Seems like Broncos are always on sale somewhere. I don’t know how widespread Blain’s Farm & Fleet is, but they have them for $349.99. Unfortunately the price is only for in-store pick up.
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I got my PBC 4 years ago, and love it. It is a "dumb" tool, and I mean that in the best possible way. As long as you control the heat, it does what you need it to do. Pilot error is really the only way to screw it up.
Read the "sticky" posts above for great tips, especially the tip on heat control. Even with the damper closed of the way, I couldn't get mine down to 225, but the solution is so easy - stuff some foil in the holes for the hanging rods.
One bad thing about the PBC, it doesn't do everything. I still have a Weber kettle and I got a small pellet smoker for Christmas, but the PBC is my go to for large cooks - 2 turkeys for Thanksgiving, racks of ribs, pork shoulder, etc.
As for wood, go easy when you start. You'll get a lot of flavor from the meat dripping on the hot coals and you'll lose that with too much wood.
As to your original question about accessories, get the bundle that has the ash pan, gloves, chimney starter and hinged grate. The ash pan really makes life easier and the chimney starter is a shorter than the standard Weber.Comment
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I'm sorry and it's probably just me but I really don't want to have to 'bush fix' my brand new smoker. I'm funny that way. I don't mind a little assembly work up front, but running around for a paper clip to make my brand new smoker work is not my idea of a wise purchase. I tend towards being anal about my new toys. I take my time, analyze the data and make a purchase. Then I keep it...forever (or hate it and liquidate it).
While it's really not a big deal, little things like that keep me up. -
I also wanted you too know I do appreciate your input. I like the idea of buying accessories in a package.
I actually do have a chimney. I couldn't tell you much about it other than it's old and I think I got it at home depot.
As far as wood, I had 3 huge shag bark hickory's in my yard...what's left is stacked in the back yard now. I sold one. Nice trees but every season they had something new to drop on me.
Thank you again
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Allon - the "bush fix" is only for people that 'demand' the PBC run at specific temps which frankly defeats one of the main benefits of the PBC.
I have never plugged a hole and don't plan to as trying to cook at 225 means nothing to me. I run mine two ways:
- regular for most cooks
- 1 rebar out for chicken halves/wings which runs it at a higher temp to help with the crispy skin
For either approach I don't have a target temp and half the time I don't even check the running temp.
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So... do you JUST want a smoker or something that can do grilling etc too? A kettle is very versatile (and I'd get the SNS version here https://snsgrills.com/collections/kettle-grills but they're all on backorder).
The pluses of a kettle is that they're inexpensive, produce good smoked food and there are tons of accessories so you can add capabilities as you want. Want rotisserie chicken? You can do that. Wings are your thing? Get a Vortex. Etc...
The main limitation is the capacity. You can smoke a couple of pork butts (maybe 3, depending on size and shape. A brisket but not 2 or more. 2-3 racks of ribs (with rib racks) but not, say, 6. If you can deal with that, I'd add a kettle to the shortlist.Comment
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Just a smoker for now. My grill is old but the charcoal side still works but not for smoking.
I am currently looking at pre-owned kettles and smokers but more and more I'm thinking old school. Buy new and keep it forever.
I really like the spinning grate on the SnS, it's very cool. Size is an issue. It appears to be a solid unit. It doesn't look like anyone is getting a new one, they sold out. A very good indicator.
Thanks for the link and information.
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Allon
I think you cant go wrong with either the PBC or the Bronco. Until I joined this club, I had no idea that the bronco was even a thing. When I was looking for a supplement to my kettle, the PBC and WSM were where my focus was. I was leaning more toward the PBC because it seemed it would perform better in cold weather (it does great).
ultimately, the decision was made for me when I found a great deal on a gently used PBC with all the accessories included.
I love my PBC, but if I'm looking to purchase in the future, I might lean toward getting a Bronco..Comment
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Thank you for your input. I am slowly coming to the same conclusion. Without actually even seeing any of the units in question (except a kettle) in person, I almost never buy anything over say $100 without actually touching it. It's like buying a new car without ever driving it.
I digress. Thank you again.
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This has been mentioned and I don’t know about your mobility, but any barrel requires a fair amount of leaning over and reaching in. If that could be a concern I’d go with the larger 26†Weber kettle since it has capacity closer to a barrel than the 22 Weber.
Otherwise a barrel is a fantastic option. It may have been mentioned but the PBC likes to smoke at 275-280F. Getting it to run lower requires some work. I got mine to run at 225 for 24 hours+ With a thermostatic controller.
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I agree, I really would look hard at a 26" kettle. I have several cookers and the 26" kettle gets 80-85% of the work, even small cooks. I've actually smoked 7 racks of ribs on mine using the coil method.
Cleaning the PBC isn't as easy if you don't have the ash catcher attachment, then reaching in to pull out the basket and finding somewhere to dump the ash is a little pain.
Don't get me wrong, I like my PBC but it's not near as versatile as the kettle IMO.
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I'd lean Bronco for the reasons others have stated.
One thing I'd keep in mind is that you will need to access the coals regularly. For the PBC and Bronco, the coals at basically at ground level, so you will need to lift out the basket for cleaning. The Webers’ have the coals at a higher level and the SNS is maybe an inch or two higher. You'd need to crouch to run the ash sweeper and remove the collected ash.
The Akorn is another option that offers outstanding cold weather performance if you smoke in the winter and due to its tight seals is highly controllable and charcoal efficient. Used Akorns in very good condition are easily available for about $175-$225 with accessories. Cleaning is as easy as removing the ash bucket and dumping it.
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I will give a shout out the Akorn. I have had two, one finally rusted out after almost 10yrs after being almost beat to death with softball size hail, and the other we use to cook fish on. Of the amazing large number of absolutes I maintain, no fish on my cookers except for the cooker specifically designated for fish. The Akorn is tough (survived softball size hail), holds heat amazingly, and easy to use for both smoking and grilling. The only downside I ever had is the volume of cook space.
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Asking these guys for opinions is entertaining. Let me join the party. I almost got a PBC at one point but ended up with the Bronco. I like the ease of use and the temp control. But it is a heavy beast. Wheels or not, I am not moving it.
I also have a kettle with a SNS and a vortex. But since i got the bronco i don't use it as often.
If you can go somewhere and take a look at each, I think your decision would become pretty clear. The local Ace carries the PBC.Last edited by klflowers; July 14, 2022, 07:40 AM.Comment
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FWIW, here's a link to what appears to be a pretty decent comparison of the PBC and Bronco.
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Panhead John - Built like a frikking T-34-85 or an M-1 Abrams?
... ecowper will know what I'm talkin' about ...
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Ok. A couple of thoughts after reading through the responses, and the review MBMorgan shared...
1. I'm a bit surprised that PBC has not come up with something like the bronco has to raise the charcoal basket to make grilling a more realistic option.
2. Does anyone have an idea of a comparison on how much fuel each one consumes? Likely pretty similar, but maybe not. Might be worth considering. I only ask because I know a few guys that have downsized their cookers because the larger version was a fuel hog...
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I've yet to run out fuel in my PBC either, although I've not done a 12 hour cook either.
I think the accessing the charcoal basket was just a general comment about access anytime, not just mid cook. I believe Allon mentioned he may have some physical limitations, so needing to reach down into a barrel is something he may need to consider.. -
As Finster said. "I've yet to run out fuel in my PBC either, although I've not done a 12 hour cook either." He hasn't done a 12 hour cook because he doesn't need to.
The PBC, yes, runs a little hotter than some other cookers. But that is what makes it what it is. No fan needed. just light the fire and let it go.
Ok, 225*. The perfect low n slow temp. What!?! Who cares? If your product comes out the way you like it in less than 10 hours guess what? You WIN!
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I love my PBC, and I love hanging meat in the PBC. As others have said, it's simple.
I have had a rack of ribs and pork shoulder fall off the hooks because I let them hang too long. So it's not a total set and forget 🤣
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Panhead John , I haven’t, but that’s an interesting thought. I might try that just because! -
For hanging ribs, I’ll drop down to the third bone for my first hook, then attach a second hook to it, usually 2 bones further down. Guaranteed not to drop.
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I've had my PBC for about 7 years and I absolutely love it. I just did a 9 rack of ribs cook on the 4th for family. I'm anal about temperature control and after 2-3 years I purchased a fan system through BBQ Gurus that attaches at the bottom vent with an adapter and runs a temperature probe into the barrel through one of the rod ports. I dial it it at 270 and let her run. I got great results without it. Happy hunting, whatever you decide will make you great food.Comment
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Got several PBC's in the family. Easy to use. Great for ribs and chicken. I have another smoker I use for long cooks since I don't wrap briskets or shoulders. Always fun to add new toys!Comment
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Just did 6 racks of baby back ribs on the PBC. I love that thing. Especially the small footprint and portability. I get that the OKJ Bronco may have some advancements, but I can't see replacing my PBC with it (plus I got the USCG badge attached to it...).Comment
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