ProQ - Excel vs Frontier - UPDATE: Got a WSM!

[PeteW]

Afternoon all,

I'm thinking of upgrading my Brinkmann to a ProQ and am trying to decide between an Excel and a Frontier.

Is there much difference between the two, or is it just a matter of capacity? At £190 for a 43cm diameter v £280 for a 50cm diameter, the Frontier looks to be better value - plus if you need extra capacity, the stackers are a pretty cheap option.

Are there any other key differences I should be aware of?

Cheers

Pete

[Catsup and Mustard]

Hi Pete

I was of the understanding that the Frontier is made from thinner material, which could effect temp controls and fuel usage etc.

Philip

[PeteW]

Thanks Philip. That's an interesting point, I'd thought about fuel consumption and thought that as the Frontier has a lower volume of air to heat it might burn less fuel - perhaps the opposite is true then..!

[slatts]

Hi

Ive got a frontier and have no experience with the excel but how many are you looking at having round for bbq's?

I normally have 8 of us here for a bbq and 7 kids and a I do a decent sized pork shoulder over night then stick 4 racks of ribs on and a fattie, the wife will do some chicken and pizzas in the oven and might make me do some burgers and sausages on the gas bbq, always some left overs, burgers and sausages

My frontier seems to be of good build and temps hold well, had the odd night of irregular temps but had no breeze, lit coals wasn't really spreading to unlit coals.

hope that helps a bit

[keith157]

I have the Excel, but from what I've read on here and elsewhere the main difference (other than capacity) is that the Excel is more temperature stable than the Frontier. It is also thicker metal than the Frontier, I don't know how much difference that makes in the long run if both are looked after they should last a very long time.

[Swindon_Ed]

There is quite a bit of difference between the two. Overall build quality of the Excel is much higher. the cooking grates on the frontier look like they're made from recycled hamster cages.

[keith157]

......................... the cooking grates on the frontier look like they're made from recycled hamster cages.

[PeteW]

Thanks all, looks like the more expensive one is the one to go for - I should have guessed that really!

[YetiDave]

I had the same dilemma before I shelled out for the Excel. Having seen the Frontier at Grillstock I'm glad I spent the extra cash, the size difference is considerable. Having said that I'm sure the Frontier is still a mighty fine cooker!

[slatts]

now your all making my frontier feel inferior

I do plan on upgrading next year but for what I do at the moment the frontier is great for me.

Wsm or excel next I think unless the lottery gods look down on me and give me my millions