing - you'll either be grilling at shin level or finding somewhere to raise it off the ground.

You do know some of your Weber is covered by a 10 year guarantee? Might be worth looking at what bits are tired & seeing if you can get some spares to renew it. Just a thought. Weber seem to have great customer service, so that would be my first port of call.

That way if you do buy a smoker, you have an excellent grill & a smoker.

[cattytown]

The biggest single problem is the one-touch cleaning bit, which seems to be only 2 years. I know I can get replacements for about £18, but you are using logic when have an excuse

I was more looking at the Barrel Vs bullet bit as well. The barrels, at least superficially, look to work better for grilling, I would be interested in how much that compromises smoking though.

Paul.

[cattytown]

I now have a 47cm WSM gracing the back garden. Fired it up to get a feel, and looking to try beer can chicken tomorrow.

Paul.

[KamadoSimon]

Cool - very tempted by a WSM myself.

Did you manage to get the Weber grill sorted too?

[cattytown]

The grill is sorted. I can now smoke a chicken, and grill a burger while waiting

[thebarbecuemaster]

go for the rocky mountain smoker if you remove the water pan and use the lower tray you can use it as a grill i love my 2 rocky mountain smokers/ i still have not seen a better quality smoker for the price,mine did not have a thermometer built in 12 years ago ,but today they all come with thermometers. if you see the video on the link you will see how easy it is to use. in fact i used to cook ribs without a thermometer and they would come out moist as long as i used the water pan,

http://www.thebarbecuemaster.net/weber-smoker.html