Should I pull the trigger on a PBC?

[ARsmoke]

Been smoking on a kettle for years and have been getting the itch to upgrade. I’ve been between an UDS build v WSM or PBC. Academy has the 22” PBCs for $199 right now. Seems like a no brainer but I maybe missing something….

 

[mr_whipple]

That's a great question.... I waffled on the original PBC for a few years and never grabbed it. I decided to go the UDS build route and "procured" a brand new barrel from my last job but that sits in my shed still not touched. Lately been eyeballing the bronco pro. I think if I ever buy the PBC I'd go with the 22 at that price. If they're really $199 it's a no brainer.


Edit: Just looked at their site, and yes $199. Closest to me is a 3 hour drive one way and apparently shipping is a mofo

 

[ARsmoke]

Ouch! Yeah, that shipping cost negates any savings. For that price it’s worth the drive if you want it. Luckily, my Academy is close.

 

[JCAP]

As a former PBC owner, that seems like a great price. You would probably love the thing, it's really a great set and forget cooker.

My big issue with is was that it ran at whatever temp it wanted to and I had to use magnets or foil to close the holes to bring it down. I sold it and went with the OK Bronco which is dynamite for temp control and does the same thing.

BUT, the PBC produced the best smoked ham I ever made and to this day I cannot replicate it on anything. So take that for what it's worth.

EDIT: Just saw that this is the PBX. I'd probably jump all over it at that price.

 

[mr_whipple]

I was just cruising marketplace and found a very nice bronco for $200. I might be taking a ride....

 

[ARsmoke]

Snagged the PBX - looking forward to my first smoke!

 

[912smoker]

All the Academy stores near me have been sold put as soon as they went on salebut I'm still checking around.
That's a steal!

Keith

 

[kelbro]

I've used a UDS for quite a while and they are pretty good. You would be hard pressed to set up a nice UDS for $199 if you value your time at all.