Slow N Sear XL or Plus?

[Whisky]

I have a 22 and 26" kettle. Does the Plus (22" model) work OK in the 26" or is the XL that much better for the bigger kettle? I suspect now that I got the 26 kettle the 22 will hardly get used, and maybe even sold.

My one thought however is with the smaller Slow N Sear in the 26 kettle, it will give me more indirect space on the grate which would be good for a lot of my low and slow cooks.

What say you? Thanks

 

[THoey1963]

My understanding is that the smaller version will work in the 26". The benefit of the larger version is for more direct sear area.

Again, my understanding, I don't own one. Yet.

 

[JeffJ]

I have a 22 and a 26 and have the entry-level Slow-n-Sear.

I've used the standard SnS in the 26 on a few occasions and it worked perfectly well. As mentioned above, the XL creates a bigger sear zone and it holds more charcoal (and water) for a longer low/slow before needing to add coals. The trade-off is that it comes at the expense of some valuable grate space. Also, the Plus holds a standard-chimney of coals. For 2-zone, the XL needs more than 1 chimney (I don't know how much more). I got the 26 (last spring) for its added capacity and have needed every bit of that capacity even for some weeknight dinners for 4 where all 3 food items are cooked in the kettle simultaneously. For that reason I am leery of the XL - when I'm using the 26 it's usually because I am cooking a lot of food at once and space is at a premium.

PS - I wouldn't be quick to unload your 22 (unless you need the patio space). Since acquiring the 26 I have still used my 22 more often as I like to use whichever kettle (and that includes my new Jumbo Joe) will be pushed to maximum capacity.

 

[Whisky]

I have a 22 and a 26 and have the entry-level Slow-n-Sear.

I've used the standard SnS in the 26 on a few occasions and it worked perfectly well. As mentioned above, the XL creates a bigger sear zone and it holds more charcoal (and water) for a longer low/slow before needing to add coals. The trade-off is that it comes at the expense of some valuable grate space. Also, the Plus holds a standard-chimney of coals. For 2-zone, the XL needs more than 1 chimney (I don't know how much more). I got the 26 (last spring) for its added capacity and have needed every bit of that capacity even for some weeknight dinners for 4 where all 3 food items are cooked in the kettle simultaneously. For that reason I am leery of the XL - when I'm using the 26 it's usually because I am cooking a lot of food at once and space is at a premium.

PS - I wouldn't be quick to unload your 22 (unless you need the patio space). Since acquiring the 26 I have still used my 22 more often as I like to use whichever kettle (and that includes my new Jumbo Joe) will be pushed to maximum capacity.

Good info. Leaning towards the smaller one for my intended uses.