My 2 cents worth:
I grew up on Weber kettles. My father gave me my 1st Weber in the mid 70's when he upgraded from an 18" to 22" kettle. I still have that kettle and still use it at our cabin. I have several Weber kettles, a WSM, and a gasser. I am a Weber fan.
Having said that I purchased a Char-Griller Akorn about 3 years ago and love it. I haven't used my WSM since, and only use my Performer for cold smoking. With the Akorn I do not have to battle the wind which was a big problem as as I am in a pretty wide open area. The Akorn is insulated so I haven't needed to add more charcoal during winter smokes. I can cook low and slow at 250 or I can sear at 600+. I can smoke pulled pork for 18+ people easily, but mostly I cook for my wife and I. The WSM will hold more meat for smoking. Another huge plus for me is the design of the Akorn. I am comfortable using it on the composite deck off of my kitchen and dining room. I would not use a Weber charcoal product for fear of a coal starting a fire.
Three years into it my Akorn still is looking good. I haven't noticed any signs of corrosion. The cast iron grate is a big plus. And the extra stainless steel grate is very handy for veggies etc.
I grew up on Weber kettles. My father gave me my 1st Weber in the mid 70's when he upgraded from an 18" to 22" kettle. I still have that kettle and still use it at our cabin. I have several Weber kettles, a WSM, and a gasser. I am a Weber fan.
Having said that I purchased a Char-Griller Akorn about 3 years ago and love it. I haven't used my WSM since, and only use my Performer for cold smoking. With the Akorn I do not have to battle the wind which was a big problem as as I am in a pretty wide open area. The Akorn is insulated so I haven't needed to add more charcoal during winter smokes. I can cook low and slow at 250 or I can sear at 600+. I can smoke pulled pork for 18+ people easily, but mostly I cook for my wife and I. The WSM will hold more meat for smoking. Another huge plus for me is the design of the Akorn. I am comfortable using it on the composite deck off of my kitchen and dining room. I would not use a Weber charcoal product for fear of a coal starting a fire.
Three years into it my Akorn still is looking good. I haven't noticed any signs of corrosion. The cast iron grate is a big plus. And the extra stainless steel grate is very handy for veggies etc.
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