Aren’t the Bronco’s about $1000 anyway? I don’t think they’re really comparable to the kettles as they’re more of a drum smoker that can be used as a grill. I’ve been using a MasterTouch kettle for awhile and it’s been worth it. It’s even been knocked over in strong winds and come out unscathed (except needing a little enamel paint on one spot).

I’ve been watching the prices of OKJ gear and it’s honestly about the same as Weber now, except a way shorter warranty. I do think the Weber Smokey mountains are overpriced though.

[–] TagMeInSkipIGotThis 3 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Yeah they're around that, though I got mine for quite a bit less on a sale. They're definitely more of a smoker, though a kettle can be used the same too, and the Bronco can adapt to bring the coals up higher in the drum to work as a direct grill. Though I was so impressed with the build quality that I actually ended up buying a Rambler a couple years later for grilling and use one of the Espeto Sul rotisseries with that. Have been using that more than the Bronco lately, trying to perfect charcoal porchetta!

The most direct comparison for the Bronco would be the Smokey - and for price vs build quality i'd go with the OKJ; the steel is just so much thicker, and the arrangement with the chimneys makes them so much easier to use apart from re-fuelling which can be a bit of a pain. Though i've never had much problem keeping a fire hot enough for 10 hours of cooking and rarely go longer than that anyway.

[–] eagleeyedtiger 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Haha yes I've got an Espeto Sul as well, it's a fun little bit of kit.

I've toyed with the idea of getting a dedicated smoker and just using the kettle for grilling, but I think I don't do low and slow often enough (or have the time at the moment) to warrant one. I've been watching the prices for the Bronco's for a few years and they have crept up a couple hundred dollars. Yeah not a huge fan of bullet style smokers either, but I've noticed some of the other brands can get pretty big discounts once in while.

I'm just waiting until I win lotto or something and I'll just get a Summit Kamado.

[–] TagMeInSkipIGotThis 3 points 11 months ago

Ahaha, yeah a Bronco seems expensive until you start looking into Kamado style. Hell even the giant hooded Gas grills are ludicrous, but then they are the Ford Ranger of BBQ so I guess it comes with the territory.

I only do low & slow once in a while, but the hope is with something as sturdy as the Bronco it'll last me a couple of decades or more.