Hello from New Jersey

[maktek]

I have been seriously into grilling and smoking for about 4 years now.  I currently use a Char Griller Smokin Pro which i am pretty much sick of and have been kicking around the idea of getting something new.  I am on the fence of whether to get a Kamado style grill or something like the Pit Barrel Cooker or just build a UDS.  I started coming to this particular forum because there seemed to be lots of info about the Pit Barrel.  I love the idea of the Pit Barrel for the simplicity of it.  Where i see drawbacks though are not being able to do a High Heat sear or Pizza and i dont know if my wife is going to let me put a barrel on the deck where as a Kamado looks nice and i can smoke and do high heat sears.   Any thoughts from you folks would be greatly appreciated.  I look forward to having many discussions about bbq with you guys.

[sliding_billy]

Greetings from North Texas.  My advice, get both. 

[Pappymn]

Welcome from Minnesota. The brains of this outfit will be along shortly with opinions.

[drholly]

I'll chime in before the brains get here. I'd find it difficult to have just one cooker - and won't try to answer that question. But, I will say that I love my PBC! You're right it's really not a "grill." But, for doing almost anything but burgers - it is a champ. And it does a fantastic pizza! Having said that, I bet someone will chime in with how to do great burgers on the thing... 

As for a "barrel" on the deck - this is a good looking cooker and well made. It's not just a barrel - it's a cooker you would be proud to have on your deck and a great conversation piece when you explain how it works and why it is NOT a UDS.

Good luck and now, I'll let the brains step in.... 

Cheers,

David

[deestafford]

Since I don't see any of the brains around yet and I have no recent experience on either one I'll just say WELCOME from Augusta, GA.  Glad to have you. Dee

[Pam Gould]

Hi and Welcome from NW Ohio.  Pam  .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ

[teesquare]

Outstanding first post! WELCOME to the LTBBQ family.
I believe that the diversity of experience here can help you with enough information so that you can find the right pieces of outdoor cooking gear for your needs.

And - our Site Sponsors here have their own thread sections where you can post questions about their offerings. We have been very selective with the companies we allow to become site sponsors on LTBBQ, so you can be confident that they all offer quality, and great customer service.

One type of cooker that I did not see on your list that I can recommend you explore for some of your needs is a pellet grill/smoker. It took me a long time to accept this kind of cooker as a method that I could feel good about using.
But, once I did - I will never go back. I also have gas, gas infra red, and a Pit Barrel Cooker for charcoal. And - they all have benefits in one or more areas.

It would be a great thread for you to post your outlined needs and request input. If you post this in the General Discussions, it will be seen by more folks, and you will get a lot of quality advice for sure.

We are happy to have you here. Never be afraid to ask any question, or offer your input. We all refer to the only real 2 rules on LTBBQ :  1. The Golden Rule in our interactions with one another. 2. Have Fun!. Yeah - it is a rule here ...relax, and have fun!

T

[SiFumar]

Hi and welcome to the forum! I agree with Drholly.  It really is a great addition to other cookers.  Looks fine to me and I do get a lot of comments about it too!  Great food comes off it!

[smokeasaurus]

Welcome from So-Cal.

[muebe]

Welcome from Southern California.

I have a PBC and a pellet grill. My Memphis pellet grill is the most versatile cooker I have. It does temps from 180F to 600F+ all with wood fire. I can direct grill on it too.

I love my PBC for what it is... a great charcoal drum cooker. This is not a smoker. A set it and forget it cooker. Makes the best chicken hands down. It is so easy to use even I can use it

Good luck on your decision and ask lots of questions so you can be an informed buyer.

[Hub]

An ugly and utterly untrue rumor still continues to make the rounds:  There is some limit on the number and types of outdoor cooking appliances one may own.  Bah, Pish, Fie, Poppycock, and Rot!  This urban legend needs to die 

Just as some cookers are sort of one-dimensional, others practically do it all.  Each has its own "sweet spot" too.  I only have about six or seven right now but manage to limp along and get things cooked pretty well.  When my wife raises any objection to my menagerie, I go around and count her toys and she changes the subject.

The same dynamic applies to gadgets:  Frogmats, Grill Grates, Injectors, Thermometers, etc.    Both golfers and barbequers know the power of the gadget.  Nobody can have just one. 

Oh, just sit back and watch your collection grow! 

Hub

[maktek]

Thanks for all the replies.  I really appreciate it.  I will let everyone know when i make my decision but for now i think i am going to cook a brisket on the Char Griller this weekend.

[drholly]

One thing to keep in mind... a good cook can cook good on a rock... the rest is just fun!

David

[Sam3]

Hey! Welcome from NW New Jersey!

The PBC is a power cooker, which is why I bought it. Temp at the grate (middle) is @290 + or -. I've put out some good eats with it. Check out the PBC board for yourself.
My MAK 1 Star does the heavy lifting in my house. The Weber Platinum satisfies the everyday quick charcoal meal. And the PBC has it's place in the line up for sure. It really does a great job on pork and chicken. I did a leg of lamb in the PBC too, outstanding!

Listen, if you live up this way, shoot me a pm. I can drop off the PBC and you can take it for test drive yourself. Your call.

Glad you joined us!
Sam

[TwoPockets]

Welcome from mid Alabama. I have 4 cookers on my deck and more in the garage and storage.