What’s Your Favorite Cooker/Cooking Stuff You’ve Bought Based on Recommendations From AR Members…or Reviews From AR?

[Panhead John]

Since becoming a member almost 5 years ago, I’ve bought a lot of great stuff, and a few clunkers, based on recommendations from some of you folks. Some of these I might never have known about if not for AR. [the vortex anyone?] I’m proud to say that I’m involved with the best group of enablers anywhere! 🤓 So…what’s your favorite cooker or cooking related equipment/tools/gadgets that you bought based on recommendations from another member[s]? Bought something because of a review here from AR? Bonus points if you can remember who recommended it to you!

MY FAVORITES ARE…..

SNS kettle. After having owned 2 Weber kettles previously, the SNS kettle is my favorite! I bought it based on other member’s comments and a review here on AR.



OXO Kitchen Scale… MBMorgan recommended this to me after inquiring online for kitchen scale recommendations. Best one I’ve ever had! Love the pull out feature of the readout part, which lets you read the weights of large objects which might otherwise cover it up.



My Lodge enameled cast iron Dutch oven. Don’t remember who specifically recommended it, but after reading several glowing comments from other people here who have one, I decided to bite the bullet….even though I already had the same size one, [not Lodge] but regular cast iron. This one cleans up so easily and nothing really sticks to the bottom very much. Best Dutch oven for the money IMO. I gave my old one away…..



The GreenPan 5 qt. Sautee Pan. Pretty sure that GolfGeezer and RichieB recommended this to me. After posting one day about needing a new one, I got many recommendations from y’all and decided on this one. Absolutely nothing sticks to this! I use it quite frequently.



There’s a few more things I’ve bought because of you damn enablers….like the Vortex and SnS insert, but this is what I remember off the top of my head. What say you guys?

[Dan Deter]

Hands down my Thermapen One.

[Murdy]

OKJ Bronco, Thermapen, and a carbon steel skillet.

[dpearce]

Already had a Weber Kettle when I found AR way back when and was thrilled to find all the information and add-on's through reading the site.. Really helped me up my grilling/smoking game.

When I wanted something more dedicated to smoking without breaking the bank, I found the AR review on the PBC, and immediately realized that our local Ace Hardware stores carried them. Other than ordering a few accessories through PBC, it really is set and go! That thing has been a great value for the cost! I recommend anyone looking to dip their feet into smoked food, get one.

Then I started reading the reviews on Thermoworks products. Game changer. No more hockey pucks/overcooked and ruined meats!

I have multiple products from them now, including their silicon implements, node monitors, a couple Thermapens, .Thermapops, Signals, Billows etc... When my kids got into their own apartments, I buy them a ThermoPop and a meat temperature guide. (They can't have my AR guide).

Now I'm drooling over Meadow Creek products, also highly rated by AR. And yes, I need to order Meathead's book!

[Panhead John]

Great post, like all the detail!

[Jkahnert]

In no particular order, Thermopen One, SNS Slow N Sear and the Hone Knife Sharpener.

[Sid P]

Slow ‘n Sear, hands down. I started smoking on a WSM, but seldom cooked for more than 4-5 people. My old Weber kettle with the SnS is all I really need to make great smoked food.

[Skip]

All of my ThermoWorks Thermometers.

[Draznnl]

I bought my Yoder YS640s based mostly on the review on AR.

[Alan Brice]

I started with Meathead's first book. I kept seeing the PBC in the margin at the right side of AR site. Pulled the trigger on that then bought the Copper Weber 22 for Bonesy's 1st Memorial.
Then somebody directed a fella to the AR website to sell an SnSKamado ceramic. It was a third of the price of a new one!
Kim said NO! A week goes by and the guy PMs me to offer an even lower price. He is only a 15 min drive and the pictures he posted (many) showed an immaculate cooker with all the accessories. Even had a half bag of Jealous Devil lump. Awesome!
Then only a cpl months later I won 2nd place prize in the Great Giveaway! Chargriller stick burner please. Serious smoker.
Then I got interested in griddle cooking. Found a four burner, ceramic coated 36" for half what the Black Stones were going for.
To cap it all off I was taking some dinner to my brother and dear departed mother, not half a mile from my house was a brand new charcoal 22 in the original box, by the side of the road. The funny thing is I use it several times a week over all the other cookers. Next would be the griddle.
I got Meathead's 2nd book and my dance card is full!
Love AR and all the connections I have made thru them.

[carolts]

ThermoWorks stuff (pen, pop, and IR), PBC, PK Grill yard sale find. But I did research both my Stump's Baby and MGrill M1-SS (bought from a Pit member) on the site.

[Michael_in_TX]

What a cool thread!

My PBC and Chimp, obviously. (@kflowers was especially important on my Chimp purchase.)

I had my Weber Kettle and I think my Thermapen prior to AR. Oh what else....oh my butane stove (remember that thread?).....SnS for the Weber Kettle.....Thermoworks Smoke....

Perhaps the oddest thing....Stubbs Spicy BBQ Sauce, which for whatever obscure reason, I had never tried until someone suggested it to me here.

[Panhead John]

klflowers

[klflowers]

Glad I could help on the Chimp. It is a great little cooker.

[Duanessmokedmeats]

PBC, PBX

[tstalafuse]

Without a doubt, the SmokeEZ for Weber kettle grills, the Chef's Choice knife sharpener, and OKJ Broncos are my most used and relied upon. I can't wait for the 26in WoolyBully cover to come out as I am currently using a homemade insulated welding blanket for a jacket that is kinda a pain to use but it works.

Unfortunately, there have been a clunkers that received Platinum/Gold stars that got used a few times before being tossed or put into the back of the never to be seen or used again storage.

[Panhead John]

Which Chefs Choice knife sharpener do you have?

[tstalafuse]

Panhead John The one I bought was the Chef's Choice 15XV Edge Select, which at the time was the slightly upgraded version of the 120 that is on the product review page. I decided on the 15XV because the 120 wasn't available when I was buying in July of 2018. It will put an edge on a knife that is sharp enough to shave. A cooking friend, who is also a pastry chef, won't use my knives because he is afraid of them.

[DaveD]

No brainer for me - The SnS kettle and the Fireboard temp monitoring system. VERY glad I followed the advice here on both of those, so if you were one such advisor, thank you!

[RonB]

In no particular order:

Thermapen products
SlowNSear
Fireboard