Trouble Deciding Between PBC and PBJ

[chimbleysweep]

Looks like the full-size would be the best choice. Thanks everyone!

[Polarbear777]

Fuel is cheap. Unless you are lugging it around, I wouldn’t give up the extra capacity.

Also the tighter the food fit the slower things will cook because of restricted airflow if you start to push the limits.

[phoccer]

You don't have to run a full load of charcoal on the PBC to do shorter cooks. There's a guide in here somewhere on how to load it up it's pretty basic to figure out. A full basket of KBB runs around 8 hours. Any cooks you know are less than 4 hours, run a half basket. You can slice and dice it up more but I either run a full basket or a half basket. When I do steaks or anything quick(chicken, salmon, burgers, etc) I run a half basket.
As for PBJ or PBC, I've seen the company loading a PBC with 12 racks of ribs in an Instagram post. I'm guessing you could probably run 8 to 10 on a PBJ. Portability is definitely a key for the PBJ as it runs 20lbs lighter if I remember correctly. If portability is the biggest issue for you, go PBJ. If it isn't, go PBC.

[JeffJ]

Very true. I've done plenty of shorter cooks with less than a full basket - worked out well.

[fillirican]

I have the PBJ and absolutely love it but I only cook for 2 people. A full size PBC, I believe, would better suit your needs and be more versatile. In regard to wasting fuel, I do not completely fill up the charcoal basket most of the time, but still use the recommended amount in the chimney to start.

[phoccer]

Exactly what I do.

[Livermoron]

Go for the full size. At some point, you'll find you need it. And you're not giving up much patio space...

[Citizenoftheworld]

Get the PBC for all the great reasons you read here. I do two turkeys at a time at Thanksgiving. Two chickens and three racks and your squeezed even in the PBC.