[loopy]

I have a birthday coming up in a few days and have been given the greenlight to get a new bbq pit.  I have a nice smoker, a larger old style new braunfels hondo style.  I also have a decent propane grill, a clamshell weber model that I really like.  For charcoal grill, I have been using "recycled" grills for a few years.  Like old propane grills converted to charcoal.   

I am ready for a new grill.  I am a bit intrigued by the green egg, but dont like the price tag.  200 bizillion happy customers of the weber cannot be too wrong.  I also like the concept of the UDS - ugly barrel style.  I am also leaning towards a pretty weber like the performer with the built in table.  (they have it at my local ace hardware). 

In short.  after 35 years of a lifetime of bbq, I dont know what grill I want next.  Does anyone have any thoughts - good or bad about grills?  I don't need a smoker, wont be doing brisket or ribs or pork shoulders on it - I am covered there.  I just want a decent nice temp grill to use charcoal and mesquite/oak on when the dinner requires so.  What works for you guys and what would you suggest I seriously consider? 

[Joe Sr.]

I grill on a Weber kettle grill.  Always have.

You can use it as a smoker if you must, though it's not ideal.

I've cooked everything on this thing and the one in the yard is 15+ years old.

[euge]

I have a Weber as well. It works good for grilling and BBQ. Smoking can be accomplished also. I think it can accommodate a open ended drum (resting on top) and convert to a proper smoker like a UDS.

[boulderbrewer]

Menards, if you got one close, have a egg like grill for $299.

[bo]

Build your own. Cheaper and better.

[tschmidlin]

If you are any where near Seattle, I'll help you put together a UDS.  It ridiculously easy, but I'll be helping a friend of mine do his soon I think, so one more is no big deal.

That said, if you don't want it for smoking I think just about anything out there will work fine as a charcoal grill.  I think it would just depend on how big you want it to be, but a drum certainly works well if you want a big one.

[bluesman]

The Weber Kettle is very versatile and the right price. I use it more than any of my other BBQ equipment. You can grill, hot smoke, cold smoke or use it as a hand warmer. It's easy to clean and is has a very even heating gradient. I highly recommend it. 

[majorvices]

The Weber Kettle is very versatile and the right price. I use it more than any of my other BBQ equipment. You can grill, hot smoke, cold smoke or use it as a hand warmer. It's easy to clean and is has a very even heating gradient. I highly recommend it. 

hmmmmm .... I've been meaning to get a new hand warmer. 

[Slowbrew]

I have 2 Weber Kettles.  An 18" one and a 27" (I think) that work great.  I've used a lot of cheap or at least lower end grills and would not buy any of them over the Weber.  It's consistent and dependable.  For me at least.

Paul

*** Edited because I forgot a word.

[Joe Sr.]

The Weber Kettle is very versatile and the right price. I use it more than any of my other BBQ equipment. You can grill, hot smoke, cold smoke or use it as a hand warmer. It's easy to clean and is has a very even heating gradient. I highly recommend it. 

Ron - tell me more about cold smoking on a Weber.

Hot smoking and grilling I have under control.

[bluesman]

The Weber Kettle is very versatile and the right price. I use it more than any of my other BBQ equipment. You can grill, hot smoke, cold smoke or use it as a hand warmer. It's easy to clean and is has a very even heating gradient. I highly recommend it. 

Ron - tell me more about cold smoking on a Weber.

Hot smoking and grilling I have under control.

It can be done a few different ways. The cheapest and easiest way is using a cold smoke generator.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7j11-buJ8E

...or if you are really serious, you may want to go this route.

http://webercam.com/2007/08/cold-smoking-weber-mod-v-20.html

[Joe Sr.]

Any ideas on where to find something like that Thunderbelly?

That's exactly the sort of contraption that would make my Weber even more awesome.

[bluesman]

Any ideas on where to find something like that Thunderbelly?

That's exactly the sort of contraption that would make my Weber even more awesome.

Good question...their site is down right now. If you know of a local Sheet Metal shop, I'm sure they could fabricate one for nominal fee. I would recommend doing some searches on Thunderbelly.

[tschmidlin]

I have the proq and like it quite a bit.  You can get a similar one called the a-maze-n smoker.

http://www.macsbbq.co.uk/Order%20USA.html
http://www.amazenproducts.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=12

I've ordered dust from amazen and it works well in the proq.

[hamiltont]

Just can't beat a Weber for grillin'.  I have a 18.5" OTS & a Smokey Joe, but if there were a few extra funds there would be a 22.5" OTG for sure!  Cheers!!!