Seriously considering getting this

[Richard Chrz]

So, I’m in need of a larger cooker for an event that I host where we feed and throw a big run/walk event 6 & 24 hours. But we feed about 300 people roughly 7 meals over the span of time with a focus on a big cookout in the end, taco bars, burgers etc in the past.

We are rolling out the burgers again this year, and I would rather have a large cooker, than bringing down 3 smaller kettles. The fact you can do a whole hog, seems like a plus but certainly not the initial want. My thoughts were to also rent out the use of it for other people, organizations, block parties etc, for like 100 a weekend (not me cooking). I may not have any takers.. who knows.

any feed back on this style, or even better this specific smoker as a buyer beware, would be excellent.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/backyard-pro-554smokr60kd-60-charcoal-wood-smoker-grill-with-adjustable-grates-and-dome/554SMOKR60KD.html

[ofelles]

I can see the attraction to this unit. The size will fit your purpose well and the price is very reasonable. And at that price I would be willing to rent it out.
For myself though I still would go with a LSG Santa Maria. Heavier construction,16ga is 1/16" were as 10ga is 1/8". More adjustment in cooking levels. The Klose grill I had was 3 levels of adjustment and I often wished I had more. The 60" LSG model is about 2X as much and you know you will get some options, so more $ still. But then I am not thinking of lending/renting out my cookers either.
Maybe Troutman can let us know more about his new P&S cooker that is very similar and if they can make it in the size you want.

[Richard Chrz]

Absolutely I would prefer an LSG unit.

This is not really purchasing for self needed grills, or even wanted. If I were to go out and buy something that “I” wanted, this would not be of interest, beyond the 1 whole hog cook a year. But I’m not spending 1,000 for that. My non profit really needs the availability to something like this, but I would buy it and borrow it to our event.

My thoughts are, if we are needing this, who else is, and what else in cookers are needed, and can I provide it?

[RonB]

I looked at the photo and my first thought was yur gonna need bigger wheels if it's not going to be on a finished surface of some type.

[Richard Chrz]

A concern of mine as well. And maybe over time I can have someone install larger ones.?

[RonB]

Richard Chrz - that would work, but it would raise the whole cooker up a bit.

[Troutman]

The P&S unit (the one I purchased plus the larger model) are $3k plus, as is the equivalent LSG cooker. I think for occasional use the unit you are showing may better suit your needs. Maybe others have better suggestions.

[STEbbq]

So Meadow Creek seems closest in design.

https://www.meadowcreekbbq.com/catalog/pig-roasters/

What I would do is read some reviews of their cookers in a similar design and consider how they have built theirs and if they have must-have features etc. While Meadow Creek may be out of your budget, you might be able to identify some pros and cons of the Backyard Pro design and make adjustments (extra accessories etc.) so it will perform to your standards while still saving a few bucks.

[Donw]

My first thought was Meadow Creek too but it is more expensive. If Richard did get into the rental area heavy later I think the Meadow Creek would be perfect for his next cooker. Heck, might as well go with the trailer model then.🙂

[Angryfish]

My antenna went up when I watched the video and read the description.
I have not seen this unit but my experience tells me you will get 2-3 years before it rusts out. Powder coat on the outside won’t stop rust on the inside.
I could be wrong but for that price I want something to last.
just my thoughts.
How about the Weber Ramch?

https://www.bbqguys.com/weber/ranch-kettle-37-inch-charcoal-bbq-grill

[Purc]

https://youtu.be/B4SGrwhDOys

Baby Back Maniac of YouTube compares the Weber Ranch Kettle with the 22- and 26-inch Kettle. The Ranch is HUGE compared to the normal kettles. It is worth a watch to see how big it really is. He puts a 22 inch grate on the 36 inch grate of the Ranch as one comparison.

[MBMorgan]

I have to agree that the Weber Ranch Kettle looks like a potentially better choice. Same size, more durable, possibly more portable (?), and it's a Weber. The only issue might be the level of lifting difficulty that the giant lid might present ... perhaps there's an aftermarket hinge option?

[Panhead John]

I’m used to the lid on my 22” kettle and on one occasion I cooked on a 26” Weber. I was surprised at just how much heavier the lid on the 26” was than mine. I can only imagine how heavy the Ranch lid must be.

[Steve R.]

You don't actually have to pick up the lid of the Ranch during normal operation, though. I would lift mine and set it flat on the driveway to conserve heat during low and slow cooks, but that's about it. It just tilts back almost 90 degrees, hence the front handle. The bigger issue is the cooking grate, which is pretty heavy and awkward to move around.

[DavidNorcross]

I am not going to weigh in on what you should get. But I will say get a new cooker!

[ofelles]

You belong here!!

[CaptainMike]

You da man!!

[hoovarmin]

This is a well reasoned and thoughtful comment. Do it RC!

[Uncle Bob]

I agree with Angryfish that it's probably light on durability, especially for lending and/or rentals......................nobody takes care of someone else's stuff like they would if they were paying for it. And don't forget shipping cost; I ran this one for my area, residential with a lift gate, almost $300.

[tenphases]

The reviews were pretty harsh the one I'm attacking said the wheels warped in hot weather and snapped going across a smooth surface. Might not be the way to go but I do wish you luck in whatever you choose.

[tenphases]

I've seen this one in action (crown verity). It looked well made and could cook a ton of food hot and fast. It's in the same ballpark price-wise. It is, however, just a grill, no whole hog. It's not really 1200 once you put it in the cart the price goes down to 980.