Been grilling pretty heavy for the past few years with the weber genesis and feel like I need to increase the challenge. I want to get into the BBQ scene but not sure where to start. Should I start brinkman or wsm?
Take it from another "nube". I spent 30+ years grilling on Webers (Smokey Joe, Kettle and Genesis) and was ready to take the next step up to REAL BBQ. I did LOTS of research beginning in January and it was quite obvious the WSM was the ONLY way to go when it came to back-yard "low and slow" smoking. I pulled the trigger about a month ago and have absolutely no regrets. The Genesis still gets used about 2-3 times a week, but Saturdays and/or Sundays are for smoking. BTW, my wife first looked at me with one eyebrow raised when I showed her the WSM 18 1/2". She figured it was just another "guy toy" that would get stashed into the corner of the garage. After the bacon and ribs I smoked my second weekend, she's a convert too and is always looking for things to smoke.
I have nothing personal against anything "Brinkman", but it's like the difference between buying a Toyota or a Kia. Both are decent enough, but one is built better and will last longer. So... keep the Genesis and buy the WSM. I prefer the 18 1/2" model simply because it's the right size for just two of us (except when the kids are home for college).