I need some advice from experenced guys

chambersuac · 01-11-2011, 10:40 AM

Okay, since I have joined the Brethren, I have wanted to compete. Thanks to Divemaster, who let me join his team in WI last year - and to all the other Brethren that helped, advised and encouraged me, I did a couple of rib comps (one had chicken, too).

I have the bug. I'd like to do a couple - or a few comps this year. I know that my trailer-ed smoker is too large to take to a comp (isn't it, for those who have seen it?)

I have a BGE Large and a BGE small, a Big Steel Keg, and a 18.5" WSM. I am not sure I want to load and haul the BGE large, but probably "could".

I'm guess what I am asking is this: Should I try to pick up another WSM or another cooker?

Suggestions???

Divemaster · 01-11-2011, 10:48 AM

I think you can do it with what you have... Ramona did PoorQue last year on a single Large BGE...

No sense in spending more money at the start. I would build up to it...

boogiesnap · 01-11-2011, 10:59 AM

i think you'd be ok with the wsm and bubba keg.
brisket and pork overnight in the wsm. then ribs in the morning in that and chicken in the keg.
BUT, if you wanna have some fun spending, get a 22 WSM. bring that and the 18 and you'd be real good to go.
personally, if i had one, i wouldn't even think about moving around a BGE.
i use a single wsm 22. it takes some timing and scheduling, but all 4 categories can be done on time with it.
my only caveat is limited "options" see below.
i cook
1 brisket(risky)
2 butts(sufficient)
2 racks of ribs(risky)
plenty of chicken(sufficient)

Balls Casten · 01-11-2011, 11:13 AM

One can always use another smoker ... right?

Actually as you are just starting out, I would hold off on another smoker unless you were sure of what you wanted.
I'll second boogie's comment: get your butt and brisket done early and hold in a cooler. You'll have all morning to cook ribs and chicken.

Southern Home Boy · 01-11-2011, 12:10 PM

I compete with two UDSs and a 22" kettle. That's all the grillestate I need.

AZScott · 01-11-2011, 12:26 PM

How do you like the steel keg? That and the WSM should work really well. No need to buy ton's of equipment at the start.

Alexa RnQ · 01-11-2011, 12:31 PM

I know we see a number of teams hauling them around, but after seeing a BGE get broken I'd be reluctant to take it.

How comfortable are you on your WSM and keg? Maybe keep an eye on local listings to pick up another WSM? The one thing that can be said for them is that they're reasonably lightweight and easy to transport. If you don't take your trailered smoker, what will you haul stuff in?

And how big is that trailered smoker anyway? We've seen some pretty huge stuff at contests! Depends too on how far you're going to have to go -- if you have to drive a bit to get to a couple of contests, gas racks up quick.

Ron_L · 01-11-2011, 12:43 PM

Your trailer pit would be overkill, but not bad. I've seen bigger. But, you'd be up all night feeding the fire.

I'd suggest the WSM and the Bubba Keg. As mentioned, you can do a brisket and two butts in the WSM, and time it so they are done before you have to start the ribs. Then cooler the brisket and butts and to the ribs on the WSM and chicken in the Keg.

Stoke&Smoke · 01-11-2011, 03:13 PM

Before we started competing, we had an 18.5" WSM. We bought 2 more the first year we competed, taking 3 to each comp. The next year (2009) I got a great deal on a 22" and now we use the 22 and our oldest 18.5"
I do butts and ribs in the 18 and brisket and chicken in the big one.

But don't listen to me, we bring everything including the kitchen sink...

I would think that between an 18" and the bubba keg you could get by ok, I just like the extra real estate in the 22 for whole packers

chambersuac · 01-11-2011, 03:40 PM

Thanks, Diva.
I am fairly confident with both the keg and WSM - still learning.

The trailered smoker is pretty big, I'll try to find pictures. Like Ron L said, it is a wood hog, and I'd rather not have to feed the smokers so often. The smoker takes up MOST of the room in the trailer, so there's not a lot of room for other stuff.

I am planning on using an enclosed trailer with shelving, handsink, a/c for hauling, then prep, then sleeping.

I'd rather haul that with the smaller smokers in it and have the extra room/sleeping quarters/etc. than haul a trailer. This way, too, I can boil my ribs without getting harassed. I kid. I kid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DivaHerself

I know we see a number of teams hauling them around, but after seeing a BGE get broken I'd be reluctant to take it.

How comfortable are you on your WSM and keg? Maybe keep an eye on local listings to pick up another WSM? The one thing that can be said for them is that they're reasonably lightweight and easy to transport. If you don't take your trailered smoker, what will you haul stuff in?

And how big is that trailered smoker anyway? We've seen some pretty huge stuff at contests! Depends too on how far you're going to have to go -- if you have to drive a bit to get to a couple of contests, gas racks up quick.

Scottie · 01-11-2011, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stoke&Smoke

But don't listen to me, we bring everything including the kitchen sink...

I'll second that...

Alexa RnQ · 01-11-2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chambersuac

The trailered smoker is pretty big, I'll try to find pictures. Like Ron L said, it is a wood hog, and I'd rather not have to feed the smokers so often. The smoker takes up MOST of the room in the trailer, so there's not a lot of room for other stuff.

I am planning on using an enclosed trailer with shelving, handsink, a/c for hauling, then prep, then sleeping.

I'd rather haul that with the smaller smokers in it and have the extra room/sleeping quarters/etc. than haul a trailer.

OOOooooOOOooooo, you have ALL the toys!

That's why I asked how you'd haul all the crap, because the folks we've seen with big trailer-mounts also have a LOT of storage on them, and that's where most of the bits-and-pieces stuff goes. If you've got your enclosed trailer too, you're golden!

Good luck at the contest(s)!

The Pigman · 01-12-2011, 08:54 AM

Dan this is all you need. See you in May.

Ron_L · 01-12-2011, 09:21 AM

Nice rig, Roger. What does the inside of the truck look like?

chambersuac · 01-12-2011, 09:23 AM

Thanks, Roger, so you're saying you're GIVING that to me in May? AWESOME. Love ya, man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Pigman

Dan this is all you need. See you in May.

01-11-2011, 10:40 AM	#1
chambersuac somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 04-02-09 Location: Manito, IL Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I need some advice from experenced guys Okay, since I have joined the Brethren, I have wanted to compete. Thanks to Divemaster, who let me join his team in WI last year - and to all the other Brethren that helped, advised and encouraged me, I did a couple of rib comps (one had chicken, too). I have the bug. I'd like to do a couple - or a few comps this year. I know that my trailer-ed smoker is too large to take to a comp (isn't it, for those who have seen it?) I have a BGE Large and a BGE small, a Big Steel Keg, and a 18.5" WSM. I am not sure I want to load and haul the BGE large, but probably "could". I'm guess what I am asking is this: Should I try to pick up another WSM or another cooker? Suggestions??? __________________ Dan Large BGE x 2, Small BGE, Big Steel Keg, WSM, 22" Weber Kettle, Charmglow Gasser, The Holy Smoked UDS and her sister UDS, and one custom trailer-ed smoker. The universe's fastest and most accurate Thermapen. (Replaced by Brethren) IMBAS Certified MOINK Ball maker Thanks, Grillman, for the avatar! And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. [Acts 20:32 KJV]

01-11-2011, 10:48 AM	#2
Divemaster somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 09-23-07 Location: North Side of Chicago Illinois Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I think you can do it with what you have... Ramona did PoorQue last year on a single Large BGE... No sense in spending more money at the start. I would build up to it... __________________ Jeff CBJ# 23376 Stockcar BBQ Race Fast, Cook Slow, and Enjoy Life! If it don't come off a smoker, it's just a side dish! Lang 60 Patio (The Mistress), Black Stainless Lang 36 (Little Princess), Large BGE (Ramona), Big Green UDS (Cottage Cooker), Brinkman SnP Pro (Little Bubba-Retired), 8 Burner Gasser, 3 - 22.5" & 1 - 18" (circa 1975) Weber Grills, & a Weber Smoky Joe.

01-11-2011, 10:59 AM	#3
boogiesnap Babbling Farker Join Date: 04-22-10 Location: NEW ENGLAND Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	i think you'd be ok with the wsm and bubba keg. brisket and pork overnight in the wsm. then ribs in the morning in that and chicken in the keg. BUT, if you wanna have some fun spending, get a 22 WSM. bring that and the 18 and you'd be real good to go. personally, if i had one, i wouldn't even think about moving around a BGE. i use a single wsm 22. it takes some timing and scheduling, but all 4 categories can be done on time with it. my only caveat is limited "options" see below. i cook 1 brisket(risky) 2 butts(sufficient) 2 racks of ribs(risky) plenty of chicken(sufficient) __________________ S'mo Q Competition BBQ Team Q so good you gotta have s'mo. Sponsored by Oakridge BBQ twin WSM 22.5's 48" DCS gasser certified MOINK baller farkanaut in training avatar by grillman CLICK HERE to visit the BBQ Brethren Throwdowns

01-11-2011, 11:13 AM	#4
Balls Casten is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 01-04-09 Location: Johnston, Ia Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	One can always use another smoker ... right? Actually as you are just starting out, I would hold off on another smoker unless you were sure of what you wanted. I'll second boogie's comment: get your butt and brisket done early and hold in a cooler. You'll have all morning to cook ribs and chicken. __________________ Doug Backwoods G2 Party Yoder YS480 "I thought you just ate?" "I did but that was what I like to call fist lunch."

01-11-2011, 12:10 PM	#5
Southern Home Boy is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-14-10 Location: St. Louis, MO Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I compete with two UDSs and a 22" kettle. That's all the grillestate I need. __________________ Pro Q Frontier, UDS (Little Red), "Turtle Drum" UDS, CG Gasser KCBS CBJ#61160

01-11-2011, 12:26 PM	#6
AZScott Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 02-22-08 Location: Phoenix, AZ Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	How do you like the steel keg? That and the WSM should work really well. No need to buy ton's of equipment at the start.

01-11-2011, 12:31 PM	#7
Alexa RnQ is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 09-12-07 Location: the Ninth Ring of Hell, cleverly disguised as Phoenix Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I know we see a number of teams hauling them around, but after seeing a BGE get broken I'd be reluctant to take it. How comfortable are you on your WSM and keg? Maybe keep an eye on local listings to pick up another WSM? The one thing that can be said for them is that they're reasonably lightweight and easy to transport. If you don't take your trailered smoker, what will you haul stuff in? And how big is that trailered smoker anyway? We've seen some pretty huge stuff at contests! Depends too on how far you're going to have to go -- if you have to drive a bit to get to a couple of contests, gas racks up quick. __________________ . . Don't practice until you get it right; practice until you can't get it wrong. Don't overthink or undercook. Rhythm 'n QUE

01-11-2011, 12:43 PM	#8
Ron_L Moderator Join Date: 12-09-04 Location: Chicago 'Burbs Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Your trailer pit would be overkill, but not bad. I've seen bigger. But, you'd be up all night feeding the fire. I'd suggest the WSM and the Bubba Keg. As mentioned, you can do a brisket and two butts in the WSM, and time it so they are done before you have to start the ribs. Then cooler the brisket and butts and to the ribs on the WSM and chicken in the Keg. __________________ "Ron Rico, Boss. You can call me Captain Ron..." Save The Fatty! FEC-100/BWS Party/Memphis Pro SS/PBC/LBGE X 2/SBGE/Mini BGE/Nomad Pellet-matic/Good-One Model 42/WSM X 2/Cookshack Smokette 008/Weber Performer/Weber Gasser/Weber Kettle X 2/Weber Smokey Joe/WGA/UDS/Coffee Roasting Gasser and a pickle Remembering a friend

01-11-2011, 03:13 PM	#9
Stoke&Smoke Babbling Farker Join Date: 12-18-07 Location: Woodridge, IL Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Before we started competing, we had an 18.5" WSM. We bought 2 more the first year we competed, taking 3 to each comp. The next year (2009) I got a great deal on a 22" and now we use the 22 and our oldest 18.5" I do butts and ribs in the 18 and brisket and chicken in the big one. But don't listen to me, we bring everything including the kitchen sink... I would think that between an 18" and the bubba keg you could get by ok, I just like the extra real estate in the 22 for whole packers __________________ 2 Skinny Cooks Competition Team http://2SkinnyCooks.blogspot.com KCBS CJ/TC #17139 Member ILBBQS Too many cookers to list

01-12-2011, 08:54 AM	#13
The Pigman is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 04-10-07 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Dan this is all you need. See you in May. __________________ Smokin Blues BBQ The Pigman (Roger) Pitmaster KCBS CBJ #30390 Operation BBQ Relief Founding Member Lang 84 Custom Longneck with Warmer Char-Griller Pro w/ SFB and Mods Mobil Food Lic. With State of Ohio Last edited by The Pigman; 07-04-2011 at 07:14 PM..

01-12-2011, 09:21 AM	#14
Ron_L Moderator Join Date: 12-09-04 Location: Chicago 'Burbs Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Nice rig, Roger. What does the inside of the truck look like? __________________ "Ron Rico, Boss. You can call me Captain Ron..." Save The Fatty! FEC-100/BWS Party/Memphis Pro SS/PBC/LBGE X 2/SBGE/Mini BGE/Nomad Pellet-matic/Good-One Model 42/WSM X 2/Cookshack Smokette 008/Weber Performer/Weber Gasser/Weber Kettle X 2/Weber Smokey Joe/WGA/UDS/Coffee Roasting Gasser and a pickle Remembering a friend