How Easy is it to Smoke on the Ranch Kettle?


 

Steve Williams

New member
I have an 18" WSM and was thinking about getting the new 22" WSM. I also wanted the new 26" Kettle, but after seeing on in a store, thought the legs were spindly and shaky.

That got me to thinking... How easy is it to do long indirect cooks on the big Ranch Kettle? Can you do 6-8 hour smoking on it?

If this is as easy as a WSM, I could kill two birds with one stone with the Ranch.

(Why do I think I'm getting my hopes up for nothing...)

Thanks.
 
I learned how to smoke stuff on my Performer, for years before I bought a WSM. So, applying the lessons learned there makes smoking on the Ranch fairly simple.

Coals to one side, or to two sides under grate flaps. I close two of the bottom vents, and even have to close the top vent to about half to maintain a low enough temp. Airflow seems to be really good, because temps would really like to climb if you leave the vents open.

I have done whole hogs, 20 slabs of ribs, 4 packer briskets.

I love my Ranch Kettle. I have examined the 26", and will buy one eventually, just to add it to the collection. I would love to see a 26" Performer (I can dream can't I?) and would buy a 26" P in a heartbeat (are you reading this Weber CS reps?!?).

So, as George said <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Really, how much meat are you going to smoke?? </div></BLOCKQUOTE> What do you have in mind?
 
Thanks for the info. It's not as much a matter as how much meat I need to smoke, as how much I need to be able to grill. I need more space than a 22" when we have an extended-family cookout and the Ranch would be great for that. I need more smoker room than the 18" WSM I have now and thought about the 22" WSM. I hoped that getting the Ranch could take the place of getting the 22" WSM AND the 26" kettle. It's another $400 more than buying both of them.

I would love to see a 26" Performer, myself. How much would that design cost, though - $600? It would be a nice setup, though.

Thanks again.
 

 

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