Outdoor Cooking Equipment > Charcoal Smokers
Looking to Replace 18" WSM with new Smoker/Grill Combo
capitalhockey:
Long time user of 18'' WSM....looking for more space (had to cut rib to fit inside lid) and some direct heat grilling in a combo unit for my next purchase. For smoking, I like to do a lot of ribs, occasional butts and a few briskets. For grilling, I like to do burgers, hot dogs, steaks and chicken (used to do this on gas grill that I sold). My budget is up to $1200. I prefer one combo unit since I have a small deck space.
I did a wide range of research from pellet grills to Slow N Sear kettle. It's hard to find one that does both well. I am used to set and forget with WSM. I don't mind dialing in on vents but don't want to tend to a fire all day.
I heard lots of good things about pellets but I am hesitant due to less smoke flavor and limited direct grilling. The Slow N Sear kettle was good at both but lacked space (I like to do 3 to 4 ribs per session).
From my research, it seems like the Good One Open Range was the only thing that could provide what I was looking for: 1) Set and Forget temp controls, 2) Good at long smoke, 3) Direct grilling over charcoals , 4) Charcoal/wood flavors that I am used to.
I am wondering if there is something else I should consider that could do those things. I am about to pull the trigger and was offered a 5% discount with a free shelf, free cover and free shipping (about $1100 total). Is this a good deal or should I wait for Memorial Day sales?
Do you think a better strategy is to get 1 dedicated smoker and 1 dedicated grilling units with $1200 budget? Which one do you recommend for each type?
smokeasaurus:
I used to sell Good One smokers. Not too much room for grilling in the firebox if you go with the Open Range. If you move up to the Marshall you are way out of your price range.
How about a 26 inch Weber with the slo n sear?? That should give you more room.
pmillen:
How about a kamado with a controller, like a FireBoard or similar?
smokeasaurus:
another thing to consider about the Good One is that they are notorious for burning sideways in the fire-box. Even after replacing the full length ash pan with a pull out one welded to the fire grate the problem still persists.
You also have to use a heck of amount of lump per cook. That is a deep firebox and it holds almost a 18 lb bag.
Briquettes should not be used because the ash will choke off the fire.
As much as I admire Chris Marks, I do not own a Good One anymore.
I was a cowboy dealer for Ace of Hearts BBQ when I sold them and dealt with Chris alot.
I think for 1200.00, you should look elsewhere..............imho
capitalhockey:
--- Quote from: smokeasaurus on March 30, 2021, 07:38:41 PM ---another thing to consider about the Good One is that they are notorious for burning sideways in the fire-box. Even after replacing the full length ash pan with a pull out one welded to the fire grate the problem still persists.
You also have to use a heck of amount of lump per cook. That is a deep firebox and it holds almost a 18 lb bag.
Briquettes should not be used because the ash will choke off the fire.
As much as I admire Chris Marks, I do not own a Good One anymore.
I was a cowboy dealer for Ace of Hearts BBQ when I sold them and dealt with Chris alot.
I think for 1200.00, you should look elsewhere..............imho
--- End quote ---
Thanks Smoke....I was not aware of those issues. Looks like ABS All Star is similar design with limited reviews.
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