Just curious -
Looking for a slightly lower consuming smoker. The CG I have - I love it, but it can be a heavy consumer of charcoal. And often times we just want to cook a few breasts, hot dogs, etc. I've read that the ceramics hold heat so much better, often filling a "large" sized grill (22in or so) will burn at 220 for 24 hours straight. Not that I need that, but I've read once you fill the bowl it's good for 2-3 uses, sometimes more, depending on what your cooking.
They're pricey. My father cooked with one since I was a little kid - and the ceramic lid is now cracked (I was looking for a brand/model) and noticed it. It's probably 12+ years in FL weather, uncovered. I am thinking of one, but treating it well while not in use, so maybe it can last me 20 years.
I found a 18.5 WSM locally, only used a handful of times for $150 - but I watched a few Youtube videos, and it looks like to get a nice fire - you need about 3-4lbs of charcoal. The videos I've seen comparing various ceramics, they use 1.6lbs for a "large" ceramic. They are also made in medium and small sizes too. I was thinking of a medium or small ceramic in addition to a SFB for my CG for when family/friends are over (not that frequent).
I'm slightly concerned about the amount of charcoal used, since the bowl seems quite large - we cook a lot but usually not 2+ racks of ribs, huge butts, etc. I cook for 3 people - one is a "light" eater.
Looking for a slightly lower consuming smoker. The CG I have - I love it, but it can be a heavy consumer of charcoal. And often times we just want to cook a few breasts, hot dogs, etc. I've read that the ceramics hold heat so much better, often filling a "large" sized grill (22in or so) will burn at 220 for 24 hours straight. Not that I need that, but I've read once you fill the bowl it's good for 2-3 uses, sometimes more, depending on what your cooking.
They're pricey. My father cooked with one since I was a little kid - and the ceramic lid is now cracked (I was looking for a brand/model) and noticed it. It's probably 12+ years in FL weather, uncovered. I am thinking of one, but treating it well while not in use, so maybe it can last me 20 years.
I found a 18.5 WSM locally, only used a handful of times for $150 - but I watched a few Youtube videos, and it looks like to get a nice fire - you need about 3-4lbs of charcoal. The videos I've seen comparing various ceramics, they use 1.6lbs for a "large" ceramic. They are also made in medium and small sizes too. I was thinking of a medium or small ceramic in addition to a SFB for my CG for when family/friends are over (not that frequent).
I'm slightly concerned about the amount of charcoal used, since the bowl seems quite large - we cook a lot but usually not 2+ racks of ribs, huge butts, etc. I cook for 3 people - one is a "light" eater.
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