Ceramic cooker?

Blowin' Smoke · 07-24-2017, 07:51 PM

I've been in the market for a RF smoker for a few years now. Originally I didn't want to spend the money but wanted the extra grate space so I opted for a pellet pooper. Now two years later I'm selling it and was ready to pull the trigger on a new Shirley Fabrication rig, but found out there's a 20 month wait. That's a looooooong wait. I'll be parting with my pellet smoker but will still have my 18.5" WSM. I'd like a bit more grate space so I'm considering the 22.5" WSM, or getting an XL BGE or Big Joe. I'm leaning more towards the ceramic grills for more versatility to get me through that 20 month wait. So guys who have both a 22.5" WSM and a ceramic, do you find that you can do a moderate amount of smoking on the ceramic? Any input is appreciated!

Also I'm a noob, so be gentle.

SmittyJonz · 07-24-2017, 07:56 PM

WSM. More Room, Better for Smoking. or build a UDS. Or a Weber 26" Kettle- great for grilling AND Smoking.

SmittyJonz · 07-24-2017, 07:57 PM

Even Better - An Assassin Grill.........

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=212864
.

Pstores · 07-24-2017, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmittyJonz

Even Better - An Assassin Grill.........

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=212864
.

In my humble opinion I have to agree with Smitty. Also I never liked the BGE for smoking. It's just way to efficient. Not much flavor. But it does make the best pizzas and really good nuclear steaks. If your looking for something to do both. I'd go the Assassin way.

Rusty Kettle · 07-24-2017, 08:31 PM

Go ceramic. It's about as close as you can ever get to an all in one package. Fuel efficient and a good smoker. Has a lighter smoke profile so just use a couple extra chunks of wood. Kamado Joe just came out not to long ago with a better gasket. Kind of reminds of the Akorn gasket but better made. So maybe check one of those out.

SmittyJonz · 07-24-2017, 08:34 PM

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=247611
.
.

yakdung · 07-24-2017, 08:36 PM

I own a 22 WSM and love it. I also own a Kamado style cooker as well. I would recommend a Kamado as I believe that style of cooker is more versatile.
Good luck on whatever you decide.

jimstocks53 · 07-24-2017, 08:41 PM

A ceramic is a versatile cooking tool and as noted phenomenally fuel efficient. It isn't going to match a stick burner, or even a UDS for bark but I'll match my Primo's ribs, butt, or steaks against any cooker. The Primo XL oval can handle an average packer and matches perfectly with a PartyQ for Low-N-Slo 12+ hour sessions. It boils down to your style and preferences. The Primo is made here in the USA unlike most of the other ceramics.

CeramicChef · 07-24-2017, 08:53 PM

I kicked my custom built reverse flow stick burner to the curb 2 weeks after I got my first BGE. Three day after that my gasser joined the stick burner on the curb. I've cooked exclusively on ceramics for over 20 years and never once ever thought about ever going back to a stick burner, gasser, or kettle.

A good ceramic like the BGE or Kamado Joe is the most versatile cooker you can own. In knowledgeable hands, a ceramic can lay more smoke on a cook than you can imagine ever coming from a stick burner. It's all in how you load your cooker.

A ceramic can some, braise, do low-n-slow cooks, bake, and is a complete replacement for the kitchen oven. A good ceramic is a convection oven on your patio. As I said earlier, a ceramic is the single most versatile cooker you can own.

Once you understand cooking on a kamado, it probably will make you save your money and forget aout a dedicated cooker. It just makes good economic sense.

No matter your decision, I wish you great cooks!

pjtexas1 · 07-24-2017, 09:16 PM

I think CeramicChef is a little biased.

I would pm him. Sounds like he might know a couple things.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

LogRat2 · 07-24-2017, 09:56 PM

I started with an egg 4 years ago but since have built two UDS's. l love the BGE for brisket and butts, steaks and pizza, but prefer the UDS for chicken and ribs. Still a lot to learn though.

cookingdude555 · 07-24-2017, 09:57 PM

6 BGEs (1 XL, 2 L, 1 Med, 1 MM & 1 Mini) and 4 WSMs (1 22", 1 18", & 2 14"s) are in my arsenal. I love the smoke on my WSMs, but for some reason, I'm in love with the eggs and cook on them all the time. i don't think you can lose with either. Better get both. And a 26.75 kettle.

Gore · 07-24-2017, 10:01 PM

A ceramic is extremely versatile. One of the main advantages is that it allows me to smoke all year round using little fuel, even when it's below zero. That should not be an issue for you. What concerns me is that you suggest purchasing the BGE to get you through 20 months until your Shirley is ready. That is a pretty big investment for only 20 months. One thing also mentioned is that ceramics are light on the smoke. I personally don't find this to be a problem at all, but you should be aware of it. Pellet poopers also are light on smoke. You didn't mention that this was an issue for you. If that is the case, you should be fine with the BGE or any other ceramic.

Hoss · 07-24-2017, 10:02 PM

For versatility,a ceramic and ALL THE EXTRA things they tell you to buy to make it perform to it's potential, is very versatile.Most of those added gadgets can be hacked for pennies on the dollar.They are nice for small cooks.I have the G Eggs,WSM'S and Kettles as well as a stick burner for really large cooks.85% of my cooks are done on the Weber Kettle or the 22 WSM.

CakeM1x · 07-24-2017, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CeramicChef

I kicked my custom built reverse flow stick burner to the curb 2 weeks after I got my first BGE. Three day after that my gasser joined the stick burner on the curb. I've cooked exclusively on ceramics for over 20 years and never once ever thought about ever going back to a stick burner, gasser, or kettle.

A good ceramic like the BGE or Kamado Joe is the most versatile cooker you can own. In knowledgeable hands, a ceramic can lay more smoke on a cook than you can imagine ever coming from a stick burner. It's all in how you load your cooker.

A ceramic can some, braise, do low-n-slow cooks, bake, and is a complete replacement for the kitchen oven. A good ceramic is a convection oven on your patio. As I said earlier, a ceramic is the single most versatile cooker you can own.

Once you understand cooking on a kamado, it probably will make you save your money and forget aout a dedicated cooker. It just makes good economic sense.

No matter your decision, I wish you great cooks!

I agree, it is how you load it. You just need more wood than you would traditionally use with a ceramic if you want more smoke flavor. But yes, you won't get the same bark since it is a moist heat and not dry like a stick burner. I had a UDS that worked great but the wife didn't like the look so it gave me an excuse to upgrade. I can definitely oversmoke food in the Joe's(and that is with TBS) if I want too so people that claim "light smoke profile only" imo don't know what they are doing. Just my 2c. But what do I know.

07-24-2017, 07:51 PM	#1
Blowin' Smoke Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 07-24-17 Location: Biloxi, MS	Ceramic cooker? I've been in the market for a RF smoker for a few years now. Originally I didn't want to spend the money but wanted the extra grate space so I opted for a pellet pooper. Now two years later I'm selling it and was ready to pull the trigger on a new Shirley Fabrication rig, but found out there's a 20 month wait. That's a looooooong wait. I'll be parting with my pellet smoker but will still have my 18.5" WSM. I'd like a bit more grate space so I'm considering the 22.5" WSM, or getting an XL BGE or Big Joe. I'm leaning more towards the ceramic grills for more versatility to get me through that 20 month wait. So guys who have both a 22.5" WSM and a ceramic, do you find that you can do a moderate amount of smoking on the ceramic? Any input is appreciated! Also I'm a noob, so be gentle.

07-24-2017, 07:56 PM	#2
SmittyJonz somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-17-13 Location: Burleson Tx	WSM. More Room, Better for Smoking. or build a UDS. Or a Weber 26" Kettle- great for grilling AND Smoking. __________________ NO Such Thing as Over Smoked - just Over Dirty Smoked.............

07-24-2017, 07:57 PM	#3
SmittyJonz somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-17-13 Location: Burleson Tx	Even Better - An Assassin Grill......... http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=212864 . __________________ NO Such Thing as Over Smoked - just Over Dirty Smoked.............

07-24-2017, 08:34 PM	#6
SmittyJonz somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-17-13 Location: Burleson Tx	http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=247611 . . __________________ NO Such Thing as Over Smoked - just Over Dirty Smoked.............

07-24-2017, 08:53 PM	#9
CeramicChef Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 01-10-13 Location: Oklahoma City, OK	I kicked my custom built reverse flow stick burner to the curb 2 weeks after I got my first BGE. Three day after that my gasser joined the stick burner on the curb. I've cooked exclusively on ceramics for over 20 years and never once ever thought about ever going back to a stick burner, gasser, or kettle. A good ceramic like the BGE or Kamado Joe is the most versatile cooker you can own. In knowledgeable hands, a ceramic can lay more smoke on a cook than you can imagine ever coming from a stick burner. It's all in how you load your cooker. A ceramic can some, braise, do low-n-slow cooks, bake, and is a complete replacement for the kitchen oven. A good ceramic is a convection oven on your patio. As I said earlier, a ceramic is the single most versatile cooker you can own. Once you understand cooking on a kamado, it probably will make you save your money and forget aout a dedicated cooker. It just makes good economic sense. No matter your decision, I wish you great cooks! __________________ Wholly Smoke! Here's to great cooks and even better memories with family and friends!

07-24-2017, 08:31 PM	#5
Rusty Kettle Babbling Farker Join Date: 07-15-13 Location: Butler PA Name/Nickname : Hey you with the face!	Go ceramic. It's about as close as you can ever get to an all in one package. Fuel efficient and a good smoker. Has a lighter smoke profile so just use a couple extra chunks of wood. Kamado Joe just came out not to long ago with a better gasket. Kind of reminds of the Akorn gasket but better made. So maybe check one of those out.

07-24-2017, 08:36 PM	#7
yakdung is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 04-12-10 Location: Houston, Texas	I own a 22 WSM and love it. I also own a Kamado style cooker as well. I would recommend a Kamado as I believe that style of cooker is more versatile. Good luck on whatever you decide.

07-24-2017, 08:41 PM	#8
jimstocks53 Take a breath! Join Date: 02-05-13 Location: Tyler, TX	A ceramic is a versatile cooking tool and as noted phenomenally fuel efficient. It isn't going to match a stick burner, or even a UDS for bark but I'll match my Primo's ribs, butt, or steaks against any cooker. The Primo XL oval can handle an average packer and matches perfectly with a PartyQ for Low-N-Slo 12+ hour sessions. It boils down to your style and preferences. The Primo is made here in the USA unlike most of the other ceramics.

07-24-2017, 09:16 PM	#10
pjtexas1 somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 12-28-11 Location: Belton, Tx Name/Nickname : Texas Pete	I think CeramicChef is a little biased. I would pm him. Sounds like he might know a couple things. Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk __________________ Paul (aka Texas Pete) SF 24x36 Midnight Edition / Mak 1-Star /Abe's 48" Insulated Cabinet / 22.5 OTG / 28" BS / Jimmy with CB Roti and pizza kit / Red Box on custom cart / Char-Griller Kettle / Barrel House Cooker / Pit Boss Copperhead / Char-Griller Akorn Jr Sign Up for The 2022 Texas BBQ Brethren Fall Bash Here! ([URL="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12NjP4bH3uLyH6-RJnI4gSfDr0nKQ6_4cxdw_GhmrKq0/edit#gid=1935530835"]Link[/URL])

07-24-2017, 09:56 PM	#11
LogRat2 Got rid of the matchlight. Join Date: 06-10-15 Location: Orange, TX	I started with an egg 4 years ago but since have built two UDS's. l love the BGE for brisket and butts, steaks and pizza, but prefer the UDS for chicken and ribs. Still a lot to learn though. __________________ BGEXL (from Texas of course)

07-24-2017, 09:57 PM	#12
cookingdude555 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 07-18-09 Location: USA	6 BGEs (1 XL, 2 L, 1 Med, 1 MM & 1 Mini) and 4 WSMs (1 22", 1 18", & 2 14"s) are in my arsenal. I love the smoke on my WSMs, but for some reason, I'm in love with the eggs and cook on them all the time. i don't think you can lose with either. Better get both. And a 26.75 kettle. __________________ John - Utah Too many cookers ...

07-24-2017, 10:01 PM	#13
Gore Phizzy Join Date: 10-05-08 Location: Hiding out from blood suck ghost snake gods, Nazis and scrap iron chefs trying to harvest body parts Name/Nickname : Gore (surprise!)	A ceramic is extremely versatile. One of the main advantages is that it allows me to smoke all year round using little fuel, even when it's below zero. That should not be an issue for you. What concerns me is that you suggest purchasing the BGE to get you through 20 months until your Shirley is ready. That is a pretty big investment for only 20 months. One thing also mentioned is that ceramics are light on the smoke. I personally don't find this to be a problem at all, but you should be aware of it. Pellet poopers also are light on smoke. You didn't mention that this was an issue for you. If that is the case, you should be fine with the BGE or any other ceramic. __________________ Assistant to a Mad BBQ Scientist (and a squirrel): Primo Oval XL, Small Offset, Gasser, Optigrill, UBS "I love everything about the pig, even the way she walks." -- Spanish proverb (\__/) (='.'=) This is the rabbit baby. Invests him in yours signature, (")_(") and the help rabbit baby takes over control of the world! Hmmmm, I wonder, WWGALD? Avatar courtesy of Grillman and NorthwestBBQ Promoted by Bigabyte to "Idiot #1" , and dubbed "Phizzy" by Sir Ron.

07-24-2017, 10:02 PM	#14
Hoss Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 12-31-09 Location: Hernando,MS	For versatility,a ceramic and ALL THE EXTRA things they tell you to buy to make it perform to it's potential, is very versatile.Most of those added gadgets can be hacked for pennies on the dollar.They are nice for small cooks.I have the G Eggs,WSM'S and Kettles as well as a stick burner for really large cooks.85% of my cooks are done on the Weber Kettle or the 22 WSM.