Do I Really need an SnS?

[JoeSousa]

I rarely fire up my kettle without the SNS. I like it for low and slow but I use it most for reverse searing steaks and tri-tips. Is it necessary? No but it does make everything a bit easier. It is a very useful tool for many different types of cooks.

[Alabama Smoke]

It's probly safe to say that I own more than one Weber kettle, an I have found th SnS to be an invaluable game changer...

True, with enough work, an constant fussin, mebbe I can do th same things without it, but havin it significantly reduces alla that nonsense...

I have three SnS 1.0's fer my 22.5's, one SnS XL fer my 26.75, an a ABC Slow ‘N Sear® Charcoal Basket fer my 18.5 kettle, an Jumbo Joe...

Each of these was purchased with my hard-earned money, not given in sponsorship, etc.

So, in my experience, either they work really well, or I'm jus a v e r y s l o w l e a r n e r ...yer call, there!

Like HawkerXP stated, above, I still use th baskets, under certain circumstances. I also have a Vortex, which I love, an use often.

Jus different tools, in th toolbox...

In additional answer to yer query, yes, th water reservoir makes a difference, it provides sufficient thermal mass to help protect th foods I'm cookin, an, of course, provides moisture to th cookin chamber...

Again, I would have to rotate/flip/re-arrange much more often, without it to prevent uneven cookin...

Please, feel free to contact me, if ya have any further questions that I might be able to assist with...

While I use a PBC for larger cooks, I use a Weber Jumbo Joe, 18" most often, when cooking for me and my wife. It appears the SnS does not fit the 18" kettle, but that the Basket @ $39.95 does fit. The basket does not have an integrated water pan it appears. I usually just dump my coals on one side and put the meat on the other side, with a drip pan under the meat and a water pan directly over the meat and usually get good results. I am wondering if adding the basket will substantially assist me with better cooks??? I usually have no problem maintaining temps between 235 and 255. What are your thoughts please?? Tom

[RonB]

If it works for you, there is no problem.

[Alabama Smoke]

While it does work for me, I am wondering if a $40 investment is likely to give me a better meal. If so in what ways. Just trying to see if I am missing something. It appears the SNS might be a better product than the basket??

[jfmorris]

I think the basket for the 18” grills will still help with managing the charcoal, and I would out a water/drip pan under the meat. I only have a 22” kettle with the standard SnS though, so this is just speculation. I do use my SnS often without the water when doing chicken, or searing steaks.

[Alabama Smoke]

Since writing this earlier today, I have been to the SNS website and read various 5 star reviews indicating it will definitely assist so I am leaning toward getting one. Thank both of you for your comments.

[HawkerXP]

The Weber basket is made out of a material that will eventually fail. If the SnS basket is stainless I'd go with that. et It appears they are both made of aluminized metal.

[Alabama Smoke]

HawkerXP, I will look into that. The SNS brand vs the Weber and thanks for the comments.

[Alabama Smoke]

I think you are correct jfmorris and thanks.

[Berner9]

I have a 26” kettle and SnS. I love it except for one type of cooking. Doing a high temp(325-375) medium length cook(3-5 hours). The ash seems to clog the grate/bottom of the SnS and kills the burn. Stirring it up helps but then it normally doesn’t maintain the target temp and then I have to add more hot coals. Also the hinged grate needs to be bigger for the 26” er and the large size SnS. Hard to stir up the coals and manage if needed.

Anyone have any suggestions?