David (fuzzydaddy) Polston

[fuzzydaddy]

Here's some recent bark Breadhead

[Breadhead]

👍 I bet you're now getting much better bark than the picture above too.

[fuzzydaddy]

It's amazing how much better my butts were after a couple of cooks when I learned my BGE and how to (and not to) smoke the butts. I believe I've smoked just under 40 to-date.

[Huskee]

Great word choice, nostalgic!

[Breadhead]

Nostalgic post fuzzydaddy ... This is pretty cool to see.👍

[Warren Griffin]

Those are some nice butts fuzzy daddy. Smoke on, Bro'!

[David Parrish]

Glad to help! I like the kettle idea very much. Weber made several updates to the 2015 model of the One Touch Gold, so when you go shopping make sure you grab model "Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch".

Here's a list of the updates (copied from a review on Amazon. I don't have first hand knowledge):

1) Handle with shield.
This is a great improvement. The old handle had two flaws. It got hot (this one doesn't) and it would rust where it was welded to the kettle lid. This lid has 2 holes and the handle is attached by two bolts. Time will tell, but I think this will solve the rust problem.
2) Legs attach with a spring loaded "push pin". A big complaint with the old design was the fear that the legs would come out when trying to move a hot grill. It felt that way because the legs were wobbly. They still are, but the tab gives you peace of mind that they will stay put regardless. The old legs just slid in and were held by friction.
3) The thermometer and top vent are now on opposite sides of the handle. Not sure what the benefit is, but there has to be one. I will update this as soon as I figure it out. The hook to hang the lid on the kettle is still under the top vent, so it's a little bit different since the handle is turned differently in relation to it. Gives it a "weird" feel for those of us that are used to the old way.
4) The stamped cutouts on the ash catcher are improved. Before, you knew which way you had to turn it to open or close the vents, but what you realized was that 'open' and 'closed' really were closer together than you would have thought. This is more accurately portrayed. The markings are closer together with a "trash" cutout on the far side to show that moving it that far is only necessary to help clean the grill.

[fuzzydaddy]

David P. - My signature looks great (thank-you)...and I've been here long enough before joining the Pit to get the bug. Appreciate the suggestions. It's going to be hard to decide what to get next. I've been doing all low-and-slow on the BGE, but the PBC looks awesome. I'm leaning toward a Weber kettle next...and the Hasty Bake looks fantastic too. Oh well, one purchase at a time!

[David Parrish]

AH, btw your signature had been formatted into "webdings" and was nonsensical. We couldn't read it. I copied it into word, deleted all the formatting, bulletized everything, and pasted back into your signature. Take a look and let me know if the new look works for you.

[David Parrish]

Welcome FuzzyD! We're glad you're here. Hmmm, money for a new toy... that's always fun

If you want to dedicate two grills to two zone cooking (one runs at low and slow temps and one runs at sear temps (as needed)) you can take the BGE in either direction. It can sear and it can cook low and slow, it just can't do both at the same time. So you're in the befuddling position of deciding which zone you want the BGE to be. Personally, if you have an accessory that lets you get the meat very close to the charcoal (like two inches) I'd use the BGE for searing and get a smoker. The Pit Barrel / BGE combo would be awesome... and then in a couple of months you could also get a Weber Kettle! And then a Hasty Bake... and a Mak... oh wait I started talking about me all of a sudden. lol

Basically, we're here to help you catch the barbecue bug and to justify buying about three more grills than you need.

What does need mean really anyway?

[fuzzydaddy]

Thanks for the suggestions Huskee! Yep, about $300 bucks to spend. I'l take a look at these...reviews on Amazing Ribs of course.

[Huskee]

If you're interested in a charcoal grill, you cannot go wrong with a Weber kettle, they average about $150 for a 22.5". The Performer version of them comes with it's own table/cart and the platinum vs of the Performer comes with a gas charcoal lighter. If you want a dedicated smoker you can opt for the Pit Barrel Cooker (PBC) HUUUUGE fan base for those. Or a Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM). I'm assuming your budget here of 'a few hundred bucks' means the $300 range. You can get a nice large sized 26" Weber Kettle too....the kettles can be used as smokers too for what it's worth. You have several options!

[fuzzydaddy]

Thanks everyone! Signature set up and homework done. I am out of town and dying to get back at it...on the BGE. I was fortunate to get Christmas gifts of cash (a few hundred bucks ), so now I've got to decide what to buy next when I'm back home. Maybe a Weber kettle to go with my BGE? Suggestions appreciated.

[Huskee]

Welcome! I never thought I would ever type this on the internet...but here goes... "Nice butts fuzzy daddy". (Big Lol)

[Huskee]

Lol.