Grain Belt
is one Smokin' Farker
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2009
- Location
- Northern MN
Harbormaster is correct. The orginal Smokey Joe Platinum (also once known as a Jumbo Joe) was made until about 2007 or so. It has an 18 inch grate that is not interchangeable with the 18 1/2. It was set up like a larger version of today's Smokey Joe Gold (14 1/2). It has side vents like BBQChef33's picture shows. The brand new Smokey Joe Platinum is a shallower design that is based off the European/Australian "Compact Kettle" The new SJP also has one large bottom vent in the vein of today's Smokey Joe silver. It does have a locking bail that connects with the lid handle. I have seen the new SJP in Wal-mart and Target in my town.
All that being said, I feel the new model would be a good portable grill/smoker. With the shallow bowl it might take a little getting used to as far as amount of charcoal needed and temps. I have seen a few threads critical of the quality control on the new SJP however.
I have smoked pork shoulder, ham, meatloaf, ribs, chuckies, venison, chicken, and turkey breasts on my 2007 SJP. I love it as my go-to tailgate, fishing, hunting, family vacation grill.
All that being said, I feel the new model would be a good portable grill/smoker. With the shallow bowl it might take a little getting used to as far as amount of charcoal needed and temps. I have seen a few threads critical of the quality control on the new SJP however.
I have smoked pork shoulder, ham, meatloaf, ribs, chuckies, venison, chicken, and turkey breasts on my 2007 SJP. I love it as my go-to tailgate, fishing, hunting, family vacation grill.