Just bought a Slow 'n Sear (am I doing this backwards?)

[Michael_in_TX]

No, really, it wasn't an impulse buy! I just bought a Slow 'N Sear and my Weber kettle doesn't even arrive until tomorrow.

I spent a great deal of time last night researching, reading reviews, and watching videos. At the very least this looked like something I would get eventually. If this thing saves me any amount of time, frustration, and boosts me up along the learning curve of making consistently good BBQ, it's worth it.

Seemed like a waste of time to practice getting to 225/325 on the Weber and then do it all over again once I got a SnS. Might as well start there.

Spent some time thinking about doing a "fake" SnS with a disposable cookie sheet or patio bricks, but if the entire point of my buying the Weber Kettle to use over my vintage grill was convenience, faking a SnS seamed like a backwards step.

Plus, the videos (I learn best by watching) on ABC's site are really professionally done, and very clear and straightforward. For the record, it was the smoked meatloaf that sent me over the edge.

--Michael

[grantgallagher]

You will not regret it. After years and years of cooking on a kettle before i joined amazing ribs and discovered the SnS...i consider it to be an almost essential piece of equiment.

[Powersmoke_80]

Enjoy! I kinda did the same thing, I preordered my SnS when the first 100 were introduced, before I bought the kettle. Dave introduced his idea for the SnS to pit members here for purchase when he first brought these to market, I have #008

[Fire Art]

Dave didn’t invent the kettle they improved it

[HawkerXP]

I think I've heard that somewhere before.....!

[RonB]

You made the right choice. Might as well get her done right from the start.

I highly recommend getting a fine point paint pen from a hobby store. When you find a stable top vent opening for 225*, run a mark across both the aluminum vent cover and the kettle to mark your setting. Do the same for any temps you plan to use. If you add charcoal the same every time, the marks should work, or at least be very close.

[Troutman]

Or you can get a good thermo controller and a fan and keep all the bottom vents closed !! Oh the MCS possibilities are endless

[tdimond]

Troutman it depends on how cold it is outside. I had to keep the bottom vent cracked a bit during my inaugural cook with a PartyQ. The ambient temperature was mid 40s.

Once I found a vent arrangement that kept the temperature kind of in the middle of what the fan could do, things went very well.

[Mr. Bones]

I'd haveta say that yer set out upon th right trail!

Tomorrow sounds like it will be a Great Day to be yerself, when yer kettle arrives...

I'm lookin forward to learnin along with, an from ya, Amigo!

[Troutman]

Good choice, you are spot on track !!!

[EdF]

I have neither a kettle nor an SnS, but looking at it from a "vicarious" perspective, you did the right thing.

"Living vicariously is both fun and cheap"!

I like to think it was HL Mencken who said that, but I doubt it!

[Huskee]

Enjoy! You have a VERY very nice setup there. You can even smoke turkeys & full packer briskets on that thing, just gotta watch their length of course. Holler if you need any help!

[Craigar]

Michael_in_TX you are doing the correct thing. I started out using fire bricks and a loaf pan for years before buying a SnS. While you can somewhat replicate what an SnS does like I mentioned, the SnS just makes the cooking experience more enjoyable. From my experience you get a longer burn using less charcoal. The SnS is truly a marvel and you won't be disappointed.

[Monk]

I've had my SNS for a couple of months now and I love it. Well worth the cost.

[Michael_in_TX]

Awesome....can't wait to start learning how to get my temperature control down with it.

Also, you can't beat ABC on shipping (all times local):

12:30 pm -- ordered
1:04 pm -- FedEx tracking number generated
3:30 pm -- Package arrives at Concord NJ FedEx location

One problem with ordering during a holiday week is that I won't get it until Thursday, but I have the entire next week off so lots of time to get to know it.

--Michael

[cgrover60]

You absolutely did it right Michael_in_TX . When you can swing it go ahead and add the drip-n-griddle pan and easy spin grate for the complete setup.

[RAGBBQ]

Agree with all! My SnS stays in my WSCGC almost all the time. Buy the DripnGriddle pan too. Line it with foil. Will help keep the grease off the bottom of your kettle. Enjoy!

[Buck Flicks]

It will definitely save you time and hassle, vs using a makeshift setup to achieve similar cooking conditions. All you do is drop it in, put some coals in, light it, add unlit coals and wood, then water, and you're good to go. It makes temp control a breeze. Open those bottom vents up just a crack, no more than 1/4 open. Open the top vents about 1/3 to 1/2 and you'll have a steady fire under 250, though your individual mileage may vary. Some folks set the bottom vents more open and use the top vent to control the temp, but I haven't had a lot of luck with that. Don't be afraid to experiment. One way may be more useful than another for you.

[Fire Art]

Bottom vent 1/2 open 6500ft Elevation

[Buck Flicks]

Huh. I hadn't thought about that, needing to open it up more for mountain elevations. Excellent point.

Wouldn't be an issue for Michael, as he's on the Gulf Coast.