harold67wm Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 I have had my BSK for a little over 7 weeks now, and cook on it an average of 16 hours per weekend for 7 weekends... That is about 112 hrs PLUS a few times during the weeks, so maybe 120-125 hours total... I have bought 1 (ONE) 40LBS bag of lump from Restaurant Depot and 1 (ONE) 8 LBS bag of Royal Oak from Walmart... That is ALL!!! I still have OVER half of each left...LESS than $20 TOTAL of "fuel"... I have cooked everything from steaks to ribs to shrimp to pizzas and many other things from 200 - 250 degree cooks to 700 -800 degree cooks... I saw on a couple of other forums, people talking about going through 15-20 LBS on one 10 -15 hour cook... even on pricier cookers... I don't think that there is ANY other "cooker", "smoker", or "grill" more fuel efficient than a BSK/Bubba Keg at any price... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EGGARY Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" Now it sounds like you are pushing your cooker. In 20 years our KKs will still be around. Can you say that about yours ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryR Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" LOL, I think you may have a few people who might beg to differ. Using ECC I know someone on this site got an 86 hr burn from 16 lbs of charcoal. I know I took pretty good notes on some cooks I've done using Frontier, I'll dig them out to compare. It's nice to hear good things about the BSK as I've recommended them to a couple of people who's cooker budget was in the Primo and BGE ballpark. Based on price point seems like a great alternative to these cookers. EDIT: Found a post where I documented a my cooks using a 20 lb bag of Frontier lump (actually I think I stopped tracking when I got down to under 2 lbs left in the bag). As you'll see in the post (see link below) I stopped tracking hours after my first post and just listed the cooks so I estimate (conservatively) based on experience 76 hours of cooking from 20 lbs of Frontier lump. Here are the seperate cooks: Turkey Spares 2 Butts Tri-tip Baby Backs Butts and Chicken thighs Two seperate steak cooks Pizzas Cedar planked salmon Two seperate chicken cooks about 30 pieces each Here's the LINK to the original post on another site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paswesley Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" If I buy anothern ceramic cooker, it will beyond doubt be one of Dennis' OTBs. No one buys a Rolls Royce because they are impressed by the fuel economy. You know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryan Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" Harold This really does not seem like the forum you are looking for. I suggest that you advertise your product else where. J H Bryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigeranteater Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" You know at the beginning of a Florida State football game where Chief Osciola throws the flaming spear in the opposing teams end zone??? You wouldn't be trying to do that now would you? I think it is great that you like your cooker but it seems a little like you are trolling for something.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harold67wm Posted May 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" I am NOT trying to start any issues!!! I owned one of the original kamado style cookers for quite a few years and then a Bunch of Webers... then switched to gassers for years and swore off ANY thing but a gasser for a primary cooker. I bought the BSK/Bubba about 7-8 weeks ago and within 2 weeks of cooking on it, I through the gasser completely out. Now!!! ALL I was trying to do is get some input and HONEST answers as to what else is out there that i s at-least as good as the BSK Because, I will be buying another cooker with in a few months... I did NOT intend on offending anyone, just after NONEST input... I asked the same question on a couple of other forums and even had one tell me that he has cooked for 80+ hours on a Weber kettle... Right? When I do pull the trigger and add a second cooker, I do not want to be disappointed, that is why I am posting to several forums and ALL I want is honesty!!! I am not try to promote a damn thing because I am NOT brand loyal to ANY thing, I DO expect that when I spend $$$$s, that what I spend it on, does as it is suppose to do and not be a disappointment to me... I do not mind spending more money for quality, BUT, I work too hard to spend a premium price on something that doesn't live up to expectations... Is this forum as sensitive as the BGE forum? All I would like is HONEST opinions of people that have actually cooked on different cookers. All I got over on the BGE forum was basically the same as what has started here... telling me that if I don't have thier brand, then I don't belong......So I will NEVER buy a BGE because of that is it that way here too??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mk1 Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" I can't compare because I went straight from gas to my KK... However I have done 15-16 hour 250 degree cooks on less than 10 pounds of char several times, and had char left over... If you look around a bit you will find more data.... viewtopic.php?f=52&t=3611 viewtopic.php?f=73&t=2697 viewtopic.php?f=52&t=4810 viewtopic.php?f=55&t=4534 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EGGARY Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" Sorry to rough your feathers. From reading your Posts, it felt like you were pushing the BSK. Lets be honest, they all do the same thing. They COOK ! You chose the BSK. I chose the BGE 3 years ago and last month I bought a Komodo Kamado. There are others that have chosen other brands of Kamados, like the Kamado Joe, etc. On the Greeneggers Forum,(there are 2 Forums for the BGE), they do not put down those with other Cookers. They may have before but since the BGE Management took control of their Forum, Greeneggers Forum is more lax. You never stated you were looking into getting another cooker and let me tell you, if you were to get another brand of Kamado, you will use that new one moreso than the BSK. I should know, my BGE XL sits. If you are interested in the KK or any other Cooker, ask questions. To say that the BSK is the most "fuel efficient", that is bunk too. They all do the same thing. It's just a matter of choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigeranteater Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" Well all you have to do is read all the comments from all the people on here and you will see how we all feel about our KK's. You did not ask for opinions on other cookers. You simply came in and started talking about your cooker....kind of like calling Ford customer service and bragging about how great your Dodge is...so forgive us if we did not understand your actions. While Ford and Dodge ARE similar, there is nothing similar to a KK. The people on this forum are a wealth of info and very friendly. I have been grilling since my father taught me to grill when I was 5 (he was a butcher). I have owned many grills including a Weber, many propane cookers, an Imperial Kamado, two RJ POS Kamados and now a KK. There is nothing you could buy that would compare to the quality, fit and finish of a KK. If you wanted to see a KK, there is probably someone on this forum that lives close to you that would be thrilled to show off their KK. Once you see one you will quickly realize nothing else comes close. Welcome to the forum and if you are serious about looking to buy a KK, you will not regret it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryR Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" I don't think that there is ANY other "cooker"' date=' "smoker", or "grill" more fuel efficient than a BSK/Bubba Keg at any price...[/quote'] This seems like more of a statement than looking for opinions or input but that's just how I read it. When I first joined this forum I was using another ceramic cooker (look at some of my early posts) and I was welcomed here with open arms. I've been on other Ceramic forums including the BGE Forum and can tell you it's nothing like the others, quite open to other cookers. However, I never made the proclamation that my cooker was better in any area than "ANY" other cooker, including the Komodo Kamado. Stuck to great cooking experiences, recipes, techniques and food porn. I think this is where you may have rubbed a few people the wrong way. Stick to cooking and open discussion and you'll find this a very friendly forum, I did and I even purchased a KK along the way. Damn, why did I wait soooo long? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paswesley Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" I am honest. There is a great deal of loyalty and affection for Dennis on this forum, also. Anything posted here that seems to be denigrating his work will not be well received. BTW, he acquired this loyalty and affection "the old fashioned way. He earned it!" I have never experienced before, during and post sale customer service that is better than that which Dennis universally provides. Call him, and take his measure. The premium quality of a KK, the constant effort to perfect his engineering, make the money that is spent pretty much inconsequential. Buy a KK. You will never regret it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigeranteater Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" Wow! I went to my local hardware store where they actually had a "Bubba Keg" AKA now known as The Big Steel Keg. If you ARE comparing, you are simply not looking at apples to apples my friend. Since you said you were interested in input here is mine: If you only have $800 and can not afford a KK then yes buy it. You will need to put some money back each year as you will need to replace it at some point. My KK will be here when the Mayans come back around. I strongly suggest you post where you are as someone near you would love to let you see their KK. After you have seen one, re-post here. I wish I could be there for your first view of a KK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryan Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" When I google the posted reference.... They speak for themselves. The Komodo-Kamado search results.... also speak for themselves. The Komodo-Kamado is top of the line investment that represents a lifetime of outstanding cooking in many and various ways. I am only sorry that I did not find it sooner. In my 74 years never have I heard of another company that all owners are happy customers. The few problems that have been posted were all addressed by the company within hours. (All satisfactorily addressed to the customers satisfaction) When one says their unit will out perform a Komodo-Kamado I'm not buying it. The proof is in the pudding!! Good luck with your unit. Glad you are happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mguerra Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" Harold, stay here. Get a KK if you can afford it. Share your tips and techniques. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToastedMorsel Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" I saw on a couple of other forums, people talking about going through 15-20 LBS on one 10 -15 hour cook... even on pricier cookers... I don't think that there is ANY other "cooker", "smoker", or "grill" more fuel efficient than a BSK/Bubba Keg at any price... Efficiency is a result of the insulation which let's you burn less fuel to maintain your cooking temp regardless of the cost of the cooker. Your BSK/Bubba Keg while insulated will still burn more fuel than all those thick walled larger refrigerator looking smokers. This is the first time I remember anybody posting here claiming to be more efficient than a KK. I'd say you were rattling the cage with that statement. You can't throw out "ANY" in caps and finish with "at any price" and not expect to be slapped a bit. We absolutely welcome all grills here, not being rude but ignorant statements will always be called out. Please remember that your low fuel consumption is also because of it's small size. Your BSK/Bubba Keg was built to be a portable mini grill. At 18' /255 square inches is 32% smaller than a 23" KK /375 square inches. Don't get me wrong, I've never seen one but I always thought they were a novelty item designed to be taken on picnics not a serious grill. Derrick Riches, About.com Guide wrote that a negative thing about the BSK/Bubba Keg was: "Maintaining low smoking temperatures requires practice" What's that all about? Factor in the size difference and I'd bet the farm a KK is more efficient. But I have to admit for the $3000 more than you paid for your grill Dennis can can purchase a lot of high tech insulation.. not a very fair race. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harold67wm Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" I live in Long Beach,CA. Where can I see one of the KKs close by in person??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMedik Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" Check with owner Dennis Linkletter. His warehouse in Long Beach most likely has some. Not sure if it is "open to the public" or not. Like my first post said, you can pickup and take home yourself...how cool would that be. No wait like the rest of us... There are probably other KK owners around too... good luck.. MadMedik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisLinkletter Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" I live in Long Beach' date='CA. Where can I see one of the KKs close by in person??? [/quote'] Heylo Harold and welcome to the forum.. Is Laguna too far to drive? I could probably find you a couple year old one closer but it really makes sense to see a current build. In the meantime please take a peek here.. it's the next best thing to seeing one.. The Naked Whiz KK review Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigeranteater Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Re: "Fuel Efficiency" Boy Laguna Beach brings back memories..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...