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Maybe instead, Pre-Sales Questions should be called NOOB Questions...
There is a Pre-Sales forum but it seems to be the illegitimate, red-haired, step-forum (no offense to gingers or b*astards) - there is very little activity in it. I haven't bought my EGG yet. Nor has user ShoresDiver. He (I assume he) has valid questions that someone here can answer. Maybe they have been answered already - in that case? How about a link?
Until I hit it yesterday, there were like, 4 views. WTF? Here's his message - http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1143430/am-i-making-the-right-decision-please-help#latest
And my, not-informed-by-experience answer.
This Pre-Sales forum should be better monitored IMHO. I haven't bought an Egg yet but, very probably will. OTOH, I could very easily decide to buy a Primo or other simply based on lack of interest in this forum. Just sayin'.
First impressions carry a lot of weight. Pre-Sales is all about first impressions.
I've been lurking here for a while and am picking-up information as I go. Also from NakedWhiz and BBQ-Brethren.
Some things are self-evident as far as my needs go:
1- EGG not offset smoker
2- Large (or maybe XL)
3 - Some kind of WiFi accessible controller
4 - Stainless charcoal grate?
5 - Nest -
6 - PlateSetter
7 - Some kind of device to maximize the # racks I can cook concurrently.
Mostly planning to do slow cooks of Pork shoulders and ribs with an occasional Tri-Tip (though I have that covered pretty well with my gas grill and a smoke box). More on Pork. I absolutely love fine swine. When I lived in DC, I thought nothing of driving 5 hours down 95 to hit Wilbers or better yet, Skyline BBQ. Eastern NC is to me, what Carmine St. is to Pizza and Santa Maria is to tri-tip. I was introduced to Eastern NC BBQ before my 5th birthday. Living in Southern California makes quick trips to Wilbers impossible but I still have a craving for that little bun stuffed with vinegary pork goodness and topped with slaw. Pizza? We got credible pizza within 3 miles of home. Barbeque to most here is a verb.
Anyway, I have more questions - where should I post them if I don't find answers browsing here? Realizing that opinions are like excretory orifices (everybody has one), have at it - the more opinions based on experience, the better.
Like here's one of my pressing questions - CyberQ or Stoker? Why?
Comments
I didn't know there is a Pre-Sale Questions forum!
Most of the posting and viewing happens right here in the EggHead Forum. Granted those who use the "Recent Discussions" or "Latest Posts" links should see posts like that but some won't. EDIT: I just posted a response to ShoresDiver's post but it doesn't appear in "Latests Posts" so apparently the only way to see that is to actively look at the Pre-Sale Questions forum. Odd.
In regards to the stainless charcoal grate or HighQ, I'm not convinced it is needed for a Large and would suggest you wait to see if you have any airflow problems before spending the $s. I have one for my Small (a size known for some airflow issues) but personally I'm not having any airflow issues with my Large.
As for your Stoker vs Cyber Q question, I have no experience with any BBQ Guru product but know that many folks own them and love them. You'll find the same with Stoker owners (I own the old non-wifi version and have been very happy with it). If you use the Search feature here on "Stoker Guru" or "Cyber Stoker" you'll get a lot of threads with people chiming in for both manufacturers. I think it really boils down to comparing features and seeing how well those features meet your needs.
Bay Area, CA
This forum's software/layout is a little different from most - I can't always find pre-sales. Maybe they should just 'roll it into' the main area?
I'll wait on the SS grate .
There seems to be a lively debate among CyberQ and Stoker advocates. NakedWhiz has a good review of each. I need to re-read them. Since I plan to be doing long cooks - the ability to monitor from my office will be really helpful.
Ummm, if you are at the office, how is any blower controller going to stop the fire from burning straight down, and going out, or just stirring the lump to clear ash block up?
The controllers are great pieces of hardware, but really, I find it a lot more pleasant to be able to tend my Eggs (not hard at all) and enjoy the sweet smell of BBQ in the making.
For me, being able to sit in the sun, or shade, and enjoy some beverages of choice while smelling the 'Q to come is worth a whole lot.
My SIL, whose almost always tapping his cell, is enjoying doing that near his Egg.
At any rate, I read through your responses & you seemed to answer them all quite proficiently!!
The only other thing I'd add is that the person may want to buy or build a table as an alternative solution to the nest. That way it can be wheeled around much easier (as well as making it much harder to steal). If theft was an issue, I'd also think about getting a logging chain & running it around the handle (where the lid meets up w/ the base) & then running the other end to a telephone pole or some other large, unmovable object. (though, if you're worried about someone stealing something out of your yard in your own neighborhood, you've got bigger problems & should seriously think about moving anyway)!! heh
HH
I just looked at it and it seems to be a grouping of regular posts, by subject, from this forum and the old one.
Steve
Caledon, ON
Thanks LS!
@733102243 - I'm moving your last post in the Pre-Sales Questions forum over here so it can be seen by a lot more folks. I've seen the effects of the salty air but I'm too far inland to encounter that. Hopefully some who live near a salty beach climate like you can give you some tips on rust prevention.
Bay Area, CA
" I'm moving your last post in the Pre-Sales Questions forum over here so it can be seen by a lot more folks."
Thanks!
" I'm moving your last post in the Pre-Sales Questions forum over here so it can be seen by a lot more folks."
Thanks!
gdenby : "Ummm, if you are at the office, how is any blower controller going to stop the fire from burning straight down, and going out, or just stirring the lump to clear ash block up?" Good question. Drive home? :-)
I suspect most of my cooking will take place when I'm either working from home or within 15 minutes of home. My first low and slow cooks are going to be in the realm of 12-14-hours (6lb pork butt?)so, typically overnight Friday/Saturday/Sunday - something that will wake me up if there's a problem would be great.
I work in I.T. After a day moving 0s and 1s around 'in the cloud' I enjoy working on the cars, in the garden or cooking. I can actually touch what I'm working on, get grease under my nails, wear gloves or get burned etc. really different from my work.
The convenience that a CyberQ or Stoker provides is tempting. That said, neither can substitute for a well-built, well-tended fire. The only 'digital devices' that the old school pitmasters I've seen in Eastern NC or Santa Maria, CA use are connected to their hands.
L.A - Westside/Southbay. Haven't bought the egg yet - looking. Found a couple on Craigslist but have decided to buy new:
1 - Warranty
2 - ability to break it in slowly
etc.