Is the Ranch Kettle as Easy to Smoke With as the WSM?


 
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Steve Williams

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Is it as easy to do long smokes on the Ranch Kettle as it is on the WSM? Any drawbacks to using the Ranch for smoking vs. a WSM?

Thanks!
 
Steve-

The Ranch Kettle is pretty rare around here and not usually a 1st purchase. I think most people get a WSM and then get a Ranch. This is probably why you have received no responses.

I do not have a Ranch nor a WSM, but I have done long cooks on my Performer. I think the Ranch big size would be a drawback with a large fuel consumption when smoking on a ranch. However, being so big, you could probably dump a bag of charcoal in it, light it using the Minion method and never have to refill it again. it
 
I think anytime you try to smoke on a kettle you have to keep more of an eye on the temp. it tends to swing up and down much more than a WSM. But this is just my experience when I tried smoking on my 22" OTG kettle. It did work but I did more babysitting than I would have liked. Here's a rack of spares on the kettle.
Picture693.jpg
 
If you use the find tool and search for Ranch Kettle or Konrad Haskins you will find useful info from people who have them and use them successfully.

Gary
 
I have the weber Ranch and it is an awesome smoker/grill. I also added a 10' stainless collar allowing double the capacity as well as making a rotss. possible. I would highly rec.a Guru and you will be trouble free. This is a very versitle grill that serves as well as a smoker, I can do ribs, brisket, pork butt and chicken on it at one shot. I have a pic on the Mod sections of the site. I'll be happy to help w/any questions.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Steve Williams:
What is a Guru? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

An automatic temp controller. You install a fan on a vent and insert a temp probe. The fan goes on and off to regulate the temp.
 
It is very similar to smoking on a 22.5 kettle. It holds temp very well, and is absolutely not a fuel hog. It is not necessary to dump a whole bag of charcoal in it, because you would set it up with a small fire on one side (or two sides, depending on what your smoking), light it off and close the lid.

The Tuck-A-Way lid holder makes it surprisingly easy and convenient to open the large lid. Grab the front handle and lift an inch or two, then slide it back slightly to position on the gray plastic rollers which are the pivot point, then lift it wide open. When closing it reseats well.

I have used the charcoal baskets from my Performer. Wasn't quite enough heat, so then I covered the straight side with foil, and used them as a wall to contain the fire. But I didn't like seeing the foil burn thru, introducing aluminum to the cook (AL has some association with Alzheimers, so I try to not consume too much). Next, I had read here about fire bricks, got some and used them as a firewall. But they picked up and radiated too much heat and over accelerated the cook of 4 packer briskets, and they were done in about 6 hours.

Next I will try either the charcoal rails, or the solid baskets flat side as a wall.

It is not quite as easy as a WSM, but with a little bit of ability, you can do it.

BTW, Steve, I reread several of your other posts, going back to last July , and they have the same theme: should I get a Ranch, and is it a justifiable expense? I say YES!! Get one, start cooking, and don't look back. Have fun!
 
I think that it depends on what your req. are. The Ranch is big! but if you plan on cooking a large amount most of the time get it. If you think that your req. small 10-20 people, I would suggest the 22" WSM its more versitle, and it takes up less space. That being said with the ring I made for my Ranch I can put on 16 pork Butts at a time.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I think anytime you try to smoke on a kettle you have to keep more of an eye on the temp. it tends to swing up and down much more than a WSM. But this is just my experience when I tried smoking on my 22" OTG kettle. It did work but I did more babysitting than I would have liked. Here's a rack of spares on the kettle. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Robert-

Is that a BBQ Guru eyelet that I see on the side of your kettle? What a great idea. It never crossed my mind to drill a whole into the side of my kettle and run a eyelet through it that I could use for my temperature probes. I have an extra eyelet around here somewhere.
 
Since there are 8 bolts holding the kettle to the frame, I replaced one of them with an eyelet, at the left rear. Naturally, I kept the bolt in case I changed my mind. I prefer to not drill a hole.

Bill, I have admired your SS Collar before, did you have additional grate levels added too? Did you get 1 or 2 additional grates? Or some other solution?
 
Doug, I made the shelves/racks out of expanded steel. I am going to drill holes for some rotis. I was never impressed with the thickness of the lid seems thin. People see this and they can't believe their eyes, that much better with the collar. If you like that wait for a posting of the "FARM" that I made.
 
You need good fire skills for a long cook without a controller on the ranch. Without a controller six hours is average. Longer go with a controller. I've found it very stable on temps on a long cook. My approach is split the fire on the edges and cook in the middle. You can use two charcoal rails per side. Although I just bank the fire using a coal shovel now days. I'm not a can of the fire all on one side. Enjoy it's a great cooker.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bill Comerford:
I think that it depends on what your req. are. The Ranch is big! but if you plan on cooking a large amount most of the time get it. If you think that your req. small 10-20 people, I would suggest the 22" WSM its more versitle, and it takes up less space. That being said with the ring I made for my Ranch I can put on 16 pork Butts at a time. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bill would love to see the 16 pork butt set up. Got any pics
 
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