I wonder why Weber has never.......


 
B

Brian Thomas

TVWBB Pro
Gotten into the Propane Gas Smoker market?

Seems like this is one area they could excel in considering all the el cheapo gas smokers out there. Considering they cater to the backyard grilling market, and with the popularity of the WSM, it would seem like a no-brainer for them to come out with a gas smoker?

I wonder why they have not done this? It wouldn't cost them much to make one, and I think a Weber Gas Smoker would be a big seller for them.

Thoughts?
 
I have one that can use either gas or charcoal. (Cabelas 7 in 1) The gas was only ever used to light the charcoal. BBQ with gas just ain't right
 
Why mess with something that works? The wsm is a true bbq pit, it will go toe to toe with any cooker. I had a cabinet from cabellas that was propane and that piece of crap was anything but a bbq pit, you could turn out jerky like no ones business though....
 
I wouldn't mind a propane starter like the Performer Platinum. However, for cooking itself, no thanks.
 
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I had looked at the Bass Pro Masterbilt 2 door propane unit, thinking about it instead of a 14.5 or get both but then realized it just wouldn't be right. Also why the big rush to smoke, smoking is supposed to be low and slow and charcoal is easy enough.
 
Personally, I would have to take a pass on a smoker fired by gas. BBQ the old fashioned way works for me.
 
Brian Thomas said:
Gotten into the Propane Gas Smoker market?

Seems like this is one area they could excel in considering all the el cheapo gas smokers out there. Considering they cater to the backyard grilling market, and with the popularity of the WSM, it would seem like a no-brainer for them to come out with a gas smoker?

I wonder why they have not done this? It wouldn't cost them much to make one, and I think a Weber Gas Smoker would be a big seller for them.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I think you may have a point. Certainly with the brand loyalty that Weber seems to Garner, a gas smoker with Weber's name could probably make a dent in the current marketplace. However I don't know that it is a "no-brainer", or even a good idea, for them to do so. Like you said there are plenty of gas smokers currently on the market. Sure there are benefits to not having to deal with charcoal (the perception of easier temperature control, different "fire safety" rules & regulations at apartments, etc), but there is also something less authentic about "low & slow bbq" done with gas.
 
less authentic yes, but being a gas grill guy, my OTG hardly gets used, there is a real ease factor.

Has anyone done tests or have opinions on the taste of food smoked by charcoal/wood vs gas/wood? I had thought about the Masterbilt 2 door smoker, especially as I keep hearing higher and higher prices for the 14.5 WSM
 
jeff, that discussion has been talked to death. my feelings are that one can make whatever choice they want.
you like gas? go for it. charcoal ? go for it.
 
Gas will always be easier, whether at start-up or at clean-up. But there's no single answer as to which tastes better, charcoal or gas. It's all about YOUR palate and what you like, not about someone else's. And I have no doubt that there are guys that can make barbecue on a gas smoker that tastes better than the bitter, oversmoked stuff that some guys do on charcoal or wood pits. But that lends credibility to the old saying, "it's the cook, not the cooker" that makes great barbecue! :)

Having said all that...there's no doubt in my mind that gas is less authentic than charcoal/wood, if that matters to you.
 
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