Can’t decide between a Legacy and Roughneck

[Grits]

I had a Gourmet over two decades ago and really liked it. Now I am cooking on a Ranger 380. You can see from the graph that I chased my temperature almost all day. I pretty much stayed within my parameters but it was a pain. I believe the small firebox and cooking chamber make it hard to adjust.

I really like the idea of Roughneck being dedicated to smoking. The reviews are very good. I do a lot of smoke cooking. How well does the Roughnect hold temperature compared to the Gourmet? I know you can’t set um and
leave them; however, the ability to take a short break would be nice.

I can do everything with the .Gourmet for smoke cooking, grilling and the rotisserie. I would be leaving out the rotisserie if I buy the Roughneck but have a superior smoker.

Simplified, how does is the Gourmet stack up against the Roughneck when it comes to smoking meat?

Any thoughts?

GRITS

[Jerod Broussard]

Here is something:

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/charcoal-grills/hasty-bake/1636147-roughneck

[Uncle Bob]

I can't give you a comparison of the two models as I've only had the Roughneck. Once the initial heat up is accomplished I've had good results with maintaining stable temperatures. I've owned some OKJ Broncos so have plenty of experience with barrel cookers which the Roughneck is essentially. While the Roughneck lacks the adjustable fire height in crank form you have some flexibility with a second, lower rack and a spacious bottom compartment that will support elevating the fire basket if desired. There's enough distance from the hanging rack to the fire to do rib racks without too much over cooking of the bottom end. The square shape gives more grate space than your typical round barrel design. The lid and front door seal well so there is little to no air leakage to mess with the fire. All in all it's a nice performer.

[barelfly]

I think you need both! Why limit yourself

[Alan Brice]

+1 ;-)>

[au4stree]

This is solid advice tbh

[Grits]

Good point.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

If going with the roughneck I don't think I could recommend anything other than the stainless unit. It's a fantastic cooker but the coal basket is heavily rusting and will likely only last another year or two. The wheel setup leaves alot to be desired, my wheels rusted to the body and barely move even after a heavy dose of PB Blaster. I think the axel needs to be longer and a stainless washer or bearing needs to get the wheels further from the grill body. Temp wise, its amazing once you dial it in. Sleeping comfortably overnight knowing your temps will hold with a non-pellet grill is pretty impressive. Maybe if I used it more regularly some of the rusting issues wouldn't be a problem.

[Grits]

What kind of grill matts do y’all use? The on I am currently is a little thin. It is good for catching a hot coal but little insulating.

How hot does the bottom get. It will go on a wooden deck. I don’ want a house fire. Is it a concern.

Thank y’all for great information.

Grits

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

I'll have to wait til I get home, but I had a thin one that warped and now I have a thick one recommended on here, its nice but good luck getting it flat.

[Uncle Bob]

I slide an automotive drip pan under it, something like this, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCJ8PVFH...hlbWF0aWM&th=1 If you look around you can find them cheaper locally.

[Duanessmokedmeats]

Get either a large patio block, or several smaller ones to put underneath it.
I used a large one for of my Pit Barrels (PBC), then 4 smaller ones for the other one (PBX). Now I have a 12X13 cement patio for my smokers.

[Grits]

Where will I find what is recommended here?

[STEbbq]

https://amazingribs.com/grill-and-smoker-search/

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Grits this one, I could never get it to lay 100% flat but it's significantly better than the previous thinner mat I had. My Roughneck is on a wood deck and if you let it rip it WILL get super hot. Since you will only be smoking you can keep it below 300F easy and just choke out the fire when done cooking and never worry about cranking it to max. Mister Buddy Mats Review And Rating - Meathead's AmazingRibs.com

[Grits]

Hello everyone. I hope this finds everyone well.

My Hasty Bake Gourmet arrived late this afternoon. There are many improvements from the on I bought in 2000. Tomorrow calls for a burn-in. I will find something to cook. It is a little chilly for outdoor cooking; however, tomorrow I will bundle up and cook something anyway.

Grits

[ecowper]

Michael_in_TX that lid is so cool. I wanted to replace my current Gourmet lid with that one, but no can do without a bunch of mods that I don’t want to do. The door and vents are a huge upgrade, too

[Grits]

The front shelf folds down which is another improvement. To say the least, am already liking it.

[ecowper]

Grits oh man, that would be cool to have a front shelf fold down.