Should I add a Weber Kettle to the mix?

[mjrodney]

I currently own a Big Green Egg for low and slow barbeque, and I like it a lot for that purpose.

But it seems like overkill for a smoked meatloaf.

Spend my money for me.

Should I add a Weber Kettle grill to the inventory for things like smoked meatloaf?

 

[pitbull]

I have a Webber kettle and love it.
Its an extremely versatile tool.
Everything from smoking to plain ole' burgers.
You cant go wrong with Webber.

 

[sumosmoke]

My $$ would be spent towards a WSM (Weber Smokey Mountain) smoker. Those are very roomy inside and it's a true smoker (which is a compliment to the Egg that can do anything).

 

[BandCollector]

I have two Weber Kettles and use them all the time.............great invention..........you will not go wrong with one. Very versatile and great for those short smokes or grilling.

Good luck, John

 

[murman]

The Weber Kettle is the Leatherman tool of Manley Meat Cooking...

Having said that... I used my Weber to make a UDS and have not cooked on the Weber since. Not that I can't, if needed, I just have not.

 

[bill in mn]

I would say "yes " I think anytime you can add to your hobby / passion , Do.
Smoking meats and such is fun for the whole family.Some of my interests are done by myself,so it's nice to have something that's an "addition too" the family.Bill

 

[meateater]

I just use my UDS for everything now. I just use my water pan with coals and raise it up higher with my grill almost at the top. Very versatile they are.

 

[deltadude]

When you say the BGE is overkill what do you mean?
With both the BGE vs the Weber Kettle you will have to start charcoal.
With both the charcoal has to get hot, does the BGE take extra work here, to heat up the vessel?
From what I read the BGE can hold a fire longer with the original charcoal, vs the WK you have to keep adding charcoal. As I don't own a BGE I have no idea about how well the BGE uses fuel.
The BGE will maintain temp better due to the insulated Vessel, and tight seal.
Both have to be cleaned afterward including the grill and removal of the charcoal. I am not sure how the BGE works for this, the WK may be easier. I have the cheaper 22" and simply have a charcoal box, and turn my Kettle over and dump any remain coals there. If any charcoal is reusable I remove it first. Models of WK with the sweeper fins have big slits and you can easily use the sweeper fins to remove the remaining coals.

Is the issue size, do you have the smaller BGE and need a inexpensive way of cooking more meat?

I am a proud owner of the smokey joe and the 22" weber kettle, plus a weber genesis gas grill. So I would highly recommend these products. But my understanding is the BGE is like a huge jump in efficiency and features that basically does the exact same jobs the weber kettle can do?

 

[mjrodney]

The inconveinence is of my own making, I should add.

I keep the egg clean and ready to go at all times, just in case I wake up in the morning with an uncontrolled burning desire to smoke some meat for a long period of time. It happens often enough.

The Egg is stored in the garage where all is dry and comfy, and it requires me to roll it out to the designated cooking area with each use.

If I wasn't so focused on keeping the thing clean and dry, my desire for a quick and dirty tool, like the Kettle, would probably become a mute point.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[deltadude]

You live in Florida, so unless you are in windy or on the coast where the air has a bit of salt, why not just get a real nice cover for your BGE. You would have to get a cover for the Kettle if you want to keep your investment looking and working good.

 

[gravey]

I still don't understand that much money being put into something that can do the same things as a Kettle. Yes, the BGE may hold heat longer but how does that justify the amount spent? My kettle is bigger than any BGE I've seen, does the same things, and if I want to smoke something, I move to my smoker...IMHO.

 

[smokin-jim]

I have never cooked on the BGE. I have had my Weber Kettle for 20 years. It is very easy to use and clean and will do almost anything I need.

I also use a gas water smoker, and I have a gas Weber Genesis. I just have different tools for different jobs.

I think the Weber Smokey Mountain cooker would be an excellent choice also.

 

[the dude abides]

I concur with Laurel. I'd go with the WSM. I started smoking on my Weber Kettle and did do some decent stuff on it. But honestly, it's kind of a pain in the butt. They're harder to maintain since you can only use a small amount of fuel to maintain your temps. Which means you're constantly having to add small amounts of fuel. The WSM is really pretty easy to use and big enough to do more than you can in the BGE if you want.

The Kettle is a great piece of equipment and you can smoke on it if you're dedicated to the work it'll take. If you do go with a Kettle, make sure you get the bigger model with the flip up sides on the grate. That way you can still access your fuel. Or take a look at the Smokenator (sp) I've never used one but I hear good things from Kettle smokers.