Bought a WSM bullet smoker clone about 3 years ago and I'm ready to upgrade. Got enough use out of it, and enough frustration with it, to justify something new.

I don't like the small door to adjust the fire on the clone. Don't like how hard it is to keep consistent heat. Burns fuel like a sieve. Contemplating a BGE or going for a traditional smoker.

Any advice is very appreciated. Thanks!

These are awesome and indestructible.

https://cookshack.com/collections/residential-smokers-grills

Every time I start thinking about a nice smoker or a pizza oven, I'll cook up some BBQ or a homemade Pizza on the BGE and that pretty much takes care of the urge to go spend a bunch of money. Kamados are just really good at what they do. My current preference would be a Grill Dome over the BGE though

I just got the primo xl last month and love it. Also great customer service from the regional dealer. Plenty of room to get large briskets on there.

Assuming OP doesnt want to go down the stick burner route based on the info provided...XL Big Green Egg, Pitts and Spitts 850, or Yoder 640

FIDO*98* said:

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Every time I start thinking about a nice smoker or a pizza oven, I'll cook up some BBQ or a homemade Pizza on the BGE and that pretty much takes care of the urge to go spend a bunch of money. Kamados are just really good at what they do. My current preference would be a Grill Dome over the BGE though

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What has you liking the Grill Dome?

I recently upgraded from a 22" WSM and Weber Genesis gas grill into the new Weber SmokeFire and absolutely love it. Way better smoke penetration than any pellet I've seen combined with ability to get to 600 degrees. Just an insane amount of cooking space.

With so many easier options out there than a traditional stick burner (pellet, ceramic, WSM, etc) I can't imagine going the stick burner route unless I was consistently (at least monthly) cooking for over 100 people.

ORAggieFan said:

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I recently upgraded from a 22" WSM and Weber Genesis gas grill into the new Weber SmokeFire and absolutely love it. Way better smoke penetration than any pellet I've seen combined with ability to get to 600 degrees. Just an insane amount of cooking space.

With so many easier options out there than a traditional stick burner (pellet, ceramic, WSM, etc) I can't imagine going the stick burner route unless I was consistently (at least monthly) cooking for over 100 people.

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Would love to hear some more detail on the SmokeFire and any pics of it in use and finished products.

Which SmokeFire did you get?

I'd like to get one but thought I might wait for a year or two in case there are any design mods they need to make.

MW03 said:

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Bought a WSM bullet smoker clone about 3 years ago and I'm ready to upgrade. Got enough use out of it, and enough frustration with it, to justify something new.

I don't like the small door to adjust the fire on the clone. Don't like how hard it is to keep consistent heat. Burns fuel like a sieve. Contemplating a BGE or going for a traditional smoker.

Any advice is very appreciated. Thanks!

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Sometimes you want new toys just because. If that's where you are that's a-ok.

However, if that's not quite you, you might consider mods to your smoker if it's a close enough clone.

I've made a few tweaks to my 22" WSM that have vastly improved its performance. An upgraded door, thermo felt, and an Auber controls fan. It's sealed up much better now and can easily hold temps for extended periods.

MW03 said:

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What has you liking the Grill Dome?

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Honestly the choice of color would be the primary consideration. There are some videos out there "showing" one is better than the other, but, marketing is marketing. Real world, BGE, Joe, Primo, or Dome are all high quality Kamados and you wouldn't be disappointed in any of f them.

Vernada said:

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Which SmokeFire did you get?

I'd like to get one but thought I might wait for a year or two in case there are any design mods they need to make.

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I got the EX6. I'm not going to say people haven't had issues. I've had two super minor issues, but mostly it's worked amazing. And, I had a super early run from a pre-order.

They sent me a new ramp for the pellets making it steeper. Believe the new ones are shipping with those. Some have got a new auger, but I haven't needed one. No issues there at all.

I have not done a brisket yet, longest smoke was about 12 hour pork butt that was outstanding.

I haven't hosted pics in forever, anyone have an easy way these days or should I try and check photobucket from years ago?

BGE, Kamado Joe, and Primo are all excellent. I've had a KJ for about 4 years and love that damn thing. I can't remember the last time I used my huge offset that I had custom built when I got married. I also got to use KJ's lifetime warranty when I moved and cracked the fire box. Filed a claim and submitted a pic, then had a new one a week later...no questions asked.

If I have one complaint is that it's a regular Joe and I wish I had a Big Joe. I also went with a KJ over a BGE due to it coming with many of the things that BGE charges for.

I'm leaning BGE only because I regretted getting a WSM clone instead of the real deal, and consequently I found myself on sites looking for tips that weren't applicable because it had to do with things the WSM folks could do.

By way of information, what I have is the Napoleon Apollo 300.



My local shop was getting rid of Napoleon products, so it was on clearance for like $200. I was just getting into smoking and didn't know if I would enjoy it. Consequently, going $200 on this as opposed to $400+ on a WSM (or $1k on an egg) was a lot more palatable. My dad also used a bullet smoker growing up, so that's what I was used to looking at.

I like the room on it, and I like the multiple configuration options. It's just hard to get to "set it and forget it" temp, and I had to construct a makeshift coal shoot out of aluminum siding to feed it through those tiny doors.

Plus, it just leaks smoke like crazy, so i know it's leaking heat. I had hoped a couple of seasons of smoke would tighten the seals up where the compartments meet, but no dice.

Quote:

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I'm leaning BGE only because I regretted getting a WSM clone instead of the real deal, and consequently I found myself on sites looking for tips that weren't applicable because it had to do with things the WSM folks could do.

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Honestly, I would seriously look at Kamado Joe over the BGE. I'm not just saying that because I have one, I'm saying it because I did my research before buying it and compared what I was finding to both my BIL and FIL's BGE. In the end, I felt I got a lot more for my money with the KJ over the BGE. Things that come standard on the KJ are options you buy with the BGE...even the side tables which come in handy. It cooks the same as their Eggs but I didn't buy the accessories they needed because they bought a name. Want to smoke a brisket? The needed deflector comes with the KJ but is an extra $85 for the BGE. The flexible cooking system is great for reverse searing steaks, which once you do, you'll never grill one again the old way. Honestly, take a look at them and see what you're getting vs. the others.

All tips that you see for BGE will apply to the KJ and Primo. They all function the exact same. Browsing YouTube, you'll see "how to smoke a brisket on BGE" or "how to sear steaks on a KJ," it's the exact same for each. Some prefer the Primo over the others due to the oval shape and being better suited to hold a nice sized brisket. If you buy a XL BGE or Big Joe (as you should regardless), this won't be much of an issue.

Another piece of advice...buy a rib rack. I can get twice the slabs on it than if I just laid it on the grates.

aTm2004 said:

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Quote:

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I'm leaning BGE only because I regretted getting a WSM clone instead of the real deal, and consequently I found myself on sites looking for tips that weren't applicable because it had to do with things the WSM folks could do.

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Honestly, I would seriously look at Kamado Joe over the BGE. I'm not just saying that because I have one, I'm saying it because I did my research before buying it and compared what I was finding to both my BIL and FIL's BGE. In the end, I felt I got a lot more for my money with the KJ over the BGE. Things that come standard on the KJ are options you buy with the BGE...even the side tables which come in handy. It cooks the same as their Eggs but I didn't buy the accessories they needed because they bought a name. Want to smoke a brisket? The needed deflector comes with the KJ but is an extra $85 for the BGE. The flexible cooking system is great for reverse searing steaks, which once you do, you'll never grill one again the old way. Honestly, take a look at them and see what you're getting vs. the others.

All tips that you see for BGE will apply to the KJ and Primo. They all function the exact same. Browsing YouTube, you'll see "how to smoke a brisket on BGE" or "how to sear steaks on a KJ," it's the exact same for each. Some prefer the Primo over the others due to the oval shape and being better suited to hold a nice sized brisket. If you buy a XL BGE or Big Joe (as you should regardless), this won't be much of an issue.

Another piece of advice...buy a rib rack. I can get twice the slabs on it than if I just laid it on the grates.

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The new series 3 versions of the KJ's are pretty sweet.

Yeah, I'm leaning away from the BGE at this point, and towards KJ. Also looking at the Slow N' Sear Deluxe. The good news is that my bullet still makes great food. It's just a pain in the ass, so this is something I can stew on and obsess over, which is my style.

In my opinion, almost everything about the Kamado Joe is better than the BGE unless something has changed in the last two years. The ceramic is basically the same thing but Kamado Joe wins in everything else. Most of KJ's accessories are included and and KJ has a better hinge, better stand, better gasket, latch, better price, etc.

Vernada said:

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Which SmokeFire did you get?

I'd like to get one but thought I might wait for a year or two in case there are any design mods they need to make.

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There were A LOT of folks on YouTube with quite a few issues the first few weeks after release.

Ezra Brooks said:

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Vernada said:

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Which SmokeFire did you get?

I'd like to get one but thought I might wait for a year or two in case there are any design mods they need to make.

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There were A LOT of folks on YouTube with quite a few issues the first few weeks after release.

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I've watched most of those. A few were completely legit (mainly the software issues). Some were stupid (the grease fire ones).

ORAggieFan said:

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Ezra Brooks said:

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Vernada said:

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Which SmokeFire did you get?

I'd like to get one but thought I might wait for a year or two in case there are any design mods they need to make.

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There were A LOT of folks on YouTube with quite a few issues the first few weeks after release.

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I've watched most of those. A few were completely legit (mainly the software issues). Some were stupid (the grease fire ones).

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I'm hoping they get it figured out.

I'm not really in the market for a new smoker/grill, but when I get there I'm going to give the pellet cookers a hard look and Weber generally has an above average product.

Been considering a Weber Summit for a while. I have a Genesis that's still going after a decade. Have a WSM that I enjoy, but isn't as efficient as I would like. The Smokefire reviews are pretty rough, so I'm staying away for now. Anyone have a Summit? Thoughts?

Max Power said:

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Been considering a Weber Summit for a while. I have a Genesis that's still going after a decade. Have a WSM that I enjoy, but isn't as efficient as I would like. The Smokefire reviews are pretty rough, so I'm staying away for now. Anyone have a Summit? Thoughts?

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I'm in almost the exact place. Love my Genesis. After doing some mods to my WSM, I like it a lot. But I've been thinking a "Treager" style smoker would be awesome - so I naturally was thrilled to see Weber announce the Smokefire. But there's no way I'm going to spend that kind of $$ on a 'beta' unit. That's why I said earlier I'd be waiting at least a year or so to see if they do some design tweaks.

When you say "Summit" are you talking about the Kettle? Or the Summit line of grills?

Kettle

Gas Grills

If the kettle style, I'll admit that this the first time I'm seeing it, but my initial thought, is why would you get that instead of a BGE type unit? Is it the same material?

Interesting - just on Weber's website and they have a banner at the top of the screen that says 'Question about the Smokefire' and one of the links there is a letter from the CEO.

Weber CEO on Smokefire

Yeah, the Weber has definitely had some issues. I follow them all very closely being an early adopter. Like I said, I've had no issues and think the majority haven't. But, it's been no where what people who know Weber would expect.

It's not the same material but operates in a similar way with heat retention. Pretty impressive cooker from what I've seen.

Vernada said:

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When you say "Summit" are you talking about the Kettle? Or the Summit line of grills?

Kettle

Gas Grills

If the kettle style, I'll admit that this the first time I'm seeing it, but my initial thought, is why would you get that instead of a BGE type unit? Is it the same material?

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Sorry for not specifying, I meant the kettle. It operates like a kamado, but it's not one. It's lighter, because is air insulated, not ceramic. So it can maintain temperature well, but if you overshoot you're mark you can lower it. From what I've read on kamados if you overshoot your target temperature, good luck. At some point over the next year I'll get something in this type of cooker because it's the most versatile. I know it looks similar to a regular Weber kettle, but costs $1500, it's Weber's entry into the kamado-style market.

I figured that's the one you meant since you said you had a Genesis.

It looks cool, but at that price point I think I'd prefer the SmokeFire.

Stick burner of GTFO

Yes there are. I had a nice custom offset built when I got married (present from my parents) that I love. But I haven't used it in a couple of years because the KJ is so much easier. When I decide to have a large cook with a brisket, multiple slabs of ribs, etc, I'll fire up the stick burner. I do feel it gives a better bark/smoke ring than the KJ, but it's also a lot more work to keep the temp where I want it.

Found another couple of reasons I might be leaning Summit vs ceramic kamado. The summit can run on briquettes or lump, I think the ceramics are lump only...but I could be wrong on that. Summit also already has a built in port for a bbq guru, could use the one I already have for my WSM.

as atm2004 said... lump is superior to briquettes in every way.