PBC vs WSM

Here's another way to look at it, that I hope is helpful. There's nothing that you can do in a WSM that you can't do in a PBC, but there are definitely things that you can do on a PBC that you can't in a (18.5") WSM.

- Cook eight slabs of ribs at once
- Cook at higher temps
- Grill
- Cook pizza (killer)
- Cook 12 Cornish game hen halves (requires extra hooks)
- Not clean a water pan
- Not clean grates (unless you use it - the hooks go in the dishwasher)

John

Vision said:

I think you'd be nuts to get a pbc over a wsm.

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Two months ago, I couldn't have agreed w/ you more... than I bought and tried a PBC. That's all it took to make a believer out of me

PatioDaddio said:

Here's another way to look at it, that I hope is helpful. There's nothing that you can do in a WSM that you can't do in a PBC, but there are definitely things that you can do on a PBC that you can't in a (18.5") WSM.

- Cook eight slabs of ribs at once
- Cook at higher temps
- Grill
- Cook pizza (killer)
- Cook 12 Cornish game hen halves (requires extra hooks)
- Not clean a water pan
- Not clean grates (unless you use it - the hooks go in the dishwasher)

John

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Didn't know we were limited to a 18.5 WSM. With my 22.5 I can do all of the things you list. I choose not to cook pizza because I don't feel the WSM (or the PBC) are the best tools for the job. I DO choose to clean my grates which consists of putting them over the lower section of the WSM and letting the old stuff burn off - no big deal.

I'm not downing the PBC by any stretch, but I can't see it matching the versatility of a WSM. Just my opinion.

Honestly, I think if you are the kind of guy that like to sit outside all day on a saturday, cooking up a butt and some ribs at a solid 225-250, then the WSM is for you.

Now if you are like me and like to cook during the week, get the PBC. The thing runs hotter and cuts down on cook times a LOT! I did a 5lb shoulder in about 4 hours on mine. Might be a later dinner than usual but its worth it. Or you can do a full rack of spare ribs in about 3 hours. Or fantastic chicken in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Or throw the grate in and do brats and burgers with a half basket of charcoal.

That's another thing! The WSM has a massive charcoal basket. The PBC's is pretty small. One load of charcoal in the basket of mine burns hot enough to be usable for a solid 10 hours, which is longer than you will need to cook most cuts of meat at 290*. And it did the 10 hour thing when it was near 35* outside.

Either are good choices though! And unlike others have said, I still use my UDS. For me it boils down to using the PBC on the weeknights and the UDS on the weekends when I have a whole saturday to spend outside. The PBC is great but I still love my low and slow.

ToddM said:

Didn't know we were limited to a 18.5 WSM.

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Just trying to maintain an apples-to-apples comparison, as it relates to size and price. :wink:

Right now a guy can get two PBCs to their door for very little (maybe $25) more than a 22" WSM delivered.

John

i get this is a tuff decision.. I cant tell you how long i've lurked on here to get amazing tips and tricks about cooking (lurked before the server change).. Heck I have amazon prime and again can't tell you how many times I've had an 18 and 22.5 wsm in the cart about to check out.. i have read that wsm's run hot until seasoned and sometimes the door doesn't quite fit.. I didn't want a cooker that i had to add to for it to cook better ( and I understand that not all wsm's are this way) I like to experiment and try different things so I did and I am impressed and amazed.. I get that the wsm guys will say wsm is the way to go and won't even think about a PBC. But do think about options, I remember when Apple wasn't cool to own.. Or even heaven forbid I own a luxury Hyundai:shock:

Build a UDS or build your version of a PBS. That's where the fun is. I have a 18.5 WSM. Love it. But to be honest, I rarely use it now. I use my drums all the time. They are set it and forget it too. I could add rods and hooks and have my own PBS. Both are set and forget. Just comes down to which marketing strategy your prefer. Weber warranty is nice. I can vouche for the customer service! How much will you truly cook at once or on a regular basis. If you can't build your own, I'd give the edge to the PBS since it's basically a UDS with hooks and rods. Just my .02. Also, I like the fact that you can get those higher temps faster with the drum type smoker. My opinion is based more on what I've learned and achieved from making my own Drums. There is a good bit of personal science there too which I enjoy figuring out. WSM are rock solid. For me, the first time I cooked over the coals in the Drum was a great experience.

Bob

BobBrisket said:

... If you can't build your own, I'd give the edge to the [PBC] since it's basically a UDS with hooks and rods.

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And high-temp powder coat, and a pre-measured coal basket cut from 14" steel pipe,
and a custom stand, and greater portability, and the company owner's cell number on
the cooker. :wink:







John

PatioDaddio said:

And high-temp powder coat, and a pre-measured coal basket cut from 14" steel pipe, and a custom stand, and greater portability. :wink:

John

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I can't powder coat, but that is a nice advantage on drum type steel especially for the exterior. As for the interior, I like making my own coating over the course of many cooks. :mrgreen: Having a solid made coal basket is a plus too. Course, anyone with welding skills can make one as good and even more stout. I will admit that I really like the horseshoe stands and handles. That is a nice touch. As for portability. Edge goes to the PBC too. Maybe bigger in diameter and possibly heavier, but the three separate sections of the WSM can make for issues when transporting. I know that for a fact. The thinner steel on the WSM makes for trickier transport issues too. It simply bends out of shape easier if you are not careful. Been there too. When transporting my UDS to a tailgate, I put the tie down on it and rachet away. I don't worry about bending issues. Then again, portability is a big factor for me. I do travel with my drum quite a bit when we take out 5th wheel out camping. If I don't want to take the Q Can, we take my son's MUDS. I'm getting a bit off topic, but I've gained a love and fascination for DRUM Type pits.:becky:

PatioDaddio said:

And high-temp powder coat, and a pre-measured coal basket cut from 14" steel pipe,
and a custom stand, and greater portability, and the company owner's cell number on
the cooker. :wink:

John

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One recommendation I'd make, and this is the welder and fabricator in me talking. For a ring that stout, I'd expect the expando to cover the entire circumference of the ring and welded at every single point. This is where that attention to detail, etc type edge would go to Weber and the WSM. You'd expect fully welded joints on every point of a Weber grate. That kind of detail adds labor and cost, but for those that like to make their own, it's an attention to detail thing. Unwelded edges like that will warp over time. Again, I really get into this type of stuff. Hate to say it, but I look at something and think of how I could make it better. Just how my mind works.:loco:
While the Weber/WSM coal ring may not be as thick, it is porcelain coated. The air holes in the WSM ring are a bit of an advantage as well. Keep in mind, a WSM can be used WITHOUT the water pan. You can easily convert a WSM into a UDS type cooker.

Powder coat on exterior vs porcelain in and out is a factor too. I don't worry about my WSM rusting from the inside or outside. Even with a powder coat on the exterior of the PBC, there is no coating on the interior from what I can see. Like I said, some good greasy cooks will season it, but there will still be raw steel in there and rust can get at it if you do not care for it. Even with the gorgeous "patina" that I have have built in my drums, I know that if that patina gets burned off, scraped off etc, the bare metal is exposed to rust, so I need to keep an eye on that with my drums.

PatioDaddio said:

Here's another way to look at it, that I hope is helpful. There's nothing that you can do in a WSM that you can't do in a PBC, but there are definitely things that you can do on a PBC that you can't in a (18.5") WSM.

- Cook eight slabs of ribs at once
- Cook at higher temps
- Grill
- Cook pizza (killer)
- Cook 12 Cornish game hen halves (requires extra hooks)
- Not clean a water pan
- Not clean grates (unless you use it - the hooks go in the dishwasher)

John

Click to expand...

Let's look at this from a WSM, PBC, and UDS. I need help on this one. I'm NOT a rib guy. Never really make em. For those of you that do, how many could you cook on two WSM grates or UDS grates either rolled or on rib racks vs. hanging? Flat on the grate I can't see 8 slabs on an 18.5 WSM, but maybe on a UDS running 22.5 grates. Dunno. Higher temps, edge to Drum Type. Grill and cook pizza. While a little awkward, you could do these on a WSM too. Grill-remove pan and use the bottom grate over the coals. Been there, done that. Have also removed lid and mid section of WSM and placed a grate over the coal ring and done high temp grilling. Never done pizza on it, but I could swing it. Never done pizza on my drum either. I go with my Kettles for pizza pie! Cornish hens, an issue of # you can hang (extra hooks extra purchase I assume) vs how may you could lay flat on two WSM grates. Not clean grates......well, what school you belong to is an issue here. Grates can go in the dishwasher too. Grates can be "burned" clean. They can be scrubbed fairly clean while still hot. For me, grates would be a non issue really.
On the UDS with a Weber lid side with two cooking grates you have the advantage of a bit more head room for stuff like a turkey etc and have the second grate still at your disposal. Lots of ways to look at it. :becky:

Imvbo......diy.....
take the money saved and buy meats, and maybe something nice for the lil' woman, or man, as the case may be....

and speaking of cooking capacities......the sky's the limit....

Trumpstylz said:

Haha, definitely not a man. Not a woman either at the moment though.

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So your options are open!

Was not familar with the PBC until this thread. Thanks for the info.

Had a lotta good cooks with my WSM (and learned a good deal about fire control) and recently gave it to my son (him & his roommate are having fun with it).

N8man said:

Imvbo......diy.....
take the money saved and buy meats, and maybe something nice for the lil' woman, or man, as the case may be....

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That's the best of ALL WORLDS right there. I'm holding out for the N8/NC/MotherTrucker/TallArse/WSM/UDS/ON WHEELS/Horseshoe/Magnet intakecovers/PIG Hood Ornament/Extension Ring---PIT! There, I said it! When do they go on sale?:becky: I'm think you could hang a side of pork in that thing.......yes?

Bob

BobBrisket said:

That's the best of ALL WORLDS right there. I'm holding out for the N8/NC/MotherTrucker/TallArse/WSM/UDS/ON WHEELS/Horseshoe/Magnet intakecovers/PIG Hood Ornament/Extension Ring---PIT! There, I said it! When do they go on sale?:becky:

Bob

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Soon as the patents clear.

DIY....lots of good build info and expert help on this, the dang bestest BBQ Forum in the universe....!!!!!

I heard N8 will throw in a Mason jar of Apple Pie Shine with each purchase!!! That true N8?

Bob