Can anyone talk me out of buying a PBC?

[IowaGirl]

No, I can't talk you out of a PBC, because I am having trouble talking myself out of getting one. So there!

[HouseHomey]

Well you have a kettle so that leaves me out.

[TBoneJack]

The PBC is the first cooker I would recommend to anyone who is:

- New to smoking
- Not a control freak (as in temperature)
- Just wants great smoked food as easily as possible
- Demands easy setup and cleanup

BTW, I'm a control freak and love my PBC, but I monitor temps closely.

If you wanted maximum versatility or were entertaining the idea of competitive cooking, I would recommend the Weber WSM hands down. IMO, the PBC can't compete with the WSM in those areas.

Be aware, the PBC has only one grate level, and it's rather limited in size. That comes into play when cooking chicken wings, and chicken parts in general for me. But you have a Kettle for those things.

I have 2 WSMs and a PBC, and love them equally. But the PBC is my go-to backyard smoker.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I could have sworn I've seen pics of my friends cooks as well as others on here who have a second grate level. Maybe it's an aftermarket item or mod? Or I was drinking

[Polarbear777]

I added another grate level to mine with some steel wire. Works grate.

[cgrover60]

What fzxdoc (the PBC whisperer) said. Your Weber kettle with the SNS if you don't have one and the PBC is a very capable combo you just can't go wrong with. The neat thing about the PBC I get a kick out of is caveman cooking. That meat hanging over fire and dripping awesome goodness creates a unique flavor profile that can't be beat.

[JeffJ]

Nope.

[Rfhd69]

The PBC is an amazing cooker! I bought one years ago for ribs, chicken and Tri tip. I do brisket and pork shoulder on different smokers but I’m told the PBC can handle it. Can’t go wrong for the price. Wind can be an issue so I’m not sure what options you have being that high up. Hopefully it’s not windy all the time. Smoked meatballs on the rack are pretty amazing. You’re gonna love it!

[jerrybell]

Ok here goes - I'll try to talk you out of it. You're gonna hate it. What do you need with another cooker? You can't be serious about this as a hobby.

How's it working?

[treesmacker]

Why would we? Why should we?

[hogdog6]

Ok, here goes. I'll do my best to talk you out of it.
Hmmmm..............................
That's all I got. Enjoy your new PBC!

[Dadof3Illinois]

I’ve only had mine a short time and after 10 or so cooks I’m learning how to monitor temperature ranges instead of the actual PBC temperature.

[xaugievike]

post pictures when it arrives!

[bradjo222]

I recently had the great opportunity to help judge the Kansas State BBQ Championship held in Osage City, KS. There were 104 teams from 10 different states. I literally saw dozens of PBC's from a company called Gateway. Some teams had 4 of 'em. I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but they are very popular on the competition circuit. They cook fast, not slow. It's a different cooking technique to learn from the 225 for 8 to 12 hours of low & slow.

[reallyalexsc]

post pictures when it arrives!

Just coming up to temperature now...

[fzxdoc]

You got it! Congrats, reallyalexsc . What are you smoking in it today?

Kathryn

[reallyalexsc]

A little brisket, and a big slab of belly ribs.

[JeffJ]

I think the most under-rated aspect of the PBC is its primitive look. It works so well because it was meticulously engineered, even though it doesn't look like it.

[FishTalesNC]

The Form. The Function. The Food. All Fabulous!