Will a SnS help me learn?

[jfmorris]

I think the direct answer to your question is "No. The SNS will not help you learn.". By that, I mean that the general techniques are the same with or without a SNS. Without the SNS I would do the snake method for low and slow, with a water/drip pan under the meat. Or use my two Weber charcoal baskets to bank the coals. The SNS just makes it easier and more convenient, but does not change the basic process at all.

[mikey]

Makes sense

[mikey]

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice

[EdF]

Sounds like the "ayes" have it!

[JeffJ]

I don't think going more primitive will accelerate your learning any faster than going with a SnS right away. You are still managing a fire and most grilling consists of indirect cooking with a quick direct cook at the end to sear, so either way you go you are setting up the grill in the same manner - coals off to one side and food off to the other. I'd get it right away.

[mikey]

That's exactly what I took from everyone's advice. Well said.

[RustyHaines]

First, welcome to The Pit. You have come to the right place for learning.

I went from bricks, to charcoal baskets, to Smokenator, to SNS in my kettles. My belief is you will get a SNS eventually so might as well get it now. They all help you "learn" but frankly they all do the same thing: indirect heat. It is just that managing heat control may be different among the methods.

[Hulagn1971]

Get one.

[Attjack]

If you get one just make the effort to learn the other techniques. I think you're right that you should know how to use a charcoal BBQ with or without it. I have one for my 26" Weber, but not for my other 4 kettles.

[mikey]

Hmm, never thought of that. If I get other grills or smokers down the road, I'll have the opportunity (or challenge, or whatever) to cook without a SnS.

[Mudkat]

"If?" No, no. When. 😁

[Fire Art]

It’s a must have

[Attjack]

If you get one just make the effort to learn the other techniques. I think you're right that you should know how to use a charcoal BBQ with or without it. I have one for my 26" Weber, but not for my other 4 kettles.

"Hmm, never thought of that. If I get other grills or smokers down the road, I'll have the opportunity (or challenge, or whatever) to cook without a SnS"


Sure, or you can just take it out depending on what you're doing. For instance I tried using my SnS for yakitori, and it worked. But then I did it without the SnS and it worked better. Other times I use my Arteflame insert, or my homemade "poortex" accessory. They're all tools including the kettle itself. Sometimes I even BBQ with nothing but fire and fuel.

[Mudkat]

Yum!

[fzxdoc]

Great set of photos. A tribute to your inventiveness, Attjack . Thanks for posting them.

[Mr. Bones]

Great Shots, all, Brother!

[Livermoron]

Grab the SnS. Then study the website and youtube videos. It adds incredible flexibility to your kettle.

[fzxdoc]

If you had fun with your kettle before, you'll have even more fun with the SnS. Sure you can live without it, but if you don't have to, then don't. It's a great product.

Kathryn

[Baltassar]

I would get one, for sure. Focus your creativity on the food. Plus, there will still be plenty to learn. The SnS is a tool, after all. It will reward skill.

[jecucolo]

SnS makes smoking easier. Don't you have enough headaches. Buy it.

[Greasy]

You need to get a good set of thermometers to tell you what is going on inside your cooker no matter what you do. That being said , get an SNS and leapfrog alot of heartache and pain.

[HouseHomey]

Wheels were square at one time and we started cars with a hand crank too. That worked just fine at the time. Wanna do it now?

Buy the SnS and don't die a hero. No one cares how you did it and they only want to eat good food. Yes it's just one tool but so is a drill motor.

No rules here, whatever makes your boat float.