Weber Smokey Joe Original vs Premium - vents?

[bicycleshorts]

Hi chaps, looking at getting a Smokey Joe for Le Mans this year

There's not much online between the original and premium... From what I can see the only difference is the "lid lock" which also lets you use the lid handle as a carry handle:


What I'm a little bit more worried about is that it seems the design of the vents has changed from bottom vents to side vents. Does anyone know why this is? I've read that this makes the BBQ heat up slower and I would've thought that passing the air from underneath the coals, through them and out the top vent would be a better design?

New original:


Old original:


Anyone got either or both? Not sure whether to buy an older model second hand...

[Output Flange]

I've got the new version, which I took to Le Mans last time.

It was absolutely fine, aside from two issues:

1. It's too small to cook for 4 people on, without doing it in batches.

2. The Weber charcoal I took simply refused to light - even after 15 minutes with a blowtorch.

Seriously though, it's fine and if only for one or two people, will do the job nicely.

[bicycleshorts]

Thanks. I'm considering taking the chimney as well to help it light.

Was also considering buying 2 as there are 8 of us in total going!

[smack]

I have the old one, and used the side vent one. The bottom vents are better if are using it with the lid on, especially if you are doing low slow cooking for hours on end.

[Mobile Chicane]

I have the side vent version and tbh find it difficult to get really hot for 'grilling'.

It also isn't large enough to indirect cook for a multitude, either.

However, the convenience of being able to lock in all the ash and coals does appeal.

I'd get both the side vented and base vented versions given the choice and space.

[bicycleshorts]

Cheers guys! I think I'll have a look around ebay and gumtree for a bottom vent then.

[bigdom]

I have a side one, struggles for airflow also the smokey Joe is very limited on how much charcoal you can add. If your planning to take two, just take either a full size. I find the full size far better and packs quite small.

http://m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/230730...

or one of these.

http://m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/230730...

[smack]

Cooking pork shoulder to make Pull Pork on my (old basic model) Smokey Joe...

[bicycleshorts]

Already got a Webber One Touch 57cm. If there's room, I'd be tempted to take it, but there's already 4 of us + kit + tents in the car.

As long as it keeps going long enough, a couple should be fine to get a few rounds of burgers and sausages done - shouldn't they?

smack said:

Cooking pork shoulder to make Pull Pork on my (old basic model) Smokey Joe...

Wtf? Is that a bike sprocket jammed in there?!

[smack]

bicycleshorts said:

Wtf? Is that a bike sprocket jammed in there?!

No... There is a motorcycle sprocket that was ground with an angle grinder to make a barrier for coals to give indirect heat to the meat. So no, it was not just 'jammed in there', but yes....!

[bicycleshorts]

smack said:

bicycleshorts said:

Wtf? Is that a bike sprocket jammed in there?!

No... There is a motorcycle sprocket that was ground with an angle grinder to make a barrier for coals to give indirect heat to the meat. So no, it was not just 'jammed in there', but yes....!

Ingenious!

[giblet]

If the regular Joe is too small then it might be worth looking at the new Jumbo Joe - http://www.partridgeshadleigh.co.uk/barbecues/char...

47cm of cooking surface and still pretty portable. Weber have also introduced a new portable chimney starter - http://www.partridgeshadleigh.co.uk/barbecues/barb...

A bit pricier than a regular Joe/Premium Joe but seems worth it if there are few people camping.

[Cotty]

Output Flange said:

2. The Weber charcoal I took simply refused to light - even after 15 minutes with a blowtorch.

that's unusual, I can usually get a stack of coal lit with one Webber lighter block. Mind you 15mins to get the coals lit seems like rushing it considering they burn of 4 hours

[bicycleshorts]

That Jumbo Joe looks a good buy! It's got vents at bottom as well. Will read a bit more into it.

[Mobile Chicane]

bicycleshorts said:

That Jumbo Joe looks a good buy! It's got vents at bottom as well. Will read a bit more into it.

I'd say "That's the badger" given the grill size.

Worth getting the chimney starter as well to avoid that paraffin taste to your food from using firelighters. Some people claim they can't taste these, but I can.

[smack]

Mobile Chicane said:

Worth getting the chimney starter as well to avoid that paraffin taste to your food from using firelighters. Some people claim they can't taste these, but I can.

I second what MC said.

[Output Flange]

Cotty said:

that's unusual, I can usually get a stack of coal lit with one Webber lighter block. Mind you 15mins to get the coals lit seems like rushing it considering they burn of 4 hours

This is specifically the Weber coal - never had a problem with anything else. I'd expect one piece of coal to show some sign of heat after 15 mins of direct blow torching, but no.

[bicycleshorts]

It's proving to be more difficult that I originally imagined to find a second hand "old" shape.

Looks like I might just have to buy a jumbo joe! Will it fit in a mx5?

[Output Flange]

You've just cost me £75.

[bicycleshorts]

Output Flange said:

You've just cost me £75.

I'm going to order one later this week... Just need to make sure it will fit in a mx5 boot in some form of assembly first!