Dilemma -- Ditch the 26" Kettle for Hunsaker Drum? HELP!!!!!

[gcdmd]

OK. Here's the school solution: Get a bigger back yard. Problem solved.

[rwalters]

All you need to do is make an extension for you kettle and you can hang meat in it. Get a piece of ss sheet 2' to 3' wide, and 82" - 83" long. Wrap it inside the bottom of the kettle, put the lid on, and mark where the ends need to overlap. Drill a few hoes and either pop rivet it or use screws and nuts. Seal the overlap with food grade heat proof silicon. Drill some holes for the rods and you are ready to go. Be careful not to make it too tall because you will need a step stool to look inside.

The thought of rigging something up has definitely crossed my mind, but I doubt I’ll end up going in that direction.

[RonB]

All you need to do is make an extension for you kettle and you can hang meat in it. Get a piece of ss sheet 2' to 3' wide, and 82" - 83" long. Wrap it inside the bottom of the kettle, put the lid on, and mark where the ends need to overlap. Drill a few hoes and either pop rivet it or use screws and nuts. Seal the overlap with food grade heat proof silicon. Drill some holes for the rods and you are ready to go. Be careful not to make it too tall because you will need a step stool to look inside.

[Mr. Bones]

WHEW, LOL!!!!

Ya done scairt th Livin $#¡+ outta me, there, Brother!

Glad yer upright, an breathin, still, cuz googlin wasn't helpin me one dang bit, to find th number fer 911, in Huntington Beach!

Doin my "Happy Dance", now, while readyin DeeDee fer smokin off some BSCB's, to honour th arrival, (at LONG last), of Ä’ostre!!!!

[HouseHomey]

Mr. Bones Holy razors Bonesy! That was a close shave!

[HouseHomey]

YO ❤️ My Kettles. Capacity has always been an issue for many. If that’s in the criteria, the kettle is out.

Ultimatly It’s a tool like anything else and needs to useful or stored. I just don’t think theres a magic bullet here other than whatever makes your boat float.

[JimLinebarger]

There are only 2 deciding factors you are dealing with: 1) need a higher volume to cook more meats; 2) No room for an additional cooking device. You had your answer before you asked. There are benefits to having a kettle (I have kettle and PBC, also) but it doesn't meet those 2 factors. It hurts to see you have to make that decision, but as Huskee said, it is your decision. You have to meet your requirements.
That being said, while you are in the buying mood, I might have a list (absolutely do) and I could give you my addy...just a thought.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Obviously I don't own either of those, but the drums would take up slightly less room in the garage and be pretty easy to move I'd think? If so couldn't you just keep the drum somewhere else when not in use? Even a corner of the yard or whatever? One of my local friends has a heavily modded webber and a PBC. He prefers the PBC but smokes more than he grills.

[Huskee]

I think you have your answer then. Where do you live, I am half wanting to get another loaded 26er.

[Rod]

I definitely prefer my kettle over my PBC. I agree that it is much more versatile than my PBC. One thing to consider is that you can always add a fan mod to the kettle to make it even better and more efficient. One of my biggest issue with my PBC is dealing with probe wires. Trying to place them where you want and feeding them through the holes all while leaning over getting a snout full smoke. If charcoal is an occasional thing for you, then I vote for the kettle.

[rwalters]

You're not crazy for wanting to do what you want to do. I have both (not Hunsacker, but PBC) and I vastly prefer the kettle. I can't grill a mean steak/chop/burger on my PBC as well as the kettle. But if you can grill on your MAK and don't need your kettle, then hey, do it!

I’m not crazy? Apparently I have already killed one man on the inside

I will definitely agree w/ you that the kettle is the ultimate steak grilling machine… it does a phenomenal job! That said, I failed to mention that I also have a camp chef griddle that gets screaming hot and makes for a really good tag-team partner with my MAK pellet grill when it comes to steaks.

[Mr. Bones]

How old's yer younguns, then?

Ever reckon, one of em is gonna need a kettle, when they move out?

[Huskee]

Barrel smokers excel at capacity vs kettles for sure.

[rwalters]

It is only permissible if you sell it to me.

Personally I love the versatility of a kettle. I have a bunch of 22s, a 26, and a Ranch. I love that I can cook low and slow, hot and fast, sear steaks, slap a cast iron pan on there and cook stuff in there, etc. Hard to get the same versatility and ease of use with anything else.

But the real answer is keep the 26 and get the drum too.

And that is what is making this so dang hard… the versatility of the kettle is darn near impossible to beat! But I just cannot get these visions of hung meat out of my head... lol, along with all of the additional cooking real estate I would find myself with… which would be very nice when needed. I have a large family and we love to entertain.

[Huskee]

You're not crazy for wanting to do what you want to do. I have both (not Hunsacker, but PBC) and I vastly prefer the kettle. I can't grill a mean steak/chop/burger on my PBC as well as the kettle. But if you can grill on your MAK and don't need your kettle, then hey, do it!