Advice Requested

[John Henry]

Am seeking direction from the members of the Pit, please. Just learned today that I will have about $120 in credit at the local Home Depot tomorrow. Also learned from an associate there that he "thinks" that Weber charcoal grills will be on sale there soon--wouldn't bet my life on that, but we'll see.... So I'd be grateful for advice from the group as to: 1) Which Weber would you most recommend among the 22 models; or would you strongly push for the 26? Finally, I have a Large Egg and a PBC, both of which are awesome and part of the family; so am wondering if a Weber unit (either 22 or 26) would just be redundant. Am not out to throw money away but have always believed to buy wisely is the best investment, so am looking at best overall value. Obviously, if I buy the Weber, I would certainly be adding the SnS. One reason I am considering the Weber is that I have been doing lots of sous vide very successfully but when searing or finish-smoking those cooks, the Egg is great but lots of charcoal wasted after a fairly brief finishing treatment. Thanks and to all for considering this question.

[JeffJ]

Coupled with a large egg and a PBC?

No need for the 26.

The Kettle is a better vessel for everyday cooking - 2-zone grilling than either the egg or the PBC.

I would go with either the 1-touch 22 or the Performer 22 - depends on the value of the additional bells and whistles the performer has. The beauty of the 22 is that it's so ubiquitous that the mods and accessories that are specifically designed for it are numerous. Get the 22 and then add accessories over time. When added to what you already have your versatility is limitless and your overall capacity is massive.

[Huskee]

Totally concur with JeffJ.

You can cook a lot of food on the 22's indirect side with the SnS. By way of roasts or pork butts you can do 30-40lbs. You can fit a 15lb packer brisket. Flat, you can do 1-2 racks of ribs, more with rib racks or a second tier rack.

With your current cookers it's apparent you don't really need capacity but instead efficiency. With the SnS you can nearly instantly sear a mean steak with half-to-3/4 chimney of coals and snuff your coals out rather quickly and reuse them tomorrow. Not much coal life wasted heating up the whole unit.

The average price for the 22" Original Kettle Premium (highly recommended over the non-premium) is about $150 in whichever color they offer. That's without the table/cart which makes it the Performer. <--- I'm sure you already know that part though. A nice shiny new 22" kettle would cost you ~$30 out of pocket...not bad at all!

The only real advantage the 26" would offer you is more capacity should you want it, which with the SnS XL also mean more searing room.

We look forward to hearing your choice!

[fuzzydaddy]

I would go with the 22" Kettle, then add the Slow 'n Sear. I have a 26" and a 22" and only use the 26" when I'm cooking a LOT and don't want to fire up another grill, such as a large chicken cook.

[Mickeylou5]

I sold my BGE and got the 22 inch performer and have not looked back!

[David Parrish]

It really boils down to how much capacity you want when you're cooking on the Weber. The 22" and the 26" cook the same, the 26" just costs more and has more capacity.

[Danjohnston949]

_John_ Henry, I think you should take a look at the Weber Performer Deluxe with propane Ignitor and Table attached! I also have a Weber Performer the older style with a Ash Bucket and Sweep! I use the S 'n S and a BBQ Guru DigiQ-2 Temp Controller for Low and Slow cooks! I would love a 26" Kettle but I have a COS for larger cooks! Eat Well and Prosper! From Fargo ND, Dan

[fuzzydaddy]

I like the green color.

[w0nq]

Kettle w/S-N-S
Wouldn't even think twice about it

[Spinaker]

I'd take the money and buy a Milwaukee drill combo they have on sale right now. I think your getting into redundancy, But thats just my worthless $.02

[Danjohnston949]

Spinaker, I never was totally impressed with later Milwaukee Tools, Now the Dewalt Drill and Driver in 18 Volt
Is impressive! I haven't used the higher Volt Models! 👍👍😇👍👍. From Fargo, Dan

[Spinaker]

Yeah its an age old battle. I am partial to Milwaukee. Its just what we've always used. I really don't see a difference between Dewalt and Milwaukee.

[LA Pork Butt]

_John_ Henry I have a large BGE, a MiniMax and, a Weber Jumbo Joe. My son has a 26" Weber and SlowNSear which I have cooked on numerous times. I would use the Egg for roasting, baking and especially low and slow. I would use the Weber and a SlowNSear for grilling and reverse sear. Whether you get the 22" or 26" depends on how many will you routinely cook for and how much you are willing to spend. The 26" and SlowNSear is going to cost you about $450. If you go with the "22 I would get the Gold with the ash cup rather than the silver with the ash pan. It is easier to empty. The 22" will set you back $150 plus the SlowNSear which Imbelieve is $79 or $89. I hope this helps.

[CeramicChef]

_John_ Henry - given that you have a BGE and other equipment, what exactly will a Weber Kettle of any size allow you to do that you can't already accomplish with your existing equipment?

[John Henry]

Thank you to all for the thoughtful advice. CeramicChef your question reflects my own. The PBC is magnificent for chicken and ribs but not so much for grilling. The Egg is great for grilling and longer cooks. I was wondering if a Weber might offer a better way to sear and another option for longer cooking and wanted to see what the wise old warriors had to say. Thanks to all; what great responses (mostly.) Will definitely consult Spinaker when I plan to augment the ol' toolbox.

[CeramicChef]

Use your BGE as your grill. It's easy to do sears, reverse sears, and 2 zone is a trivial thing. Your BGE can do absolutely everything the Kettle can but the reverse isn't even close to true. Keep your money in your pocket. The kettle offers nothing you don't already have.

[Spinaker]

I agree with the @CeramicChef3