Stewart Posted October 1, 2020 Report Share Posted October 1, 2020 Hello everyone, I figured since I'm going to have a ton of questions....makes sense to introduce myself. I've been lurking for a couple of years and have finally worn down the Mrs.'s spending-force-field on a 32 BB. Research is a big part of what I do and I've recently completed my KK research-walk-about; where I look at all the various options other than the KK (at a similar price-point or less): all-SS pellet smokers, offset stick burners (including reverse and standard flow), kettles...you name it. I currently have a 15 year-old Traeger that is slowly rusting and returning back to the Earth. Before that, I had a Weber-esque classic charcoal BBQ - I got pretty good at turning out nice steaks and burgers, though nothing else. I miss that charcoal taste... On the Traeger, I've cooked nearly everything there is to smoke low-and-slow: bacon, brisket, pork butt, salmon... I like the set-and-forget nature of the pellet smoker...though I'm less interested these days in electrical components that could wear down due to weather and time. Looking at some of the all-SS pellet smokers, there were still folk on BBQ forums pulling their hair-out with controller issues. Something that rings true with my current rig. Then...the stick burners. There are models that offer BBQ trays as an extra or an attached-but-seperate BBQ pit "hybrid". Again, if you look around the interwebs, you'll see folk really happy with these - and if you look closely...you'll see spots of rust. No thank you. If I'm investing that much in a cooking tool, I came up with the following criteria: 1) I want to be able to use it often and I want to use it often (how quick does it start up, how easy is it to maintain, etc)...plus there's a happiness/pride factor... 2) it's gotta be convenient (set and forget)...with two young kiddos and two pups, I have enough babysitting on my hands... 3) produce outstanding food that is better than an oven or the stove; for small groups or the whole extended family (about 18 of us) 4) last the next 20+ years and be reliable (buying things that truly last is rather appealing: the last-tool-first philosophy) 5) do what the current smoker does and more At the end of my walk-about...only the KK ticks all the above. So, we have a few ducks to get lined up before pulling the lever...namely, we're having our deck fully replaced and extended. As part of that project, I'm highlighting an area that needs a bit more substantial substructure: where the KK will be at home. (yes, I do my homework. 😁) We're early in the build process - who woulda-thunkit that good contractors are insanely busy... I'll be sure to post updates when they happen! Stew 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted October 1, 2020 Report Share Posted October 1, 2020 Hi @Stewart. Welcome. You're going to love your KK from the get. Keeps us posted on the details...color, tile or pebble, accessories, etc.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyrus Posted October 1, 2020 Report Share Posted October 1, 2020 2 out of 3 on #1, it takes a while to get to temp however, once there it's smooth sailing, that should make you happy. #2 is pretty much a given, holds temp and you can do a few errands around town. #3 foods great, as long as you don't kill it. #4 Tools last as long as you care for them. I have a Grill Dome that's lasted me 25+ years, and it's not the same quality as a KK. #5 Cooks on 3 levels. Roto. Split basket, Split zone. Cold smoke. SS grates, it fits the bill and more. I think you'll like it 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony b Posted October 1, 2020 Report Share Posted October 1, 2020 Nice homework. Sounds like you know what you want and why! A piece of advice on the deck rebuild - see if you can score some ironwood decking for the area around where the KK will go. One of the rare woods that will scorch but not burn/flame up. (trivia - it's also one of the rare woods that doesn't float in water.) I've had a live coal drop on mine and you just sand it off and no one's the wiser. Sounds like you've got the structural aspects all scoped out. Ask away - that's what this Forum is mostly about - that, and food porn! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RokDok Posted October 1, 2020 Report Share Posted October 1, 2020 Hi Stewart, Looks like you've got a lot of experience with smoking/ long and slow under your belt, and you're clearly vey thorough with your homework. I was just sucked in from the word go- hopeless really but the same outcome. Have you ordered yours yet ? I've just ordered mine so we could be in the same boat, so to speak. Best RD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Boom Posted October 1, 2020 Report Share Posted October 1, 2020 Welcome Stewart. I too am new to this forum and I thought I did a lot of research but it looks like you put me to shame. My research was to try and find anything negative about the grill, the company or Dennis. I looked for 3 days and may hours. Couldn’t find anything but rave reviews. I pulled the trigger on a 32 now I’m just waiting for delivery. We’re contemplating replacing and expanding our concrete patio. Most patios are 4 inches thick but I’m going 5 inches just because of the weight of the grill. I know this is overkill but so is a KK. I like things to last forever. I’m hoping to hear that my grill will be here in about 2 weeks. The wait after you order is the worst part of this process. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony b Posted October 2, 2020 Report Share Posted October 2, 2020 @Boom Boom - talk to your contractor. You are starting to get into the realm of needing rebar in the concrete when you get that thick. Sometimes more isn't better. Maybe a different formulation of your cement rather than more of the standard recipe is in order? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stewart Posted October 2, 2020 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2020 5 hours ago, tony b said: Nice homework. Sounds like you know what you want and why! A piece of advice on the deck rebuild - see if you can score some ironwood decking for the area around where the KK will go. One of the rare woods that will scorch but not burn/flame up. (trivia - it's also one of the rare woods that doesn't float in water.) I've had a live coal drop on mine and you just sand it off and no one's the wiser. Sounds like you've got the structural aspects all scoped out. Ask away - that's what this Forum is mostly about - that, and food porn! Interestingly enough, Ipe is the decking we're going with. I built a deck at our previous house with it and it's beautiful when well maintained. I really like the contrast of the dark reddish brown wood with the stainless steel fasteners. It's interesting...the pricing on the stuff...when I did my research over 10 years ago, cedar was the cheapest, with Trex (or similar composite) being the most expensive...Ipe fell in-between. The difference between now and then is the composite stuff has dropped a bit in price...though the scratch resistant composite is still expensive. We haven't ordered yet...I kinda want to break ground on the deck before getting too far ahead of ourselves... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony b Posted October 2, 2020 Report Share Posted October 2, 2020 Nice plan. My deck is TREX, except for the corner where the KK lives, which is ironwood, as I said earlier. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troble Posted October 6, 2020 Report Share Posted October 6, 2020 @Stewart welcome! I loved reading your history and criteria. I took a similar decision making process and ended up with a 32 KK that I love. I use mine probably 3x/week at least and I usually cook enough for leftovers the next day i was looking at a grill, a wood fired pizza oven and a stick burner and it’s too much space and costs more than a 32 KK. I love my rotisserie and pizza stone so I would definitely pick those up when you do order. I also installed an Ipe deck so I can already see why you appreciate good materials that last well maintained 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
