Hi there!

[Saffaboy]

Glad I found the forum!

From South Africa originally but been in the UK for some time now. In the army living in the East Midlands and addicted to braaing. I literally braai every single day I'm home, come rain snow or sunshine. I often have neighbours peeking at my mad ramblings in the garden through their curtains, especially during the winter and on Christmas day!

Just got into smoking meat the past 4 months or so and am now hooked! Currently looking at buying a dedicated smoker over the next couple of months. No.1 contended is the 57cm WSM but have also been looking at the Broil King Keg which seems very suitable for UK conditions as it is very heavily insulated. Not sure how the WSM would hold up in winter during a 12 hour overnighter. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated.


Thanks!

[JEC]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Look forward to see some South African inspired cooks

[CHokKA]

Hey Saffaboy, I'm another Saffer lurking around these parts Been in the UK for almost 16 years now, and tend to braai / BBQ whenever possible

As for a smoker, have you had a look at the ProQs? They're very capable smokers for a lower price than the Weber. I'm not anti-Weber, I have 3 Weber kettles at home but the ProQ just made more sense given the extra features and lower price

[Saffaboy]

Hey Saffaboy, I'm another Saffer lurking around these parts Been in the UK for almost 16 years now, and tend to braai / BBQ whenever possible

As for a smoker, have you had a look at the ProQs? They're very capable smokers for a lower price than the Weber. I'm not anti-Weber, I have 3 Weber kettles at home but the ProQ just made more sense given the extra features and lower price

Hi thanks!

I have not looked at ProQ (but am now!)

How long have you owned yours? I have been so "loyal" to Weber, even back in SA it almost feels wrong to look elsewhere. The price difference is massive though, so I wonder how much you are just paying for the name?

This one is definitely on my list. I have until December to think as I am deployed until then. Hopefully be home to smoke a Turkey for Christmas!

Have you done any mods on yours? Looking at the BBQGuru or similar Temp controller as well. Think this will be a life (food) saver during winter.

[BBQFanatic]

ProQ is a good alternative. If you looking at getting them, my advice is to wait till Aug as they are about to drop their new models that are serious WSM alternatives. On top of that its run by a great Rhodesian called Ian. (Btw I have owned both WSM and ProQ. Wsms for comps but ProQs excellent for home use). Lekker Lekker
Sent from my Lumia 820 - WP8.1 device

[Saffaboy]

Shot bru!

Yes a can of worms were opened when the ProQ was suggested. I thought my mind was all made up and then boom!

Anyway I'm away with work until December so will only be purchasing then. I did notice that they were out of stock across the UK and was told that from the end of the month new stock will be arriving. I was hoping it would be a new updated model as well; which is seems to be!

[CHokKA]

Hey Saffaboy, I'm another Saffer lurking around these parts Been in the UK for almost 16 years now, and tend to braai / BBQ whenever possible

As for a smoker, have you had a look at the ProQs? They're very capable smokers for a lower price than the Weber. I'm not anti-Weber, I have 3 Weber kettles at home but the ProQ just made more sense given the extra features and lower price

Hi thanks!

I have not looked at ProQ (but am now!)

How long have you owned yours? I have been so "loyal" to Weber, even back in SA it almost feels wrong to look elsewhere. The price difference is massive though, so I wonder how much you are just paying for the name?

This one is definitely on my list. I have until December to think as I am deployed until then. Hopefully be home to smoke a Turkey for Christmas!

Have you done any mods on yours? Looking at the BBQGuru or similar Temp controller as well. Think this will be a life (food) saver during winter.

Hey Saffaboy

I'm really sorry, I've only just noticed your post! 18 days later I know, but oh well!

I've had my ProQ for over a year now. I've only used it twice, and the last pork shoulder I did on it (there's a thread here about it in the Low & Slow section) was amazing. I haven't done any mods on mine yet. I'm still dabbling with it, seeing what I can get out of it manually before trusting some automation to it

I am also a loyal Weber user, I own a MasterTouch 57cm and a Bar-B-Kettle 57cm and I love them both, but my head won when I was looking at the ProQ vs the WSM. The ProQ has a really good build quality, the support from MacsBBQ (the UK distributor) has been amazing, and it worked so well on my last pork shoulder even though I was still getting used to it. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a good smoker.

...my advice is to wait till Aug as they are about to drop their new models that are serious WSM alternatives.

Do you know what they'll be adding to their new models when they come out? I'm really happy with the features on the current Excel, I think it's on a par if not better in terms of features vs the WSM, and the price point is one that everyone can get on board with