Which is the best BBQ Grill or Smoker to Choose and Buy - Charcoal, Briquettes, Wood, Barbecues | 4k

[@MrBiggameslayer]

How is this not the most watch bbq review video? I have been watching review videos for a couple days, and this has helped more than all others combined.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Wow :-) Many thanks for your kind words. I tried to create something that would have been useful for me early on in my BBQ life. I'm so happy you found it useful.

[@llamawizard]

I'd say get a Weber Kettle with a Slow'N Sear.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thats a big thumbs up from me :-)

[@95SLE]

Also do yourself a favor and get the S&S Expandable Rack.

[@crazykev5]

I have an electric smoker. Love it. Use it at least once a month. Looking to upgrade whenever it fails.

[@rustykc]

I wish you had made this video like 5 years ago. I started of buying a big 22 inch Weber Smokey Mountain. It does make some great low and slow bbq, I didn't know you couldn't do hot and fast with it very easy. I was new and dumb to smoking and bbqing. From there I bought a 22 Weber kettle, had 2 more kids and ran out of cooking room. So I bought the 26 inch Weber kettle with the slow n sear. I would give anything to go back in time and tell myself not to buy the Webber Smokey Mountain and just get the big Weber kettle and the Slow n Sear. I can make some amazing low n slow bbq and also some amazing steaks or anything hot and fast for that matter. I'm saving up for a high quality offset smoker and trying to make up my mind to go the route of a traditional pipe offset or like a cabinet offset. Love this video and I agree with all of your points you made. Not that I'm an expert....but your advice is 100 percent spot on in my honest opinion! Cheers and sorry for the super long comment.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks Rusty :-) Super long comment for a super long video :-) I'm the same as you, I wish I'd have known all of this 5 years ago, my journey would've been very different. I might have ended up at the same point but just on a different path. Normally the people giving this advice have something to sell, they work for a BBQ store, are a Manufacturer or are professional reviewers that do BBQ's this week and toasters next week. I wanted to give the advice from someone that only really started 4-5 years ago and has been lucky to play with a lot of toys :-) I hope it helps others at the start of their journeys.

[@henryfabian3187]

I actually had the exact opposite experience. I started with a 22” Kettle, bought a SnS, then bought a 26” kettle. It was a good setup, but I was only getting about 6-7 hrs on the Kettle with the SnS. I decided to get a 22” WSM a year later, & it’s my favorite. I can put a full packer brisket on there & not worry about refueling or major temp fluctuations. I can get over 17 hrs on my WSM with a 18lb back of kingsford charcoal. I’m looking to purchase a hanger for my WSM to hang ribs & chicken. If I had to do it over, I’d skip the SnS & the 22” Kettle. I’d like to get an offset, but the WSM & kettles handles everything I need for my family & parties.

[@adanflores04]

Rusty KC you can do hot and fast with WSM. Take out the water pan and use lump coals instead of briquettes. T-Roy cooks has a very in depth video how to do it. I’ve done it and produced a very juicy and tender brisket. You can’t walk away though. Hope this helps

[@mike3dr376]

Hi Hector, wish this was out sooner. Like you I bought the Yoder 640 Comp. cart, I've had it about 1 month, so far I love it because its more of a set it and forget it type of cooking. It's well made, solid piece of equipment that so far seems to be reliable. Love you videos, very informative. Keep up the good work.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks for the comments Mike. I love the Yoder, nice and easy to use, can’t really over smoke your food and a great nights sleep 💤 when you cook overnight 😁 I wanted to cook great food from day 1 and the Yoder did that.

[@alphatester9394]

Simple Story , all !

[@bobducharme4809]

I’ve used a Big Green Egg for years they do a great job. However the first two cracked and were unusable. The third is a small newer one and this winter it also cracked on the top half. It looks like it has an outer shell and an outer shell. The outer cracked. The other problem is the wheels rust over time and cannot be moved easily around the deck. The newer ones are much heavier then the originals but are hard to move. The other thing you have to worry about if you should hit or drop the lid while closing. It might just crack. I don’t really think I would go with Big Green Egg again but they do a good job but the small one does not hold much meat.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi Bob, I've never had a BGE but have always fancied one. When I was looking for a Kamado BGE were not over here in Oz but they are now. Its a bit disappointing to hear about the cracking, thats the last thing you want to happen. Thanks for the feedback

[@tiltedbrim2630]

Great video and a lot of effort was given in its creation.... I love the stuck on a desert island choose a grill quote. I’d choose the Yoder YS640 pellet grill as long as I had pellets. Personally, I feel that you’re underrating its grilling ability. Thumbs up to your video and I’m a new subscriber

[@Doodad2]

Do you have a Yoder or have much experience with one? I found it not to give much smoke flavor. Sold it.

[@tgutier214]

@@Doodad2 What did you end up getting with the money? I plan to buy a Kamado Big Joe. Also, looking at the yoder you had...How long did you have the yoder? I am just skeptical on all the electronics and not having to worry about it in the long run.

[@bmack500]

Great rundown; reinforced my decision to order the Yoder YS640S.

[@justoneman3916]

Wow... I’ve had a fair share of experience with some of the products discussed and believe this video is by far the absolute best in-depth advise I’ve seen, ever! Absolutely brilliant breakdown of choices which speaks volumes on the experience. I will definitely follow!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Wow, thank you for your kind words :-) It means a lot to me.

[@mckeon1960]

This is probably a dumb question, but with winter here would it be ok to grill in a barna with doors open, not sitting with it, something like a brisket, thanks

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hehe, you've got me :-) Barna???? Not an English or Aussie word :-) What's one of them?

[@mckeon1960]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse haha wooden garden shed approx 12x10ft

[@RumandCook]

Loved the stuck on an island comment. I feel the same about the Komodo Kamado. Love it! Great in-depth overview.

[@paulkalinowski5651]

This video was perfect for someone dipping their toe into bbq and feeling over faced (me). No nonsense and clear advice. Thanks so much and I’ll be subscribing now!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks Paul. More videos to come soon :-)

[@erictaada6967]

A most comprehensive overview from down under. All the categories of cookers and their applications in a coherent well illustrated presentation.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks Eric, I'm glad you found the video useful :-)

[@johnomahoney7755]

Thanks nice job!

[@airtexaco]

Great video-thank you! I have a Weber Kettle and had my first unsuccessful low and slow brisket. I will never get rid of the grill for burgers and steak, but you have some great ideas for a smoke and saved me from wasting my time on an electric.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Cheers Dean 😁 You'll have fun with your kettle, extremely versatile

[@philbrownred6500]

Weber Kettles and there grills suck for low and slow, can't keep a steady temp.

[@nevillechapman9761]

I think everyone would be well advised to start with a Weber kettle. You can cook all methods and find out what you like before spending the big bucks. And it'll last ten tears in the garden.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Agree the kettle is a great place to start :-)

[@jerome4l]

If it ain’t a Lang I don’t want it. Bury me with my Lang so I can have a cookout in heaven😛

[@alanm.7504]

Thank you for the video. I’ve been using my Napoleon gas grill for many years now (I still love that sear station) but a couple of years ago augmented that with a Primo, and am just now realizing the versatility it has. I’m sure when the time is right I’ll eventually add a smoker, and I’m glad you’re one of the resources I’ve found.

[@JaBaby13]

Hey Hector mate, thanks for the video I’m new to smoking... complete newbie. I’m from New Zealand and thinking of buying a pellet smoker from a company called Charmate. Have you heard of it?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Sorry Jana, never heard of the Charmate. Did you end up buying one?

[@adamellistutorials]

Got a masterbuilt 560 smoker last week. Find it’s pants for veggies and skewers etc. Would you suggest a webber as a good addition?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Weber is always a good tool in the arsenal. Great for doing direct/indirect for your veggies and skewers

[@adamellistutorials]

I’m having to wait 10 mins for the 560 to heat to 600 to reverse sear and think having the Webber going at the same time would be good to get it seated right away and that Smokey charcoal flavour. Would that work?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Definitely would. Charcoal flavour is always the best. I never sear on my pellet, always on charcoal for taste

[@adamellistutorials]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse so you fire up both machines?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

I have done but typically I'll use either my Weber or Kamado for direct/indirect cooking. You do have to wait a few minutes for the temp to crank up but I'm ok with that. The other way is to sous vide steaks, then put them onto a searing hot kettle or Kamado.

[@rmanthon]

Another in the pricy but great all-rounder is the Weber Summit Charcoal Grill. (Weber version of the Kamado) I absolutely love mine.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

I agree. I've seen one, it looked fantastic but very expensive here in Australia. I'd love to get one just need to find a great sale or a dealer that wants to help me out 😁 I'd have one in a heartbeat.

[@donhgr]

I’m not a pit barrel fan because of price, I think a guy could make a UDC for way less and has more real estate. I think the perfect started is a Weber Smokey Mountain, if you master it you can cook with the best of them. I have a Kamado Joe and a pellet fridge a Weber gas and a stick burner. My goal is to end up with a Stumps my Joe and possibly my gas Weber and get rid of my others. The only downside to the Kamado is Real estate seems like I always want to cook more than I have room for when having guests over and that’s where the Stumps will come in for me.

[@neilreid2298]

A brilliant video and very helpful! The score sheet at the end is fantastic. Thank you!

[@bp.8334]

I have a Humphrey's Battlebox and 2 Chargriller Akorns. The Battlebox is one of Humphrey's smaller cabinets but will EASILY go 10 plus hours on a load of charcoal doing 250-270 degrees Fahrenheit. I have used the Akorns for everything, low and slow to searing until I stepped up to the Battlebox. I agree with everything you stated about the pros and cons of each type. I just wanted to clear up the burn time for the Humphrey's. It is an expensive cooker but worth every penny..... or dollar. :)

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Awesome info Bob, one of my friends cooks with the Humphreys Cabinets in Competitions and loves his also

[@scott-o3345]

What exactly is negative about cooking with gas? It's cheap, you can control the temp easily and don't have to tend it continuously.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi Scott, it’s each to their own but I find the flavour of gas BBQ’d food doesn’t taste anywhere near as good as charcoal. If you want to cook steaks really hot (700-900f) gas can’t get there. Gas isn’t great for smoking, the lids are not built with smoke in mind, so even if you use chips, it doesn’t depart the same flavour as charcoal and wood chunks. Gas grills are not great at low and slow, most don’t have indirect cooking zones or if they do not large enough for a brisket. I could go on, they just don’t suit me and what I expect from bbq food. Gas is very convenient, this is the big plus but I don’t see any other advantages. I was 100% gas for years but could never go back now. As I said each to their own 😁

[@Michele-ot8bh]

Thank you

[@markbennett1237]

I have a Kamado Joe. It's great for slow cooking, but you do have to babysit it to keep the temperature from drifting. It can be challenging to keep the temperature low. You only have to open the air valves just a sliver to keep it at 220 degrees. I cook brisket all night long and there is still a lot of leftover good charcoal after all that time. Mid way through a cook, I would like to be able to add wood chunks to make more smoke, but you cannot do that while the indirect cooking shield is in place (at least on mine). The Komodo is great at grilling/searing steak at high temperatures.

[@lyleswavel320]

I have camp chef pellet smoker dlx model for meat and off set vertical dyna Flo for beans, parmesan potatoes and vegetables with bacon crunches

[@stubfincher516]

Gas cooking is grilling. Low and slow is where the flavor really explodes. Where you get the next level of punch to the taste buds. I have several bbq’s, my favorite is my Stump’s. I’ve turned out great pork butt’s on my Webber using the snake method. Drum smokers are a great intro into smoking. You have a great insight into the art. Thank you for your videos. 🍻

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

You're welcome 😊 We are about to move house and will be building a large shed and KZbin studio. Hopefully in 3-4 months I will be cranking out a lot more videos 😁

[@Sylmardal]

Hector - You don't talk about potential or future fuel costs. The kamados are expensive up front, say as compared with a WSM. If you BBQ more than 2X a month you might want to consider the long term fuel costs. I have an 18" WSM at my cabin in Alaska. It does a great job but takes about half a bag of briquettes for a low and slow cook. Depending where you live your briquettes might cost .50 cents a pound, ( Alaskan prices are almost always higher) so lets say 9 lbs./ cook = $4.50 a WSM cook. My 40 year old pre-BGE kamado has instructions that say "Don't use over 24 briquettes or it gets too hot and might crack". At 18 briquettes per pound that's 1- 1/3 lbs or $0.67 a kamado cook, a saving of $3.87. Depending on how many cooks I do a year, that expensive kamado will pay for itself in 7 to 15 years. An example: Three cooks a month = 36/yr. 36 X $3.87 = $139. $139 X 10 yrs =$1,390. I can buy that expensive Classic III Kamado Joe for $1,699.00 plus tax instead of a $350.00 18' WSM that leaks smoke and heat. After 10 years I'm saving money and I enjoyed each and every year using those added K.J. features. I also have a good heavy duty offset smoker and it's great, but I would not recommend them to anyone that doesn't have a good source for wood sticks or chunks. Paying retail for those little bags of wood at the big box stores will drive you to the "poorhouse".

[@ahmedhassan4356]

first tanx for the video a really really good experience, , 2nd plez. can you tell me an advice on smoker that can be fit on medium size food truck used outside the car , it will be used to cook cow cheeks low and slow for streetfood tacos

[@smsgem]

I have a Primo and love it . I do also have a gas that I use for something really quick. Great video !

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks Gene, kamado's are pretty awesome. Cannot go wrong with a Primo :-)

[@alanm.7504]

Thanks for your comment. I’m so glad you stated that. That’s been my “m.o.” too for a while now. Lately I’ve been telling myself I owe it to myself to do some more experimenting with my Primo, such as use or not use the the deflector racks for some types of cooks; increase capacity with raised extender shelves, etc.

[@JK-ug7rm]

Is there a smoke flavor difference between kamado, gas, cookshack electric, gravity fed, pellet...for low/slow? Does the wood burn differently enough to have different smoke flavor? Perhaps smoke volume that runs over thee meat for the meat to collect more smoke?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

I think there is a big difference in smoke flavour between all of the BBQ's. I'll try to list them in order of least smoke to most smoke, this is my opinion, some may not agree 😁 Least Electric, gas, pellet, Kamado, gravity fed and finally offset. I'm not keen on too much smoke, so pellet, Kamado and gravity fed suit me. But if you want the full on smoke flavour then you'd have to go offset. Pucks, chips and pellets are very mild. Wood chucks have more and full splits the typical authentic flavour. Hope this helps.

[@JK-ug7rm]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse Is the difference very noticeable between kamado and gravity fed? Enough difference that if I have a kamado, it would be worth buying a gravity fed for more smoke?

[@SouthernCoastalCookingTM]

great video , you explained it all very well

[@bigtrouble5043]

Those all suck, that's why I only use the Cajun smoker built in Moorhead, Minnesota. The only NSF certified stick (wood) smoker on the market. Best smoker available, though expensive it's the only smoker for me and those I serve BBQ to in my community.

[@whtecupcake]

Excellent presentation, Very helpful. I'm sure your quite the cook as well. Keep the great videos coming. informative and well researched.

[@19Silver67]

I have a Rebel, which is just like the Asassin and I absolutely love mine. You can crank it up to 500 degrees but I wouldn't recommend it. I went that hot once, I wasn't paying attention and didn't think it would get that hot but it did. I was trying to clean the smoker but I won't do it again. This is easiest, efficient and long lasting smoker. It's really great if you have cold winters and it doesn't effect it at all.

[@JWILLIE4308]

I have a pit barrel cooker that I use for all low and slow cooks, pork shoulders, briskets, turkey and chicken. Looking at purchasing a yoder smoker, will I get same amount of smoke one my shoulder/briskets etc? I find myself mixing more wood chunks in my pit barrel and was exploring the option of going 100% pellets. I have never been really happy with my ribs on the pit barrel.

[@scottparttimechef4981]

keep making good content 🙂 love what you are doing. Come see my page and tell me what you think of my recipes.

[@ledgerdc]

I'm torn between a kamado or a gravity smoker + stone other cheap sear grill. In your opinion, is the smoke flavor from a gravity unit really better than a kamado?

[@sillery3439]

I’m stuck between a pellet smoker and a offset smoker. I can get a pit boss Austin XL from my local Walmart for $500 and a Oklahoma Joe highland offset for $400. Thanks for the info it’s very helpful

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Decisions, decisions 😁 Hands on, hands off... smoke flavour, no smoke flavour I'm sure you'll love whichever one you buy. Good Luck 😁😁

[@steveyeater7017]

Great video for a beginner, Weber kettle and pit barrel are great first two choices. The only thing I would add is own a gas grill as well if you have the money look at Weber genesis sometime the convenience of a gas grill is unbeatable

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hehe! 2 out of 3 ain't bad but I could never go back to gas. The flavour just isn't the same. I haven't cooked on gas since 2014 and don't miss the convenience. I think I like the primative idea of making fire :-)

[@Moondoggy1941]

Man those are nice and pricey smokers and on top of that shipping must be extreme. No doubt he has the sickness, better than drugs and alcohol.

[@jimmyt568]

char-broil barrel grill(wood or briquets)..bradley smoker bs611 best combination for the novice both cost aprox 450.00 us dollars.. get ya in the door and deff in the neighborhood for good food..many texas smoke house's us the bradley

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

I thought you told me not to use brand names and you do exactly that??

[@foxtrotflies]

Just so you know hector you have your microphone set up wrong, the top of the foam (pointing towards your zipper) should be pointing upwards towards your face.

[@Michele-ot8bh]

Very helpful video. I am looking at the Weber SmokeFire EX4 (2nd Gen) Wood Fired Pellet Grill as I hear it’s very easy to use and clean. Moreover, wood flavour, I think is the best. The one thing that puts me off, is that there is no rotisserie with this grill. I am a novice and would like to cook roasts , as in a good English roast (sorry), but also typical bbq chicken , fish, seared sirloin steaks etc.. Not really interested in very long slow and low cooking. What is your opinion about this please?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

The Smokefire will be able to cook a roast without having to use a rotisserie, same as we used to do in England, in the oven. But you will get some smoke flavour. Steaks will be OK, you will be happy but won't be as good as they would be direct on charcoal. Charcoal spits (Rotisseries) are relatively cheap and if you are not happy, you could eventually buy one to complement, your Smokefire. They are especially good for Picanha, Pork Roasts with crackling and Rotisserie Chickens. As a starter BBQ the Smokefire will be fantastic, it will be very forgiving. A great place to start. If you then get the bug, you can add to your arsenal :-)

[@mlzz805]

Get a Weber 26" kettle, you won't regret it!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

No arguments from me :-)

[@The72Rabbit]

Half of your information is exactly what I was thinking. For almost two months, I had one sided thinking about a BBQ Grill. My goal is to build a BBQ Island on my own without spending a lot of time and a huge expense. I have already started but not yet finished. I decided my budget was $5K. When you think one sided, one grill was all I thought until I saw a KZbin video where someones backyard had TWO GRILLS. This was where I started to re-think one sided thinking. What can I buy for about $5k that contains everything in my workflow??? TWO GRILS - One for Gas - Fast Cooking and a Kamado - Slow Cooking / good smoking. This was not easy for me to learn only because everyone on KZbin was implying I needed to buy ONE Grill that does it all. Well. That simply is not out there. I cannot run a rotissierie and High sear a steak at the same time. Different functionality = not as good results if I did not split the workflow into TWO devices instead of One. I do not have my setup yet but I do intend on Youtubing this information as it is not really spoken of in terms of thinking two grills instead of one and upon a budget.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

It's a minefield. I think I have 8-9 BBQs and each one has it's perfect method but nothing can truly do everything. It'll be interesting to see what you decide on

[@moogs]

This video is a trick. You’ll end up with 4 grills/cookers/bbqs/smokers anyway!

[@smokegrill3058]

Your video is very helpful i have a electric smoker and I regard buy it i just don't like it if I known better i should buy a pellet smoker instead of the electric smoker

[@NpgSymboL]

Nice video. Thankyou Will subscribe 🇦🇺 🥩 🍻 ✌🏼

[@jackturner1446]

The best video I've seen on KZbin!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Wow, thanks for that Jack, I really appreciate your comments :-)

[@troyrowland5169]

The only time I ever comment on a video as if it's really good and you sir did a excellent job without you I wouldn't never have known about the bullet or the barrel method my first smoker I bought last year was a Grill Master offset and I made some good food but it is a super hands on type of Cook I like medium Hands-On cooking where I don't have to babysit every second but I like to be in some control periodically so I'm definitely going to get me a Pit Barrel and I already have a Weber regular Grill thank you so so much

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Awesome Troy, thanks for the kind words :-) You won't go wrong with a Pit Barrel, it cooks so well and the price point is fantastic. Expect some amazing BBQ

[@MrPerivolas]

I am thinking of buying a smoker, and this video,is soooo useful. Thanx so much. I ll probably go for a low budget bullet.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Awesome, you will kick out some great BBQ

[@TonyLatigo]

As soon as he started asking those questions, I subscribed! 🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@saya2001]

Amazing run down !!! of options bud, sadly not all is available in UK!

[@nikc4215]

im new hector thanks for your vids man, im an argentinian with good meat but in need of a good smokey grill

[@95SLE]

Found this video today. I currently use a Weber Kettle, Wsm, and a weber gas grill. A Kamado is on my short list for a Father's day gift to myself. The S&S Kamado is my choice so far. I have really enjoyed my S&S accessories that I currently use on the Weber Kettle and WSM. Come on Father's day sale pricing.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

The SnS will do the trick. Great choice :-)

[@christophealbertin4453]

Thank you from France to share your knowledge and experience.

[@derrickwalsh5604]

Love versatility of different smokers..i currently own a char broil kammander kammado, an Oklahoma Joe's bronco uds and a Oklahoma Joe's highland offset..if you enjoy the pbc a lot I reccomend the okj bronco..you can definitely do better grilling as it is designed to be able to move the charcoal pan up near the grates and it's an awesome feature..thanks for the info..may still have to get that Weber mastertouch yet

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

I agree, can never have enough BBQs :-)

[@csd000]

Hi, Have you used or looked at the new Yoder YS640s, Ive been told its better for grilling than previous models.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi, I replied through Messenger :-)

[@spartanj2957]

Pellet stoves take 110 also ,no way, Weber summit for me like it better than the other kamotos.

[@cuneytkrc]

Hello. I am Cuneyt. First of all let me say, I have not seen video that is wonderful about bbq smoker. Thanks a lot of your labour. I have some questions about to buy a bbq smoker. If you can help me, I will be grateful to you. I have a venue that is beach coffee. I would like to make brisket, beef rib and sausage in bbq smoker. I would like to use to cook pieces of oak and beech and additional bbq smoker have to be electrical, but I have to make that indoor. So, Can I buy what kind of bbq smoker?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi Cuneyt, I reckon a beach venue selling low and slow BBQ will be amazing. For ease of use a Cabinet smoker such as a Gravity Fed will be great. Economical, set and forget, plenty of space. If you want to go truly authentic, then an offset but expect to be more hands on, feeding the pit every 45 mins. As for a smoker for inside, a lot in the states use Ole Hickory Pits. I'm not an expert but they can use a combination of wood, gas and electric.

[@Breitman123]

Great video, sir!! Sincerely. 👍

[@JOlsson01]

What about hot smoking salmon where you need a temperature range of 150-170°F (66-77°C)?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Sorry, this isn't something I do so wouldn't know what the best solution would be. Smoking wood, charcoal etc at these very low temps would create a lot of smoke, which might be acrid. I either cold smoke or smoke at 225f and above, so I wouldn't know the best BBQ for you.

[@gtsbarbecueandcuisine4837]

Very nice video and advice. I ended up with a Rec Tec pellet grill, a WSM 18, and a 22 kettle with slow and sear. That pretty well covers anything I want to do and wasn’t too expensive.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Agree, you have a fantastic group of BBQ's that can cook every type of BBQ perfectly

[@xxBLKSNXxx]

Yoder all day long

[@joeoutdoors2299]

Just the video I was looking for great info I've been going around in circles. Looks like a pit barrel for me! thanks for the help.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

You're welcome Joe. You'll love the PBC

[@rscholey85]

Weber kettle is awesome but can only cook one brisket at a time, Weber charcoal summit for me next loose none of the versatility and gain a better smoker

[@randystephens1050]

I don't grill at all. I have a Oklahoma Joe Bandera. It is the best smoker I have used. Only use wood. Hickory, Maple, cherry and sometimes apple and white oak. Sure I have to tend my fire but knowing how to control your fire and clean fire is the art of a true BBQ pit master

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Which I have no problem with Randy but some people don't want to be a 'True BBQ Pitmaster' some people just want to be able to cook great BBQ at home without any hassle. The whole point is that everyone is different, everyone is into BBQ'ing for different reasons and its about choosing what is appropriate for you.

[@rarityd]

I haven't seen new videos from you and I just wanted to wish you and yours are doing well. I can't wait to see your next releasing videos =)

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi, we are all well and good, thank you for asking. I've been a little preoccupied with fishing and a new boat 😁 I'm hoping to get back to BBQ videos soon 😁

[@troyrowland5169]

I do have a question though I prefer AKA only want to smoke with chunks of wood or a charcoal wood combo can a Pit Barrel accomplish this? Thank you

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

The main source of fuel for the PBC is charcoal. It will comfortably do briquettes but will also do lump. You can definitely then use flavor wood to suit your taste and the meat you are smoking. Most people fill the basket with briquettes, leaving out a small area of 20, those 20 go into a chimney starter and are then poured in. You can then add a wood chunk over the lit charcoal and place a couple of other, that will catch later on during the cook. So charcoal and wood is the perfect combination.

[@gilwil119]

Really enjoyed the video. Moved house to the Glens of Antrim ( Game of Thrones filmed here) so the gas has gone and I have a Kadai firepit, a Weber Master Touch and a ProQ bullet smoker. Before I make a mistake on the purchase front, what probe type thermometer would you say is your 'desert island' one of choice....I'm still kicking myself for not buying a Komodo Kamado when I could afford it.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi Gillian, you’re in a beautiful part of the world 😁 This will be a whole new video but here are my thoughts. First decide if you want just a temperature probes or whether you want a pit controller. If you are after a pit controller/thermometer I’d go BBQ Guru. If you are after a great pit thermometer, I would probably go with a Fireboard. 6 probes, rechargeable battery, cook charts kept in the cloud, connects to your wifi so you can see the temperature anywhere. This would be my desert island thermometer. For an instant read thermometer, it has to be a Thermopen. Either a mk4 or the new ir Thermapen. Hope this helps 😁

[@slimjim906303]

What about a Komodo Joe 3

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hey Jimmy. I reckon the KJ3 is a great choice. I don't have one but I really like that KJ are innovative and are always trying to improve their Kamados. Some of the other Kamado manufacturers have sat back and have made little or no change, whilst KJ keep innovating. If I was looking for a Kamado, I'd be very happy to buy a KJ, great for hot/fast and low/slow.

[@Dontmakemereregister]

This is very comprehensive and should be a must view for noobs in the BBQ market. I own a few of these, just getting into the pellet game so I stumbled across this video. Very well done!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Many thanks for your review, very much appreciated 😁

[@martydawson1558]

Thanks Hector. Good vid and very informative. Best comparison vid on youtube.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks Marty, I really appreciate that :-) Its a long video, too long but their is a lot to take on board. I hope it helps some people make the right choice, sometimes the advice from BBQ Stores isn't the best :-)

[@thatguygreg]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm just about to take the plunge into the world of serious BBQ and this video was exactly what I was looking for. It wasn't easy finding information before this video and prior to seeing this I was leaning towards dropping over €1,500 on a Kamado Joe to get something of good quality right away but now I think I'm going to start with the Webber and Pit Barrel as you suggested. Liked and sub'ed. Great work!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Many thanks for your sub. You cannot go wrong with a kettle and PBC, both are awesome to learn on, fun, produce great BBQ and are at a great price point. Hope you have some great fun on your bbq journey. Next fun part is finding great cuts of meat and suppliers, this became as much fun as trying new Bbqs.

[@imari2305]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. My late mother owned a huge Weber grill and I had a small table top Weber. We would pack them up and take to the park since we lived in an apartment and had no place to set them up lol.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Great memories :-) Webers are pretty awesome, they always seem to give amazing customer service and are good BBQ's

[@rubengonzalez750]

Wsm...have a traeger also but better flavor from my wsm....pretty easy to use also.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Ruben, WSM are very cool and produce great BBQ, great choice 😁

[@FelixG2070]

Excellent video... I've seen your primo review, as i own one as well, which i found very informative too. Pit barrels' a bang for buck beauty!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks Felix 😁 The PBC is pretty awesome for the price.

[@chris5942]

I love my 14D BarrelHouse cooker. They stopped making that size/style unfortunately or I would have bought a couple more of them. The fuel efficiency and hours of rock solid temps is amazing. LIke you, I use the barrel the most. I have a LSG 24x36 offset. Amazing smoked meat off of that but it is so attention and fuel hungry that I don't use it much at all. I just bought a LSG cabinet smoker that I can't wait to get. It has the massive room of the offset with the set it and forget it of the barrel along with not having to lift meat in and out of a barrel. Live and learn. Trial and error. It is the spice of life!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

We don't have Lone Stars in Australia but I certainly hear great things about them. I reckon you are in for some fantastic fun 😁

[@chris5942]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse I bet you have smokers just as high quality! It's fun cooking something and watching people enjoy the results.

[@D1ARBO]

Hey Dave... Another great video. After repeated efforts to sell the wife for the KK, looks like I may have to use actual money, which Dennis may prefer. Keep it up!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

You won't be disappointed David. I have a new 32" waiting for me when we move home in 2 weeks. It'll take a month or two to settle down but I'll do a review of the 32. It's a good thing you're not selling your wife 😁 You should maybe let her choose the tiles and then she's implicit in the decision 😁

[@TheTaytoni]

i have a Weber Kettle Master touch and a Rec Tec 700 and could not be happier

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Great choices Gabriel 😁

[@markweinsheimer9129]

You spoke about " low end " and mentioned a Lang reverse flow. I am not taking you to task, however there is no " low end" Lang. There are different sizes from a 36" dia and up .Some come with the reverse flow and a grill all built in 1 tube. I like your channel, keep up the good job.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hey Mark, I was talking about price ranges and in particular the $1000-$1500 price range. The Lang range runs from $1500 to $4000ish, the $1500 model is at the bottom of that range. I wasn't talking low end, I was talking bottom end of the price range of Langs. When I was talking low end, I was talking about Pellet Grills. In Pellet Grills their is definitely a low end (thin material, poorer quality etc) and their is a high range but when I mentioned the Lang I was talking about the $1500 model being at the bottom end of the Lang price range, thats all (16:50)

[@williamfriggle]

I wish I had seen this before I bought my smoker. I wouldn't have bought what I did. I got a cheap barrel smoker and it has so much air leaks I have a hard time keeping my temps down. And as a grilling that it says it can do it sucks. I am wanting a Weber kettle. That's what I should have gotten. But my financial situation is very different from yours I can tell just by what kind of ones you own. The money for the smoker was a gift. So now there's no money for the Weber. I am trying to put some aside as I can and will get one. But it's really frustrating using the smoker I got until the Weber kettle shows up. I'm disabled so money is very tight. Great video. Hopefully it will help others not make the same mistake I did. God bless and stay healthy.

[@PatrickMatherne]

I did the same thing. I had a weber kettle in my basket at home depot then saw a Nexgrill offset and had to make a snap decision since the HD was closing.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks for the kind words Bill. I hope you get the opportunity to get hold of a kettle. They often turn up over here on our equivalent to Craigslist at some really attractive prices. They clean up really well. Fingers crossed, something comes along. Take care :-)

[@obaidajmal879]

Thanks great video. Can you tell me Which of these can i use wood and the smoker should be vertical for cooking duck?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

You would need something like a Vertical Offset. Do a search on Lone Star Grillz Vertical Offset and you would need something like that. You can use wood in an offset.

[@obaidajmal879]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse hi thanks for replying back. Its a great suggestion. On more question, which would you suggest is better the lonestar grillz vertical smoker or the old country bbq pits gravity smoker?? Thanks again.

[@perfectsmoked1674]

I love this video content - its so usefull and helpfull.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Many thanks

[@kappatvating]

One of the best video comparisons and explanations.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks Steven, glad you found it useful 😁

[@kappatvating]

Hectors Smoke House I’m totally going to get a kamodo because of you.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

That's awesome, which one are you going for KJ, Primo, KK.........?

[@kappatvating]

The big joe. I think big joe iii may just cost too much.

[@kappatvating]

What’s the BBQ guru I looked it up after you mentioned it. Is it Ike a set a temp and forget it type machine? I’m intrigued because it makes me think I wouldn’t have to be up all night

[@CookinWithJames]

a lot of good information. I do love my offset smoker. I have all the gasket and modifications and it holds temp pretty steady without recoaling for about 3 hours. but you do have to feed it about every hour with wood!! nice video!! if anyone wants to check my channel out that would be great! I just got started and have a few videos. Thanks. keep up the good work!! I subscribed and liked!!

[@lukeb9506]

In the kamado do you find that it gets to hot, so you need to reduce the airflow but that then causes acrid smoke so you get stuck between too hot or acrid smoke

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi Luke, I know what you mean. I probably cook low and slow between 250-275f, it seems to allow the air to flow better. 225f does seem to be too low. Also using a guru seems to help and creates a better air flow.

[@lukeb9506]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse is it possible to add wood/char coal mid cook on the kamado? Do you find you need to add charcoal to the vertical barrel smokers for 10h cooks? Right now I have a char grill delux which is not fantastic super thin, leaky but it does let me add fuel or move the meet closer or further if the fire is just being a pain.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

@@lukeb9506 certainly don't need to add charcoal mid cook, the kk will go for 20 hours. As for wood, meat only takes smoke for the first 2 hours, so you don't need to add more mid cook. You would need to add charcoal to something like a pit barrel but not in a Gravity Fed Smoker.

[@lukeb9506]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse oh I see, when you add more to the pit barrel is that a 2 man job to lift it up without getting burnt?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

@@lukeb9506 you can pour more charcoal into the pit barrel with their small chimney. You just need to move the meat for a short time. Just need to wear good gloves/gauntlets.

[@Mccaid]

Me sittin with a $100 in my pocket wantin all 4...

[@wppk33]

lol I still don't know what I want,but your very thorough ...

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hehe. Start with a Weber Kettle, fantastic place to start and then move on from there. Even though I have heaps of BBQ's we still end up using the Kettle 2-3 times per week

[@slimshady3abood321]

Thanks for the amazing video! Liked and subscribed... keep up your great work!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Awesome, thank you!

[@justmyopinion6486]

This video is absolutely fantastic, Just great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. A wealth of info. Thank you Charlie Mutter

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks for the kind words Charlie. I'm very happy that you found it helpful

[@bigmark2.046]

Someone probably already mentioned it, but as far as price point is concerned, the Weber Smokey Mountain is almost identical, if not less than the Pit Barrel Cooker, plus it can be outfitted with the same features and much, much more than the grill grate accessory that comes with the PBC. With all of the fine products you've purchased and worked with, I'm kind of shocked that you never tried out cooks on the WSM. Thank you for your awesome review and tutorial!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi Mark, I always really wanted a WSM but in Oz they were and are still more than double the price of the PBC. $300aud v $750aud for the 18 and I desperately wanted a 22 and that was a $1000aud. Pro Q's seemed to do better in Oz because they were at a much better price point, bloody shame really. I'll still probably buy a WSM when we move home, as I'd still like to play with one 😁

[@correctionalofficer4lockdo763]

Old Smokey! Enough said

[@Todd.T]

One of each. What's with all the time wasting with decision making.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Todd, that was definitely my thought process hehe 😂 It becomes an addiction 😁

[@Todd.T]

Hectors Smoke House I’ve got a huge gas grill with smoking boxes, a vertical bullet, a Traeger and next week I take delivery of a 400lb bullet proof offset stick burner. It’s Canada day tomorrow and if anything fails, I still have two other ways to cook. People think I’m kidding. I’m not.

[@mattl7424]

Ladies of Gravy. Nice video . Might get the Yoder 640

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Good choice!

[@alexseva1566]

Thank you so much for excellent explanation, now I knew that I want 👍👍👍

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Thanks Alex, so......... what did you choose ?

[@williambennett2681]

I currently own a weber kettle, great grill! But I sure would love to have a Kamado Joe!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

They keep developing the Joe, they seem to be updating more frequently than any other Kamado. It would be a great purchase 😁