Recommended vertical smoker for versatility & cold weather?

[jergles]

Hold the fort! Seeing mixed signals as to whether it’s recommended to burn wood in the PBC - I do really like running wood chunks on my charcoal most of the time. Would the Bronco or WSM suit my needs better if I plan to chuck wood chunks in with the charcoal?

[JimLinebarger]

Wood chunks as a smoke source is just fine. As a heat source using briquettes is the way to go. Of course, there are exceptions. After you use it for a while, the PBC gets seasoned with fats and such so you don't want to cook at too high a temp anyway. It will ignite. Learned from experience. I try to keep it below 400°F so that it will not combust the seasoning. It takes a long time for that to develop well and just like cast iron, it helps in the overall flavor. At least it does to me.

[jergles]

Thanks Jim! That’s what I do on the kettle and the flavor is good, glad to hear it transfers to the PBC! No plans to go over 400F on whatever smoker I pick since I kept the kettle.

[itsnotmyfault]

I've been running my PBC over the last 7 years with charcoal and wood chunks. Applewood is my preference. But that is me. I can say that the PBC has no problem with wood chunks

[texastweeter]

I can HIGHLY recommend this one. I love them. This or the BBQ Safe. Super insulated.

https://pitmaker.com/vault-smoker/

[jergles]

Man looks primo but it’s an order of magnitude out of my price range currently 😭

[Hulagn1971]

Love my WSM's. I have two 22's. Cooked 15 racks of ribs on one a week ago for a work function.

[realdocBBQ]

Do you hang them all the way? Like all the way to done? Assuming you must. How long to cook a full rack? No burnt or overly crispy portions on the lower end?

[jergles]

Looks great, is the hanging hardware aftermarket?

[Hulagn1971]

Hanging hardware is from Hunsaker. Mark Hunsaker is a pretty awesome dude. The ends getva little crispy but still delicious. No flipping.

[jergles]

Well folks. The PBX was $200 at my local Academy. My choice was made for me. Excited to share some cooks from it

[Clawbear57]

Welcome from Winston Salem,NC.. Good luck with the PBX.