re: For Weber kettle smokers: vent setting and temperature setting help

quote:

---

I think you’ve discovered why many people invest in the more expensive smokers

---

While this is certainly true to an extent, especially for smoking ribs, butts and brisket, the Kettle is still used by competition teams for chicken. I noticed this firsthand yesterday at the River Bend BBQ Festival in Lafreniere Park and was surprised by that.

While going around and checking out each teams set up and smokers, I saw quite a few Webers. In talking with the cooks they all said for chicken, it's hard to beat especially when you factor in price.

In fact, the team that many said was "the team to beat", had 2 Kettles. Super cool guys who have been all over the US competing (and winning). They gladly talked techniques, rubs and sauces with us throughout the day then let us sample what they didn't turn in for judging.