Greetings from the cold cold North

[Bradders]

Hello all,

Long time lurker, joined today.

I've been a keem griller for the last 15 years and 2 years ago got my first "proper" BBQ, a Weber Premium 57cm. I'm am now a very much hooked on smoking with wood chips. Will never forget my first smoked burger off the Weber.
I've experimented with a few ribs with limited success(bit dry) and a pork shoulder(which was better).

I've bought a Thermapen(off advice from this forum; ace bit of kit) and a pair of nice welding gloves, rather than the sub-standard mitts. Now looking to take the next step I see to go into full on smoking with a water or horizontal smoker. Looked at the WSM and the Pro Q Frontier. Think the Excel might be a bit big for my needs maybe. Pro Q is more appealing for the price, so happy to listen to any advice around the pro and cons of those. Also not sure on horizontals. Like the idea of using wood to smoke but range in the UK seems to be limited. Happy to take advice on that too.

To my inexperience eyes horizontal look a little harder to use. Space is a consideration, so verticals win on that. The water bath; thinking that might make the temp easier to control(??)

Anyway, sorry for the essay; bored at work.

Bring on the summer

Bradders

[Toby]

Welcome to the forum, my two pence would be WSM over Pro Q due to build quality and temp consistency. They are alot easier to maintain than horizontal, it all depends on how much work you actually want to do. Have a browse around it has been discussed a few times

[stretchie_]

Alright pal, something I found out was that if you use welding gloves make sure they are a spare pair, if not it just smells like old burgers when you weld

[Eddie]

Welcome to the forum. I love the Pro Q's and for any back yarder the fointier would be ideal. The WSM is a great bit of kit but? Not as interchangeable and more easy on your pocket.


Eddie

[keith157]

Alright pal, something I found out was that if you use welding gloves make sure they are a spare pair, if not it just smells like old burgers when you weld

Which I suppose makes you hungry, reduces concentration levels a health & safety nightmare Good advice, a quick question does your "hat" fit under your welding mask

[Bradders]

So I got the sign off from the SWMBO on my birthday yesterday to get a smoker and I have budget to go to a 18.5 WSM. Thing is though whether to go the a Pro Q Excel or the WSM? What would you chaps do given the choice?

I'm liking the bigger size and the price of the Pro Q but I love the build quality of my Weber One Touch, so that appeals for the WSM and it's reputation.

Bradders.

[paulfire]

i don't mind the cold' its the wind and rain that gets me
i bought a ProQ excel and its been great, i chose it for its versatility, features, brit company and yes price, but i wanted a WSM! the price at the time was too much compared to a frontier or excel.
so my input is practical, save money, buy british (although they are probably produced in china)

[keith157]

I have a ProQ and love it, but then I've seen lots of WSMs and probably would love one of those if I had one. May I throw a certified organic spanner in the works?

If you buy the WSM then that's what you get. If you buy the ProQ Excel there MAY be funds left over for a forced air system the IQue 110/120 as well.

[RobinC]

Re the WSM vs ProQ question you may want to take a look at these threads

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=2610&p=22579#p22579

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=2568

From what I've seen the ProQ is cheaper, has more features but is more leaky and burns through more fuel than the WSM

[Bradders]

Thanks for all the kind advice guys. What a great forum!

I've ordered a WSM 47cm this morning, as I found a cracking deal on it on the tinterweb. Like the Pro Q British argument, but I'll have the give Yanks their dues; they know BBQ.

My name is Bradders, and I'm a Weber addict. There the truth is out. I love my kettle so if it's the same quality I'll be a happy, slightly more overweight chappy

Time to re-arrange the grill area for the new addition to the family.

Suggestions for first cook very welcome. Think the BRITU on Virtual Weber from Mike Scrutchfield his high on the list.

Bradders.