Mj2k wrote:Do the ceramics not get black & gungy like the WSM, seems weird to me that the pristine ceramics would get coated with smoker 'gunk'?
They go black inside, but it's more of a soot lining than a greasy build up. A lot of ceramics sell themselves as self cleaning, meaning when you're done with your low and slow cook, pull out the heat deflector and leave it to burn at 450f+ for a while and it'll stay clean inside.
GingerBen wrote:also check the warranty on the ceramics and other parts. Should get lifetime on ceramics with a good brand.
The type of smoker Jonewer is talking about isn't ceramic. It's metal claded around a thin layer of insulation to act like a ceramic, but from what i've heard on other sites, they leak air around the bottom and aren't the best. Personally i'd buy something else.