Grab a Weber 26” with a Slow N Sear will do almost anything you want. For long smokes, add in a WSM 20 with a digi Q and have two REALLY good setups for a lot less than a Kamado Joe.

I’ve had a Kamado Big Joe, Yoder 640s (pellet) and a Lang Patio Deluxe. For me personally, the above mentioned is what I find to be the easiest and best value for the money hands down.

I just purchased a Louisiana Grills pellet grill from Costco. I was able to compare it to a Traeger and it seems to be of similar quality but 2/3 the price. So far I've cooked a butt, leg of lamb, chicken breasts, steaks, turkey breast, and zucchini on it. It's done a good job on all of them. Pretty easy to use, turn it on, set a temp, and cook. I would buy it again.

David

i endorse this message — if i had a bigger crowd to feed, i would’ve gone w/the 26’er ... but my 22’er is suitable for my needs ... a very good friend of mine got a Kamodo Joe & has had all sorts of problems with it 🤷🏻‍♂️

What is the WSM 20 ? And is this digi q you're talking about specific to the weber ?

I did a little research into the slow n sear but give me the nuts and bolts if you can

I'm interested in this setup and even more interested in the price.

i have a SnS - so i'll take a stab - imagine a much more efficient "snake" method - but in a basket that holds all your charcoal ... i'd personally recommend the Plus model w/a water reservoir ... it's very well constructed (16 ga 304 SS) & i've had mine now for 3+ years & it's still going strong ... i can fill my SnS all the way full with charcoal, throw a few chunks of hickory on top, & get anywhere (easily) from 12-16 hrs of smoke time w/it ... when i got mine (i ordered direct from the founder/owner) i went ahead & had him throw in the Maverick digital thermometer, as well -- it's got a grate probe & a meat probe ...

they have a YouTube channel so you can check it out & see how they recommend using it -- but it's brain dead simple to use, and IMO is a game changer (along w/using the digital thermometer) ... i thought i was doing great BBQ until i ate smoked meat w/the Weber & SnS ...

the Sear part of it works awesome, as well - i’ve done some fine reverse seared steaks with it ... & it makes making smoked wings a snap ... but mostly, i used it for slow smoking

i’ll also add that i have a heavy duty cover for my Weber, and it stays out of the weather - i’ve had zero issues with rust ...

This is what I'm looking for.

watch their videos, BPI - it works "as advertised" - and hey, call the owner, Dave Parrish - he's an Alabama boy & a really good guy

I got a chargriller acorn for free, and am considering a komodo if it works out, but .... you got my wheels turning and my wallet thinking now LOL !

i wouldn't trade my Weber Premium + SnS Plus for anything - every time i use it, my GF always comments on how simple & effortless it is to use - 9/10 it's a "set & forget" deal - i just eyeball the wireless monitor from time to time to make sure it's still idling on 225F & sit in my recliner in the AC & watch YouTube LOL i went w/the copper color -- you can see the wireless transmitter hanging on the handle on the front ... not in the pic - but i clamp down the lid w/big binder clips to make sure it's sealed good - but you can snake the wires into the grill & avoid all that, if you want to

compared to other options - this is a cheap setup (under $500, esp if you find the Weber on sale, which I did)

Just ordered the digi Q system for the Akorn. If it don't work out this will be my next option. Thanks for all the info.

smart - i'd try to make your "free" option work 1st too - good luck

Rec tec grill is what I’m getting next.

Get the cheapest charcoal grill they have. Seems like nowadays they are rotten junk in about a year

With a name brand you can buy parts.

I have a gass grill that is probably 30 years old. It's not it the greatest shape but still cooks. Its fell off the back of a truck, been put out to pasture a few times and has key way controll joints holding it together.

Not if you want to smoke anything. Just grillin ? Oh yeah. They work fine.

if you leave stuff out in the weather, it'll all rot to the ground - unless it's stainless steel ... i've got a barrel grill, covered, under my porch, that i've had since 2004 - still going strong, even though i don't use it much now (too big) ... getting a grill under a carport/porch/in your garage is step 1 for making one last a while

Got my digi q pack for the akorn in today. Gonna try and do a butt and ribs tomorrow and I'll give a report later.

The digi q works great. Butt and ribs turned out perfect.

Well my akorn bit the dust on me last week. Thinking about the Costco ceramic grill, or waiting on a used BGE to come up for a reasonable price.