Thinking bout a new addition to the lanai

[itschris]

I've got my gasser (which I seemingly lost interest in using as of late) and my Brinkmann Cimarron for my low & slow q-ing. I was pretty sure about getting a Big Green Egg until I saw the big Weber Rancher Kettle. Both are about the same price. I'd use it primarily for grilling. I just find myself getting away from the gas grill. I've done everything I can there from Steak to baking a smoked chocolate cake and everything in between and around the edges. It doesn't interest me anymore I guess.

I like the idea of the BGE because of the high heat you can generate which I think is great for cooking steaks. I've made some of the best steaks I've ever eaten on a friends BGE.

I'm wondering however, if the big kettle from Weber can do the same for me and offer more versatility or ease or whatever.

Your experience and advice is appreciated.

 

[Sledneck]

I dont have either but from what i have read, the BGE is capable of reaching much higher temps than the ranch and uses a hell of alot less fuel. If capacity is what you are looking for then the ranch would be good. If i were you i would get a BGE and a standard weber kettle

 

[JD McGee]

I you are planning on cooking a lot of food...go with the Weber...if you want to do everything else from low-n-slow to hot and searing...go for the BGE...they even make an XL which may serve both needs for you.

 

[AlabamaGrillBillies]

For a more versital cooker go with the egg.

For capacity alone go with the weber.

The webber will grill more will its lager size, however the egg is a heck of smoker, a great grill and will even bake a pizza with great temp control with very very little fuel use.

 

[Smokin Gator]

Chris,

I have only cooked the the Ranch once and it was a few years ago. The capacity of the thing was unreal!!! If you are need to grill for a bunch of people then I would say that is the way to go.

If you are looking for a way to do what you would normally do on your gas grill only better then go for the egg. I have only had mine a month or so and I am totally impressed. I have done several pizzas and they were awesome...steaks were awesome... meat loaf, sweet potatoes, and in the husk corn was unreal... smoked turkey done been can style was the bomb.... I think you get the picture.

I got my large off of CL and am picking up an XL this weekend that I also found on CL.

There is currently a large on the Tampa Bay CL but the guy never wrote me back. There is a number however.

Best of luck with your decision... I really think they are two different animals and you just need to figure out which suits your wishes.

BTW... the wife will like the look of the egg on the lanai better than the Ranch.

 

[itschris]

I think I'm leaning towards the Egg. It seems more versatile. The Rancher is cool though. I'll have to mull this one over a bit. Thanks guys!

 

[AlabamaGrillBillies]

Another option in the price range you are looking at is this unit from Peoria:
http://www.peoriacustomcookers.com/new/roundpit/index.html
and for a little more $$
http://www.peoriacustomcookers.com/new/24X48_grill.html
here's a cheaper internet special
http://www.peoriacustomcookers.com/new/specials/24X36grill.html

Just thought I'd throw those out there.

 

[Greendriver]

You should consider the new and extremely versatile Backyard smoker / grill that Stump's makes. You can remove the water pan that is above the charcoal pan and grill, leave water pan in to slo smoke, lots of space. 1200.00.

 

[SmokeyBear]

I have the large BGE and a Weber 22.5" grill. The BGE is cool in that you can do so much stuff in it. I've yet to use it to it's full potential. However, I bought my kettle used after I bought my BGE. I find myself using the kettle far more often for my grilling. I like being able to have a safety zone with my fire, and I really like grilling indirect over a drip pan. I mainly use my BGE for large low and slow stuff and sometimes a pizza or cornbread.