Great series, very informative. What did we learn? 2 things :A - there are products that work just as well or better than a SnS... B - don’t insult Meathead otherwise he will come at you like a Tasmanian devil.. haha seriously though I really enjoyed your series and comparison. Thank you for sharing.
Video doesn’t make any sense. He measures the temperature on the charcoal grate. Not the food grate. The baskets are open on the side. The SnS isn’t. Meaning that to achieve the same temperature on the charcoal grate the temperature of the food grate is probably going to be higher on the food grate with the SnS. So he puts significant disadvantage on the SnS. For a guy that talks bad about science he should have been more scientific about this.
Very interesting test! I’ve used both, the baskets and the slow n sear and I’ve found that the value for me with the slow n sear is that it makes it much easier to control temps, and it does a better job creating a thermal barrier (especially with the water pan full) than the baskets so you don’t have to worry about one side of your meat cooking much faster.
On thing I have noticed, and this is with the newest slow n sear, is not that the charcoal lasts longer than with baskets, but that the temp doesn’t seem to fluctuate as much, it seems to stay more precise. Is it enough to justify $100 ? I don’t know, would I call it a gimmick? I wouldn’t. Maybe a bit overpriced, but it is well built and it does what it’s supposed to. But baskets also work well, as does the snake method
I love how instead of admitting there was an inherent flaw with their product they came after you with science. Then went and updated their product with exactly what you were testing about.
MyMind LoL.And lowered the price. Yeah it’s a cheaper steel, but it is more affordable now. Watch my Q&A on Saturday I hit on this exact stuff. Thanks for the support and watching
The baskets work fine for me. Plus they are more versitile as you can leave and indirect space in the centre and have the baskets each side. Great video. Love the product marketing explanation at the start, pretty much summarises how so many products are marketed today
Another good comparison vid Chris. Again, I do love my SNS however I don't use it like you are supposed to. I got into a bit of a spat with Dave about the water trough saying that I prefer to use a foil drip pan instead of the trough. I too ran a comparison a few months ago and found that the aluminum foil drip/water pan works better for me. For shorter cooks (when I smoke Italian sausages in 2 hrs or less) the aluminum foil drip/water pan works much better and keeps the temps more even. Additionally, when it comes to clean up, if the SNS water trough still has water in it while trying to dump old coals, you have a real mess on your hands. I also want to point out that on hotter cooks the water trough runs dry after 4 to 5 hours and have fun trying to add more water through the cooking grate without sloshing it onto the hot coals. All in all the SNS works for me but I could have saved about $50.00 if I had just purchased the two Weber charcoal baskets. Just my opinion and thank you for sending condolences to Justin (Baby Back Maniac) wishing his dad a full recovery. Cheers my friend and looking forward to more great cooking vids.
William Logan those are great points as well. Justin is a good guy, I wish he wouldn’t lump himself in with ABC. I understand that we all have a Gig. Nothing but Love for him and his dad. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Oh Snap .... was curious about this so I checked out the SnS ... now I get it ... (smh) ... personally, I don't use any of those baskets type stuff ... just stack the brickets in a corner and if I want to add moisture I just get those disposable aluminum containers and stick it in the bottom next to the brickets .... simple simple simple and has *never* failed me ....
Okay I'm glad I ran across this. I'm a subscriber to your channel just haven't seen all the videos yet. But I was literally getting ready to order the SnS 2.0. Thanks for the wake up call.
I’ve had about every grill and smoker made and now I have a Weber 22” Master Touch with the baskets for the very reason he just proved. The versatility is just amazing.
I actually have a merlin in my Amazon cart as we speak and told my wife that's what I wanted for Father's day. So glad you made this video! Saved me a 100 dollars. Thanks for shedding light on this.
I agree the S/S is not a necessary piece of equipment . A fuse method with out even charcoal baskets works well . I used the snake method for a long time . However I like the S/S for convenience . It makes clean up a breeze ( after BBQ ) . The water column does not sit under the meat therefore , the foil under the meat collects the drippings which, after cooling down congeal and I simply throw the foil away . The remaining water in the column , I can dump out on the ground . No messy greasy water to poor into a container-- as when I use to use a drip /water pan under the meat . Its a convenience thing for me and I like it .
So, I think I told you about Justin offering me a free SNS and I turned it down. I went and bought the Grilla Q , I used it a lot at first, now I don't. You did the most fair comparison, and the SNS came out last.Can we please get back to cooking Meat!
The Root Boy Cooks ! Meat next week Brother, I can’t wait. No, you didn’t tell me that. Interesting, to say the least. You asked me about the Grilla Q in your comment section. Email me and we will discuss it. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
I just bought a new Weber kettle and wae looking for some accessories for it. I got the Weber charcoal baskets and was seriously looking at buying the slow N Sear. After this video I'm sold I don't need the slow N Sear and the baskets will hold their own just fine! Thanks for the video! 👍👍
I was going to buy a SnS for my Weber but when I saw the price I got sticker shock. Instead I put the money towards a new grill. I bought an Akorn Kamado. Best upgrade I ever made, and no looking back. Before I bough the Akorn, I tried a trick a friend told me about. Place a couple of thin red bricks on the grate to wall off the charcoal. Worked fine. Instead of forking out $100, all it cost me was about 10 minutes rooting around in my shed to find them. I imagine you could buy them at Lowe's for a couple bucks. Way cheaper. lol
GunnySGT1911 Most Excellent choice. I heard great things about the Kamari’s. Bricks would work too. I got my SNS off EBay for $60. That is about the most they should be new. Thanks for the support and watching
One minor adjustment and this test would have been great: Put the food grate in and measure the temperature there. Merlin read lower because the double metal wall for the water reservoir would block some of the radiant heat that the baskets let through. Food grate level would have been a better test since that is where the thing you want to cook sits. That said, I have yet to cook something low n' slow on Merlin that is as good as my UDS.
Grill Top Experience all was equal It would have not mattered. I understand your point. Do your own test. You have a slow n sear now. I look forward to it. Thanks for watching
Grill Top Experience MY 55 gallon UDS makes better Low and Slow barbecue too. However, it requires a lot more fuel, for the average small family meal the SNS is way more efficient.
A little late to the party but I'm glad I found this video. The SnS seemed a little gimmicky to me compared to baskets but I had nothing to verify my gut feeling. Thanks for doing this!
I just came across your video, appreciate the work! However, I think your approach is biased because you tried it without meat. If you were to retry this experiment again with meat, I guess that you would have to rotate meat much more often on the grill equipped with standard weber charcoal holder because it will burn on the closer side to heat, which will mean many more times of opening and closing lid. This will likely jeopardize your temp control and be more uncomfortable than the SNS. PS: I do not own either of these products :) I hope you do a re-test...
Awesome test. I bought stainless steel charcoal baskets. Works great. What I do to control my heat is kinda of dumb. I figure each piece of briquette is 25 F degrees. So I use 15 pieces and I add 5 to stay at 250.
rottvang That is actually really smart. I like that. I need to write that down. I think your correct. The 305 SS CHARCOAL BASKETS is all you honestly need. Great comment. Thanks for contributing
I’ve been using a WSM and a Weber gas grill for awhile. Finally decided to ditch the gasser all together and bought the Weber Performer deluxe. I was determined to buy the slow and sear, but was curious if I even needed it when the Weber came with two charcoal baskets. You answered my question! Great video and you saved me a chunk of change for more meat.
I think it would have been a closer comparison if you put the grates on top and the temp probe at grate level. The heat is rising and the water reservoir area is blocking direct heat to the probe compared to the Weber baskets. Just my .02 I think the SnS would have held over 200. I can testify to having 9 hours of 225 with a basket of charcoal. But I used the Weber baskets as well and could usually get about 7 hours then have to reload a bit not a big deal. Both are great products
Tabey Loccs There simply was not enough coals for it to continue. At best they were tied.. I am not impressed with theSNS. Thanks for watching and commenting
nice work. straight up longevity test. glad you pulled back the marketing veil on the slow n sear. i just wish you did this before i bought one, lol...
The extra opening on the sides of the baskets allow it to burn hotter and faster. This not a true apples to apples test. I personally like the control that the SNS gives me.
I actually got into BBQing and smoking, using the slow-n-sear. I've been pleased with my results. In watching countless smoking videos and learning more recipes, I have come to truly appreciate the collection of people in the smoking community. My first thought was, "Wow! What a supportive group to any and all who want to learn the craft." I expanded to a 275 gallon fuel oil tank conversiion, reverse-flow, offset smoker. Thinking I could continue to reach out to the support group with SnS, for advice, I posed some questions on how best to utilize my new smoker. I was quickly chastised and shamed by the people on there and received no defense by Dave, or anyone else from ABC, for the other members' behavior. It was very telling to the mentality and country-club attitude of the folks at ABC and their lemmings....very disappointing. I am so very sorry I asked BBQ/smoking questions that weren't SnS related on a SnS group page. How shameful of me.
I know this is a later reply but I was doing my research on the SNS Slow-n-Sear Version 1 vs Version 2. Then I came across your video, very informative. I think I'll save my money and keep using the SS baskets. Now that meat prices are rising (Covid-19 days) I will save the money to buy the meat! Thanks for your video, indisputable!
Awsome video saved me alot of money I just got a second webber kettle grill was going to get the Merlin and the drip n griddle. So glad they are on back order or I would have wasted alot of money.
Thanks for this video, I used your basket setup with lump charcoal and was able to maintain 225-275 for about 6+ hours for ribs, I just ran a water pan underneath. I canceled my SnS and vortex order and saved $150
The difference between the two for me (emphasis on me) is that I don't have to spend time nursing the vents with a slow and sear. Maybe thats a reflection of my abilities, but even still, my time is worth more than fiddling with vents to figure out how to get it consistent every time. My time is worth more than the upfront cost. I don't really care about saving money on charcoal. The 20-60 dollar slab of meat is worth more than a couple dollars of charcoal I'd be theoretically be saving.
Michael Freeman good comment. Imagine how much meat you could buy without buying a SNS. The original SNS was better than the crap there turning out now. The new ones have that screen on the bottom and it chokes off the oxygen going to the coals, as talked about by the late Phil in Florence. I like room in my pit to cook, and not having 40% of the room taken over by a bulky basket that really does nothing magical or special. I know there’s a lot of die in the wool SNS fans out there and no matter what I say or think will influence them, and that’s okay. I do appreciate you not leaving a trolling comment, So I know that I can actually have a conversation with you. Thanks for the support and watching.
I love it! Can't wait to read the comments! Once again......it was fair and square.....can't argue with the results. Nice job explaining the process. You are right about that griddle.......definitely not thick and heavy enough to sear. But hey.....if people feel better about their grilling experience if they waste money on gadgets....then that's great. Metal On! \m/
Heavy Metal Bar-B-Que Ken, You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. I only want to provide the information. If I can help one person make make a better consumer decision then my job is done. Now it time to get back to make Beautiful Q. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Hehehe. I wish we were neighbours. Our politics align and I love what you said in the beginning. You are not the only one suffering with these people. Love your work!!
Awesome vid cut through the marketing bull and prove your theory this channel will blow up for sure, do knives different brand of BBQs same type different price points, BBQ cutlery , different branded charcoal etc the limits are endless I wish you the best of luck never loose honesty or the science and it's a winner...
There's a guy out there that modded the two charcoal baskets together with a couple drilled holes and screws/washers and made his own slow n sear. I did it just last week and I have to say it's one of the best things I've done for my kettle.
It got to temp quicker because there is an air gap (water reservoir) between the coles and the temp gauge and on the other one there is not. Having the sensor closer to hot coals would make it get to temp quicker. It's not rocket science.
jstar1000 Very Good. All things being equal the SNS didn’t have enough coals to last. Hey, I’m going Live this Saturday, I would like for you to be on. I’m going to be talking SNS and some health news associated with it. No hate only Facts. Thanks for watching and commenting
Fun facts - 1- SNS look sexier in the kettle . 2 - SNS without using water not a fair test. 3 - Wired temp wire causes air gaps, use wireless for SNS. Final analysis, use both. GG
@@maximuscryptosx9424 I repeated the exact test that Dave Parrish did on Baby Back maniacs Channel at the time, that’s why I did what I Did. I let Dave boy set the parameters and I tested it. All BS. BTW the SNS look clunky in a Kettle. Sexy? LMAO!!
I own a SNS and over the years I thought this thing isn’t really isn’t that special. I had better results with homemade expanded steel baskets or one original Weber basket. I always assumed it was me, my kingsford blue, my slightly leaky beat up kettle (Old faithful from 02) and can’t seem to keep my cooker going longer than 6 hours. I get slightly longer times paper clipping the lid shut and it really isn’t longer by much. I don’t hate it, more less I hate that I bought it. The bottom grate that “holds the coal in” had almost become detached from the poorly penetrated TIG welds. The ground down corners (that cut me BTW..should’ve saw it as a sign) and raw finish i received wasn’t worth in my opinion what I paid for it. But I have been using it non stop since I’ve obtained in a few years back since I gave away my baskets! It has helped smoke plenty of ribs, chicken and pork over the years so it’s earned it’s keep. Would I ever buy another one? No. Would I recommend one at this point? No. But I can’t get rid of it and it will get used until I see no use for it or I make or buy another basket. 🤙🏾
Screwloooose GOOD STUFF!! I just want people to know that they have options, that The SNS isn’t Magical, Revolutionary, or anything else that it gets tagged with. ITS A FREEKIN CHARCOAL BASKET!! If someone likes the SNS buy it, if not, Don’t. I appreciate you commenting and watching
I bought the SNS for overnight brisket cooks. I wasn't able to get 8 hours or steady temps of 225-250 degrees. Other comments suggested my kettle had air leaks.I owned 3 kettles at the time and got the same results. The water trough is a pain to keep clean and it warped after a few cooks. Personally, I hate buying aluminum pans for water so the SNS wasn't a total waste. I love it to reverse sear and dual zone high temp cooks. Long story less long, when youtubers you subscribe to post a paid video stating how great a pruduct is find videos from guys who 1.) paid for their own product and 2.) aren't trying to become a" youtube star." There's a lot of $ in youtube and its a job to some folks. Great video btw!
I bought a SnS for reverse sear and dual zone temp cooks as well. I got a Kamado so I don't need the SnS for slow cooks. I personally feel it is a nice product to use. Putting two small charcoal baskets together onto a couple of bricks is not for me.
Lenny G BBQ You won’t get an argument out of me on that. If you like the SNS that’s cool. The small charcoal baskets are very efficient. I was responding to some people who were saying that you couldn’t sear with the small ones, The SNS is well constructed, I have few problems with it, mostly the Bulkiness of it, and the unsanitary Water trough, and most people water trough warps after awhile, not cool. Thanks for watching and the comment
Warping doesn't bother me (as long as it doesn't break). But, apparently this issue has been resolved with SnS 2.0. However, I don't have one to confirm that. It would be interesting to know if someone has independently tested one to confirm that.
Great video series Meathead. You presented a lot of facts. We think you are awesome, and you did the entire series in a very professional way. Great job!!!! You deserve far more than 3.6K subs..... because you are legit. Cheers!
Josh and Babe I agree I absolutely do deserve more. However I don’t do any other social media but TH-cam. I get in my own may as well, because I am Brash and Brutally honest. I appreciate your support and I’m glad you liked this series
I think the temperature should be measured on grill grate hight. And something that should also be taken into account is the how even the distribution of heat is. I think the baskets in this case give much more direct heat in the direction of the probe. Not sure if that is a pro or a con. (more efficiency, less equal distribution)
I knew the slow and sear was overpriced but I liked the way it looked and functioned more than the weber baskets. I like that it is just one unit rather than two , I like the water reservoir and the size of it. thats all there is to it for me , spending $80 or $20 doesn't make a huge difference to me at all it is an insignificant amount of money either way so I got what I liked.
I'm planning on buying a 22"Weber Kettle very soon. I have viewed a lot of videos that had slow and sear in use, thought that I would like to have one however it does seem like a steep price. So as good country boy would do I have been thinking there has to be a much cheaper way to do the same thing. Thanks for this comparison video you have earned my respect. 👍🐊👍
Paul Ruth The SNS is a Gimmick. You can get some thin Paver bricks and line the bowl where intend to place the coals, then make a boarder with vegetable cans filled with water. There ya go, something that works as good as the SNS FOR $5. ABC is using a cheaper steel and rivets now for the SNS. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
@@meatcranium4280 thanks a lot. I've been retired now for only five months and I am finally learning about how to smoke and cook on smokers and grills the correct way, not that it was not good before but I have certainly taken it to a new level with videos like your's. My wife bought me a 18.5" Weber Smokey Mountain cooker for retirement and I absolutely loved it. Now we are looking to get the 22" Kettle to go with it. Keep on keeping on Brother. Thanks again.
I was very impressed with your test. You have saved me 100 bucks. I am not wasting any of my money on the slow n sear. I'm sharing this video with all my bbq friends and family. Thanks!
HELL YA MAN!!! I'm sad it took me this long to find your channel... I saw the title of this vid and immediately clicked. I've been thinking about the merlin and have always been skeptical because nobody has had anything bad to say about it, and you know as well as I do, nothing is perfect. I want to hear the good and bad about stuff, especially when it comes with a price tag like merlin. You just reiterated what I already thought. Thanks for making this video and the series and all your other videos...Keep cookin'
Kelly Hayward You are most certainly welcome. When the owner Dave told me to Put Up or Shut Up I knew there was something UP with this product. Thanks for the support and watching.
I bought an SnS and used it to cook a 9.5 lb pork butt on a weber kettle grill on the Saturday before labor day. I was looking for something that would hold temp (my weber) and provide a steady sources of fuel to cook this 9.5 lb beast. I cooked this thing to 200 degrees in 9 hours and NEVER had to refill the SnS. The Q turned out great! I'm a believer in the SnS. I bought the XL SnS for my 26 inch weber and it has a bottom to it. The only thing I would change is to make sure I check the water reservoir or make sure I have a pan of water in the bottom. My drip pan had a little water in it but I'll put more next time. I love the SnS.
Mayrose587 Awesome to hear. The SNS FOR A 26 inch is Bigger thus holds more fuel. I could probably accomplish the same feat with the same amount of coals in the Baskets. I glad you enjoyed The SNS. Thanks for watching and commenting
Kevin Linney Thanks a lot, that’s huge. I want the consumer to get great products while not getting a load of BS sent there way. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Mack's BBQ Team Sounds good, only problem is, is that I would get bored, I meant to cook, and barbecue, and not expose snake oil salesman. LOL thanks for watching and the support brother
Just found this video. I’ve cooked on a cheap Walmart special grill for years and it did the job. Just recently purchased a Weber performer and am super happy with it. Even came with the basket (never used baskets before). Other than wanting a Kamado at some point Weber is tried and true. Excellent video.
So the baskets lasted a little longer, really not much difference between the two. The only thing I wanted the S&S for is that barrier between the coals and the food. Plusses and minuses. They could be a bit cheaper but it serves a specific function that I want, and it's ok for me.
Thanks brotha you just save me 140.00 from ordering one. I was really thinking about get a sns but after your video I don’t need one. My wife thank you as well lol. “She hates when I buy a new Bbq toy” keep Bbq-ing my dude.
Smokin’ Jazz Bbq these 304 STAINLESS STEEL CHARCOAL BASKETS can be found on EBay really cheap, make sure you read the description. I will be ordering another pair for my other Kettle. The SNS is currently getting a new face lift by my Daughter in Law And Granddaughter, they are going to make it look more “MAGICAL”. Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed it and that I could save you money. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Spain on a Fork Albert I do appreciate it.I really have fun doing this TH-cam thing. It’s just unfortunate I had to do a series like this. Well thanks for the support and watching brother
Bro! LOVE this video! Been grilling for 20 years, but new to Kettle. Got the Weber 26” and (without knocking anyone) just didn’t like how it seemed like everyone was saying SNS is “the only way to go”. I live in Canada and a SNS up here was going to cost me about $275. Thanks for helping save my money. Love the technique tips of going basket to basket as well as the bricks under the baskets to sear. Can’t wait to check out more of your videos! Keep up the good work! 👍
K.C. Graham I have reviewed many items and almost everything by Adrenaline BBQ I do not like. I will be putting the SNS against the BBQ DRAGON GRILL STONE soon, that is only $50. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
I just bought those baskets about a year ago they works great.The Sns sounded good until I saw the price I rather just put that towards another grill.People can't handle constructive criticism anymore they just get triggered and act like fools.Good video!
I have two of these charcoal baskets but was about to pull the trigger on the ABC. I believed their hype and was about to purchase one. Thanks, MeatHead you saved me some money!
I would like your opinion on something that doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with this video. I have a 22” Weber kettle. What would you think about getting a vortex to set in the center and then getting a BBQ Guru round rib rack to set ribs up in a circle towards the outer part of the kettle?
Jeff I’m no to familiar with the Vortex, it looks pretty cool. I’ve never had one. Rib racks are always the best option, it maximizes space. Thanks for the support and watching
laughing my but off there are a lot of things I have learned and taught people learn to never never challenge a MARINE/NAVY SEAL and never challenge meadhead . nice bro ..love it when you do a TRUE product review...
WHEAT H I am a Dad to a Marine. I don’t put up with nonsense and shady snakeoil Salesmen. Everybody seems to be scared to make ripples in the TH-cam Cooks Community, well that needs to change. We need to call out BS and hold companies accountable. thanks for the support and watching
I was looking at buying a slow n sear but the price point seemed much too high especially compared to the weber baskets. This video provided some good info. Thanks.
Izy Alilin I have SNS VS GRILL STONE COMING OUT TODAY. It is really interesting. I am Premiering it at 10:30 EST. Thanks for the support and watching. I’m glad I could provide some informative for you.
Nice. Thanks for the video I have two baskets works good. And a griddle, not a fan. Nothing like a rotisserie chix over charcoal or gas with Wood chips. A griddle can not do that. I have a stone for pizza and cheese Steaks. So people don't waste your money on a griddle. And nasty stuff for a clean up. Keep grilling.
Great videos, that is why we watch you. Thanks for shining the "LIGHT" on the slow n sear. Look forward to your next video. Still one of my favorite channels to watch, keep up the great work.
Im glad i found this video. I was wondering whats the rage on slow n sear. I achieve the same thing by banking the coals and putting up fire brick barrier. The price is not very justified either. So even if it was marginally better than chacoal baskets, probably still wouldn’t buy it
I just came across your video, I see that it's 3 yrs ago... I don't use either the sns or basket, but then again I've been BBQng and smoking meats before any of these products and before cell phones for that matter lol... Good video and keep on Grilling!
Very interesting results brother. That was awesome of you to mention Justin’s father. He is a good dude. Excited to see you get back to cooking too! Cheers!
Cooking With CJ me too. I can’t wait to get back into the routine. Now that I’m done Putting Up. As always, Thanks for the support and watching CALIBRO
Gimmick on the phone 😭 Savage. I'm subscribed. My new Weber kettle will be here Wednesday in green. I'm hoping the baskets win because they're 15 bucks!
You can take one end of each basket loose, put the two together, to make a low and sear type basket. No more need to bridge over from one to the other.
worrabd That was one of the considerations however I Thought that may have burned to quickly, the configuration worked out perfectly. Thanks for watching and commenting
w oke Since you were polite in your comment I’ll be polite as well. With that being said, thanks for the comment. I have addressed this no less than 20 times. Dave and Baby Back Maniac did a video of , snake method vs SNS. I that video Dave explains that using water would give to many variables, so he did not use it. I thought I explained this, I used that video as a Guide. He didn’t, so I didn’t. In any scenario the SNS should have more than defeated the lesser Charcoal baskets. The SNS is an overpriced, overhyped, gimmick. Thanks for the watching
Im looking to get a SnS. The only thing I can say is you should do one more Video. I get that your using the same amount of coals in both but the charcoal baskets are maxed out and you still have room in the SnS for more coals. If you stop the video at 11:40 you can see what I mean. looks like a product that holds more and that why the company says what they say about it. But second thought do you think the holes on those charcoal baskets help it where the SnS dont have any holes along the side?
Timothy Sheaffer if anything the holes on the smaller baskets would hurt it. Heat would escape faster. In no World or situation should the 304 SS Charcoal Baskets had even competed with a so call, “Superior” SNS. Thanks for the support and watching
Would you recommend the SnS or just stay away? Because I noticed that the SnS has two walls of steel to go through to get the temp gauge to the temp you wanted and the baskets are right there open heat straight to the temp gauge. Im not trying to hit you with a bus just trying to get knowledge on slow cooking on a grill like should I spend $100 or just none at all. Should I just stack coals on 1/3 of the grill with a foil pan and water or snake method.
Timothy Sheaffer STAY AWAY!!! The SNS is a total gimmick. For much less money you can get a grill stone from BBQ DRAGON $50, and a TIPTOPTEMP $36, you will be much better off.
I haven't watched the series. I just watched your closing comments on this video and that was all I needed to see to agree with you on this topic. I've been using a kettle for 20 years and the sns is a glorified large charcoal basket. Nothing wrong with that if it makes what you already do convenient in some way but personally, it is not worth it. I made a video using a large charcoal basket made out of 2 weber baskets in my 26". works fantastic. I get just as good of results searing with no baskets. Just banked charcoal. I can't reiterate enough that all that is needed is a kettle, charcoal, and meat. A lot of new people seem to be under the impression that you need gadgets to make great food. The chef makes the food, not the gadgets. Again, nothing wrong with owning and using accessories if you enjoy that aspect of the hobby and I wish sns continued success even if I disagree with their "Science"
HoosierKettle I agree. If someone wants to purchase an SNS, God Bless them, if not, God Bless them too, I Just purchased 2 Weber Charcoal 430 stainless steel charcoal baskets. On EBAY FOR $36.56, those will last forever. Thanks for the support and watching
So true brother. I smoked two racks of ribs on my kettle grill last week with free pecan wood I scavenged after a hurricane Nate. I just stacked the charcoal carefully on one side and use foil pans full of water to regulate temp. Man they turned out great.
Thanks for your test. I recently purchased the charcoal baskets and and planning to grill an 11 lb. trimmed brisket. I am going to use long burn charcoal and add oak pellets and pieces of mesquite. I’m doing a test run today to see for myself how long your method of overlapping the charcoal brickets . Thanks for your you-tubes. Laddie in Big Spring Tx
Laddie Bordovsky Let me know how it goes. I want people to be able to make beautiful Q, and have enough money to buy the meat. Lol. Thanks for the support and watching
Thanks for doing the comparison. Not really a surprise. I watched one of those SNS vs snake-method videos a while back and viewed the results with skepticism. These comparisons, which are not scientific experiments of course, can be done any number of ways. I appreciate how you kept it simple. I'll leave the science to unbiased professionals (like those looking at climate change) and use common sense where it counts, by avoiding overpriced and over-hyped products. Cheers!
They do price their stuff high, however, the quality is very good on their products. I do agree they could most likely lower the price. I won my SnS and a weber kettle and a bunch of other stuff. I did buy the griddle without a rack and their grill grates. The price was the only thing I'm not happy with. The products work well together and will last a very long time. As far as your tests go I'd say the 45 min difference is most likely the fact the fire had to jump from one to the other and that slowed the process down a bit and extended the burn. If I was to guess I'd say you could use no charcoal basket and get about the same burn time as any basket including the slow n sear.
Roundhouse Ranch BBQ Thanks Erik. Some people are Upset that I didn’t use water, but what they don’t realize is that ABC didn’t use water in there test. Lol. Thanks again for the support and watching Brother
Your science is off. What system keeps more consistent temps. If your trying to stay at 225, which is easier? Which has more capacity? All of the big names like Harry Soo doesn’t have bad things to say about the product. Why would you throw it away even if it didn’t work as great as you say. It just seems you have a bone to pick.
Scott H. I took it out of the garbage Btw. I have ask Dave Questions and he refuses to answer, I Pursue to find the answers, ask him more questions he tells me, “PUT UP OR SHUT UP”. He is the most unprofessional Owner of any company that I have ever dealt with. All his products are waaay overhyped and are not what he claims they are, I proved it. Watch my first video in this series I go over all this. I like testing at 250, cause that is the main temp I cook at. I will revisit this one more time, as I will put the SNS against the BBQ DRAGON GRILL STONE. I now have temp control devices and I will keep the temp at 225
Look at (Grill Top Experience) on TH-cam. Video title is Efficiency Slow N Sear. Hands down slow N Sear the temperature difference is huge. The slow n sear is way more consistent there's a 33 degree difference from onside of they kettle to the other using the other product. That means onside cooking way faster than the other. Your gonna burn your meat or constantly turning it to keep it from burning !
WaffleNova since I used the Adrenaline BBQ SNS VS SNAKE METHOD VIDEO as a guideline, and since they didn’t use water in there SNS I didn’t use it in mine. Less variables
So this is your first video that I’ve seen. Not sure to like or dislike because of the d&$k Measuring contest. I’m with you I don’t use the slow and see her either. I like your attitude, your love for barbecue and your love for guns but especially your love for family. Therefore I’m gonna watch your other videos maybe I’ll sub
D Horne This Dude told me to Put Up or Shut Up, challenging me after I Questioned him on his BS GIMMICK Products, so this is a pretty passionate Video. Thanks for watching and commenting
bama Great Question. That would be a question for Weber. I think it’s so you can Link them together in different configurations would be my best guess. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
great job what a great approach and intersting data collected. I have weber master and today was my first smoke and you taught me how to let the charcoal snake burn- i kept one coal bucket in there and kept feeding it was the temp dropped every few hours now im going ot use both and do what you just did.
Slownsear is not worth and necessary...for the same price or less you're better off getting the Weber rotisserie attachment and the Craycort cast iron crate...both are well worth it and they add so much more your basic Weber grill
MDP673NJ1 I would give away the cast iron grates. I have them and they are crap. I am Big about cleaning and oiling and they rust like hell. They don’t sear a steak any better than the Weber grates.
Love the honesty and your take on this. I feel the same way about alot of bbq tools, accessories, etc........ but nobody else will say it. Great job!!!!!
@@jacklowe3788 I had ordered a set from Amazon when I posted this, but the vendor didn't have what they were selling, so I just bought a set of Weber baskets. Couldn't find the SS anywhere else. The Webers are holding up pretty well so far.
LOL!! I’m glad I saved you from making a bad decision. I will be doing a BBQ DRAGON GRILL STONE 🆚 SNS Soon. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Instant sub as soon as I heard your Al Gore comment. Just bought a SnS but not precious about it, something to try but still getting mileage outta my plain ole Weber charcoal baskets.
theimp67 amen brother. A lot of people have been duped by that Global warming BS. My SS Weber baskets are holding up just fine. Thanks for the support and watching Brother.
I listen to scientists say stuff all day and I've come to the conclusion that the only conclusive thing about science is that. Science is always changing. That's what I say to people that try and throw science in my face🤷🏾♂️.
@@RSP3557 True, but consider how it's changing. Most things in physics that people can actually observe without very expensive equipment is very, very well understood. It changes because we are able to observe things better. But that doesn't overthrow what we have seen earlier. For example, when we discover that physics turns weird when looking at the extremely small (subatomic particles) or the extremely large (space), doens't mean that what we have always experienced as humans on earth suddenly changes as well! So yes, science changes all the time, but it has direction, it moves towards being more accurate and complete. A little bit off-topic, but as someone who used to be a scientist, I am always triggered when people attack the scientific method. Nothing personal though.
Great series, very informative. What did we learn? 2 things :A - there are products that work just as well or better than a SnS... B - don’t insult Meathead otherwise he will come at you like a Tasmanian devil.. haha seriously though I really enjoyed your series and comparison. Thank you for sharing.
Louis at R shack BBQ You Get Pinned. Great Comment Brother
Yep, this is what I would say!
Awesome vid. 15 min is usually my max attention span. I enjoyed every second. Subbed
David Green 9jjkll
Anal wife
Video doesn’t make any sense.
He measures the temperature on the charcoal grate. Not the food grate. The baskets are open on the side. The SnS isn’t. Meaning that to achieve the same temperature on the charcoal grate the temperature of the food grate is probably going to be higher on the food grate with the SnS. So he puts significant disadvantage on the SnS.
For a guy that talks bad about science he should have been more scientific about this.
Actual testing begins at 6 minutes.
Thanks. The intro is super annoying.
Bought my Weber baskets for 20 bucks and love em. they work perfect and for 20 bucks you will not be disappointed.
Jay Hickey I actually just got the grill and the baskets and I was highly impressed
Very interesting test! I’ve used both, the baskets and the slow n sear and I’ve found that the value for me with the slow n sear is that it makes it much easier to control temps, and it does a better job creating a thermal barrier (especially with the water pan full) than the baskets so you don’t have to worry about one side of your meat cooking much faster.
I had a slow n sear in my cart but not placed the order yet - then I watched this. Thanks for the info you provide! Saved me some money
Chris Trail You’re welcome I’m glad I could help you make a great decision. Thanks for watching
i really appreciate this video i was planning on buying that slow and sear but not anymore after this video thanks
On thing I have noticed, and this is with the newest slow n sear, is not that the charcoal lasts longer than with baskets, but that the temp doesn’t seem to fluctuate as much, it seems to stay more precise. Is it enough to justify $100 ? I don’t know, would I call it a gimmick? I wouldn’t. Maybe a bit overpriced, but it is well built and it does what it’s supposed to. But baskets also work well, as does the snake method
I love how instead of admitting there was an inherent flaw with their product they came after you with science. Then went and updated their product with exactly what you were testing about.
MyMind LoL.And lowered the price. Yeah it’s a cheaper steel, but it is more affordable now. Watch my Q&A on Saturday I hit on this exact stuff. Thanks for the support and watching
Is the SnS worth the money? For me yes, I find the water keeps the grill level temp more uniform. I get hot spots around the baskets. IMHO.
Dude, thank you very much Sir! You have saved me money I was about to buy SandS , but test was awesome!
Yeah it’s totally not necessary. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
The baskets work fine for me. Plus they are more versitile as you can leave and indirect space in the centre and have the baskets each side. Great video. Love the product marketing explanation at the start, pretty much summarises how so many products are marketed today
Another good comparison vid Chris. Again, I do love my SNS however I don't use it like you are supposed to. I got into a bit of a spat with Dave about the water trough saying that I prefer to use a foil drip pan instead of the trough. I too ran a comparison a few months ago and found that the aluminum foil drip/water pan works better for me. For shorter cooks (when I smoke Italian sausages in 2 hrs or less) the aluminum foil drip/water pan works much better and keeps the temps more even. Additionally, when it comes to clean up, if the SNS water trough still has water in it while trying to dump old coals, you have a real mess on your hands. I also want to point out that on hotter cooks the water trough runs dry after 4 to 5 hours and have fun trying to add more water through the cooking grate without sloshing it onto the hot coals. All in all the SNS works for me but I could have saved about $50.00 if I had just purchased the two Weber charcoal baskets. Just my opinion and thank you for sending condolences to Justin (Baby Back Maniac) wishing his dad a full recovery. Cheers my friend and looking forward to more great cooking vids.
William Logan those are great points as well. Justin is a good guy, I wish he wouldn’t lump himself in with ABC. I understand that we all have a Gig. Nothing but Love for him and his dad. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Oh Snap .... was curious about this so I checked out the SnS ... now I get it ... (smh) ... personally, I don't use any of those baskets type stuff ... just stack the brickets in a corner and if I want to add moisture I just get those disposable aluminum containers and stick it in the bottom next to the brickets .... simple simple simple and has *never* failed me ....
Anthony Maske honestly that’s all you need
Exactly, ghetto grilling!
I have been watching SnS videos all night and I was thinking, people have to have been accomplishing the same results before the SnS
Okay I'm glad I ran across this. I'm a subscriber to your channel just haven't seen all the videos yet. But I was literally getting ready to order the SnS 2.0. Thanks for the wake up call.
BigSmokeyBones BBQ Man I’m glad I could help. There are so many more cheaper options. You made a wise decision
I’ve had about every grill and smoker made and now I have a Weber 22” Master Touch with the baskets for the very reason he just proved. The versatility is just amazing.
I actually have a merlin in my Amazon cart as we speak and told my wife that's what I wanted for Father's day. So glad you made this video! Saved me a 100 dollars. Thanks for shedding light on this.
tugboat2001 You’re welcome. I even went in depth in another video after this where I actually did heat signatures of the slow and sear
@@meatcranium4280 definitely going to check it out.
I agree the S/S is not a necessary piece of equipment . A fuse method with out even charcoal baskets works well . I used the snake method for a long time . However I like the S/S for convenience . It makes clean up a breeze ( after BBQ ) . The water column does not sit under the meat therefore , the foil under the meat collects the drippings which, after cooling down congeal and I simply throw the foil away . The remaining water in the column , I can dump out on the ground . No messy greasy water to poor into a container-- as when I use to use a drip /water pan under the meat . Its a convenience thing for me and I like it .
So, I think I told you about Justin offering me a free SNS and I turned it down. I went and bought the Grilla Q , I used it a lot at first, now I don't. You did the most fair comparison, and the SNS came out last.Can we please get back to cooking Meat!
The Root Boy Cooks ! Meat next week Brother, I can’t wait. No, you didn’t tell me that. Interesting, to say the least. You asked me about the Grilla Q in your comment section. Email me and we will discuss it. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
I just bought a new Weber kettle and wae looking for some accessories for it. I got the Weber charcoal baskets and was seriously looking at buying the slow N Sear. After this video I'm sold I don't need the slow N Sear and the baskets will hold their own just fine! Thanks for the video! 👍👍
I was going to buy a SnS for my Weber but when I saw the price I got sticker shock. Instead I put the money towards a new grill. I bought an Akorn Kamado. Best upgrade I ever made, and no looking back. Before I bough the Akorn, I tried a trick a friend told me about. Place a couple of thin red bricks on the grate to wall off the charcoal. Worked fine. Instead of forking out $100, all it cost me was about 10 minutes rooting around in my shed to find them. I imagine you could buy them at Lowe's for a couple bucks. Way cheaper. lol
GunnySGT1911 Most Excellent choice. I heard great things about the Kamari’s. Bricks would work too. I got my SNS off EBay for $60. That is about the most they should be new. Thanks for the support and watching
One minor adjustment and this test would have been great: Put the food grate in and measure the temperature there. Merlin read lower because the double metal wall for the water reservoir would block some of the radiant heat that the baskets let through. Food grate level would have been a better test since that is where the thing you want to cook sits. That said, I have yet to cook something low n' slow on Merlin that is as good as my UDS.
Grill Top Experience all was equal It would have not mattered. I understand your point. Do your own test. You have a slow n sear now. I look forward to it. Thanks for watching
I use both levels to cook with the minion method. Hmmm
Grill Top Experience MY 55 gallon UDS makes better Low and Slow barbecue too. However, it requires a lot more fuel, for the average small family meal the SNS is way more efficient.
A little late to the party but I'm glad I found this video. The SnS seemed a little gimmicky to me compared to baskets but I had nothing to verify my gut feeling. Thanks for doing this!
I just came across your video, appreciate the work! However, I think your approach is biased because you tried it without meat. If you were to retry this experiment again with meat, I guess that you would have to rotate meat much more often on the grill equipped with standard weber charcoal holder because it will burn on the closer side to heat, which will mean many more times of opening and closing lid. This will likely jeopardize your temp control and be more uncomfortable than the SNS. PS: I do not own either of these products :) I hope you do a re-test...
Awesome test. I bought stainless steel charcoal baskets. Works great. What I do to control my heat is kinda of dumb. I figure each piece of briquette is 25 F degrees. So I use 15 pieces and I add 5 to stay at 250.
rottvang That is actually really smart. I like that. I need to write that down. I think your correct. The 305 SS CHARCOAL BASKETS is all you honestly need. Great comment. Thanks for contributing
I’ve been using a WSM and a Weber gas grill for awhile. Finally decided to ditch the gasser all together and bought the Weber Performer deluxe. I was determined to buy the slow and sear, but was curious if I even needed it when the Weber came with two charcoal baskets.
You answered my question! Great video and you saved me a chunk of change for more meat.
Andrew Leschnik More Meat is also the better choice. Lol. Thanks for the support and watching
I think it would have been a closer comparison if you put the grates on top and the temp probe at grate level. The heat is rising and the water reservoir area is blocking direct heat to the probe compared to the Weber baskets. Just my .02
I think the SnS would have held over 200. I can testify to having 9 hours of 225 with a basket of charcoal. But I used the Weber baskets as well and could usually get about 7 hours then have to reload a bit not a big deal. Both are great products
Tabey Loccs There simply was not enough coals for it to continue. At best they were tied.. I am not impressed with theSNS. Thanks for watching and commenting
nice work. straight up longevity test. glad you pulled back the marketing veil on the slow n sear. i just wish you did this before i bought one, lol...
Shane Corbishley Man I’m sorry about that. I will be putting the SND VS THE BBQ DRAGON GRILL STONE Soon
The extra opening on the sides of the baskets allow it to burn hotter and faster. This not a true apples to apples test. I personally like the control that the SNS gives me.
I actually got into BBQing and smoking, using the slow-n-sear. I've been pleased with my results. In watching countless smoking videos and learning more recipes, I have come to truly appreciate the collection of people in the smoking community. My first thought was, "Wow! What a supportive group to any and all who want to learn the craft." I expanded to a 275 gallon fuel oil tank conversiion, reverse-flow, offset smoker. Thinking I could continue to reach out to the support group with SnS, for advice, I posed some questions on how best to utilize my new smoker. I was quickly chastised and shamed by the people on there and received no defense by Dave, or anyone else from ABC, for the other members' behavior.
It was very telling to the mentality and country-club attitude of the folks at ABC and their lemmings....very disappointing. I am so very sorry I asked BBQ/smoking questions that weren't SnS related on a SnS group page. How shameful of me.
No problem, if I get blocked......I earned it. :-)
Rest assured, I'll mind my P's and Q's, to make sure that doesn't happen. Thanks for the welcome.
David Pygman my email is in my About Page if you ever have questions.
I know this is a later reply but I was doing my research on the SNS Slow-n-Sear Version 1 vs Version 2. Then I came across your video, very informative. I think I'll save my money and keep using the SS baskets. Now that meat prices are rising (Covid-19 days) I will save the money to buy the meat! Thanks for your video, indisputable!
Mark Tierney Thanks Brotha. More meat purchasing is definitely the better choice. Thanks for the support and watching
Awsome video saved me alot of money I just got a second webber kettle grill was going to get the Merlin and the drip n griddle. So glad they are on back order or I would have wasted alot of money.
Party Foul Glad to help
This was very interesting. You seemed to have done an even test! Thanks for sharing your findings.
Daddy Cooks Thanks Phil. Hey email me your address. My email is in my about page. I appreciate you taking your time and watching and commenting
Just about lost me at the eye-rolling political statement near the beginning. But I kept going because I liked the energy behind the comparison
Thanks for this video, I used your basket setup with lump charcoal and was able to maintain 225-275 for about 6+ hours for ribs, I just ran a water pan underneath. I canceled my SnS and vortex order and saved $150
Nice. Very Good. I love hearing stories like this. Thanks for sharing.
The difference between the two for me (emphasis on me) is that I don't have to spend time nursing the vents with a slow and sear. Maybe thats a reflection of my abilities, but even still, my time is worth more than fiddling with vents to figure out how to get it consistent every time. My time is worth more than the upfront cost. I don't really care about saving money on charcoal. The 20-60 dollar slab of meat is worth more than a couple dollars of charcoal I'd be theoretically be saving.
Michael Freeman good comment. Imagine how much meat you could buy without buying a SNS. The original SNS was better than the crap there turning out now. The new ones have that screen on the bottom and it chokes off the oxygen going to the coals, as talked about by the late Phil in Florence. I like room in my pit to cook, and not having 40% of the room taken over by a bulky basket that really does nothing magical or special. I know there’s a lot of die in the wool SNS fans out there and no matter what I say or think will influence them, and that’s okay. I do appreciate you not leaving a trolling comment, So I know that I can actually have a conversation with you. Thanks for the support and watching.
@@meatcranium4280 OMG, I did not know Phil had died. I loved his videos.
@@paulh6517 yeah man really sand. He was a down to earth guy. He will be missed.
I love it! Can't wait to read the comments! Once again......it was fair and square.....can't argue with the results. Nice job explaining the process.
You are right about that griddle.......definitely not thick and heavy enough to sear. But hey.....if people feel better about their grilling experience if they waste money on gadgets....then that's great. Metal On! \m/
Heavy Metal Bar-B-Que Ken, You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. I only want to provide the information. If I can help one person make make a better consumer decision then my job is done. Now it time to get back to make Beautiful Q. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Hehehe. I wish we were neighbours. Our politics align and I love what you said in the beginning. You are not the only one suffering with these people. Love your work!!
Paul Victor I don’t suffer fools well Brother. Thanks for the support
Awesome vid cut through the marketing bull and prove your theory this channel will blow up for sure, do knives different brand of BBQs same type different price points, BBQ cutlery , different branded charcoal etc the limits are endless I wish you the best of luck never loose honesty or the science and it's a winner...
Baboo Choo Well stated. I will always stand for the consumer. Thanks for the support and watching
There's a guy out there that modded the two charcoal baskets together with a couple drilled holes and screws/washers and made his own slow n sear. I did it just last week and I have to say it's one of the best things I've done for my kettle.
MusicLover that would be Kent at Daddy Dutch BBQ, that made the Bro n Sear, it is absolutely genius. Thanks for the support and watching.
It got to temp quicker because there is an air gap (water reservoir) between the coles and the temp gauge and on the other one there is not. Having the sensor closer to hot coals would make it get to temp quicker. It's not rocket science.
jstar1000 Very Good. All things being equal the SNS didn’t have enough coals to last. Hey, I’m going Live this Saturday, I would like for you to be on. I’m going to be talking SNS and some health news associated with it. No hate only Facts. Thanks for watching and commenting
Fun facts - 1- SNS look sexier in the kettle . 2 - SNS without using water not a fair test. 3 - Wired temp wire causes air gaps, use wireless for SNS. Final analysis, use both. GG
@@maximuscryptosx9424 I repeated the exact test that Dave Parrish did on Baby Back maniacs Channel at the time, that’s why I did what I Did. I let Dave boy set the parameters and I tested it. All BS. BTW the SNS look clunky in a Kettle. Sexy? LMAO!!
@@meatcranium4280 It looks sexy 2 me, it looks clunky 2 you. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have both SNS & baskets. I use both. GG
I own a SNS and over the years I thought this thing isn’t really isn’t that special. I had better results with homemade expanded steel baskets or one original Weber basket. I always assumed it was me, my kingsford blue, my slightly leaky beat up kettle (Old faithful from 02) and can’t seem to keep my cooker going longer than 6 hours. I get slightly longer times paper clipping the lid shut and it really isn’t longer by much.
I don’t hate it, more less I hate that I bought it. The bottom grate that “holds the coal in” had almost become detached from the poorly penetrated TIG welds. The ground down corners (that cut me BTW..should’ve saw it as a sign) and raw finish i received wasn’t worth in my opinion what I paid for it. But I have been using it non stop since I’ve obtained in a few years back since I gave away my baskets! It has helped smoke plenty of ribs, chicken and pork over the years so it’s earned it’s keep. Would I ever buy another one? No. Would I recommend one at this point? No. But I can’t get rid of it and it will get used until I see no use for it or I make or buy another basket.
🤙🏾
Screwloooose GOOD STUFF!! I just want people to know that they have options, that The SNS isn’t Magical, Revolutionary, or anything else that it gets tagged with. ITS A FREEKIN CHARCOAL BASKET!! If someone likes the SNS buy it, if not, Don’t. I appreciate you commenting and watching
I bought the SNS for overnight brisket cooks. I wasn't able to get 8 hours or steady temps of 225-250 degrees. Other comments suggested my kettle had air leaks.I owned 3 kettles at the time and got the same results. The water trough is a pain to keep clean and it warped after a few cooks. Personally, I hate buying aluminum pans for water so the SNS wasn't a total waste. I love it to reverse sear and dual zone high temp cooks. Long story less long, when youtubers you subscribe to post a paid video stating how great a pruduct is find videos from guys who 1.) paid for their own product and 2.) aren't trying to become a" youtube star." There's a lot of $ in youtube and its a job to some folks. Great video btw!
I appreciate the comment. I noticed a lot of the SNS warp as well. Those must not be magical enough. Lol. Thanks for the support and watching
I bought a SnS for reverse sear and dual zone temp cooks as well. I got a Kamado so I don't need the SnS for slow cooks. I personally feel it is a nice product to use. Putting two small charcoal baskets together onto a couple of bricks is not for me.
Lenny G BBQ You won’t get an argument out of me on that. If you like the SNS that’s cool. The small charcoal baskets are very efficient. I was responding to some people who were saying that you couldn’t sear with the small ones, The SNS is well constructed, I have few problems with it, mostly the Bulkiness of it, and the unsanitary Water trough, and most people water trough warps after awhile, not cool. Thanks for watching and the comment
Warping doesn't bother me (as long as it doesn't break). But, apparently this issue has been resolved with SnS 2.0. However, I don't have one to confirm that. It would be interesting to know if someone has independently tested one to confirm that.
Great video series Meathead. You presented a lot of facts. We think you are awesome, and you did the entire series in a very professional way. Great job!!!! You deserve far more than 3.6K subs..... because you are legit. Cheers!
Josh and Babe I agree I absolutely do deserve more. However I don’t do any other social media but TH-cam. I get in my own may as well, because I am Brash and Brutally honest. I appreciate your support and I’m glad you liked this series
I think the temperature should be measured on grill grate hight. And something that should also be taken into account is the how even the distribution of heat is. I think the baskets in this case give much more direct heat in the direction of the probe. Not sure if that is a pro or a con. (more efficiency, less equal distribution)
I knew the slow and sear was overpriced but I liked the way it looked and functioned more than the weber baskets. I like that it is just one unit rather than two , I like the water reservoir and the size of it. thats all there is to it for me , spending $80 or $20 doesn't make a huge difference to me at all it is an insignificant amount of money either way so I got what I liked.
This video was recommended to me by TH-cam shortly after my Bronco Pro arrived
BARRICADE GARAGE Holy crap!! Bronco pro!! Nice. I love my Bronco. Thanks for the support and watching.
🙋
I'm planning on buying a 22"Weber Kettle very soon. I have viewed a lot of videos that had slow and sear in use, thought that I would like to have one however it does seem like a steep price. So as good country boy would do I have been thinking there has to be a much cheaper way to do the same thing. Thanks for this comparison video you have earned my respect. 👍🐊👍
Paul Ruth The SNS is a Gimmick. You can get some thin Paver bricks and line the bowl where intend to place the coals, then make a boarder with vegetable cans filled with water. There ya go, something that works as good as the SNS FOR $5. ABC is using a cheaper steel and rivets now for the SNS. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
@@meatcranium4280 thanks a lot. I've been retired now for only five months and I am finally learning about how to smoke and cook on smokers and grills the correct way, not that it was not good before but I have certainly taken it to a new level with videos like your's. My wife bought me a 18.5" Weber Smokey Mountain cooker for retirement and I absolutely loved it. Now we are looking to get the 22" Kettle to go with it. Keep on keeping on Brother. Thanks again.
I was very impressed with your test. You have saved me 100 bucks. I am not wasting any of my money on the slow n sear. I'm sharing this video with all my bbq friends and family. Thanks!
You have made a wise decision. Stay Smokey my friend
HELL YA MAN!!! I'm sad it took me this long to find your channel... I saw the title of this vid and immediately clicked. I've been thinking about the merlin and have always been skeptical because nobody has had anything bad to say about it, and you know as well as I do, nothing is perfect. I want to hear the good and bad about stuff, especially when it comes with a price tag like merlin. You just reiterated what I already thought. Thanks for making this video and the series and all your other videos...Keep cookin'
Kelly Hayward You are most certainly welcome. When the owner Dave told me to Put Up or Shut Up I knew there was something UP with this product. Thanks for the support and watching.
I bought an SnS and used it to cook a 9.5 lb pork butt on a weber kettle grill on the Saturday before labor day. I was looking for something that would hold temp (my weber) and provide a steady sources of fuel to cook this 9.5 lb beast. I cooked this thing to 200 degrees in 9 hours and NEVER had to refill the SnS. The Q turned out great! I'm a believer in the SnS. I bought the XL SnS for my 26 inch weber and it has a bottom to it. The only thing I would change is to make sure I check the water reservoir or make sure I have a pan of water in the bottom. My drip pan had a little water in it but I'll put more next time.
I love the SnS.
Mayrose587 Awesome to hear. The SNS FOR A 26 inch is Bigger thus holds more fuel. I could probably accomplish the same feat with the same amount of coals in the Baskets. I glad you enjoyed The SNS. Thanks for watching and commenting
I really like how you tell it how it is and that you dont think your better than anyone
Kevin Linney Thanks a lot, that’s huge. I want the consumer to get great products while not getting a load of BS sent there way. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Had one in my basket until I watched your video. Great job, saved me $100
Alfred P Linden Jr You’re welcome. I’m glad I could save you some money. It’s a complete gimmick. Thanks for watching and the support
Same. Same.
Burn baby burn 😂😂🔥 loved the video bro haha
MARTINLOCZ LoL!! Thanks mane
MeatCranium BBQ AND REVIEW no problem man ur a beast 💯😂😂
Hey Meathead, I think you should keep this format all the time. Meathead myth busting!!!
Mack's BBQ Team Sounds good, only problem is, is that I would get bored, I meant to cook, and barbecue, and not expose snake oil salesman. LOL thanks for watching and the support brother
Just found this video. I’ve cooked on a cheap Walmart special grill for years and it did the job. Just recently purchased a Weber performer and am super happy with it. Even came with the basket (never used baskets before). Other than wanting a Kamado at some point Weber is tried and true. Excellent video.
Exactly my thoughts. If it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it. Thanks for the support and commenting.
Hmmm. It looks like someone didn't get a free S&S when all the demo units were being passed out.
So the baskets lasted a little longer, really not much difference between the two. The only thing I wanted the S&S for is that barrier between the coals and the food. Plusses and minuses. They could be a bit cheaper but it serves a specific function that I want, and it's ok for me.
Fill vegetable cans with sand or water for free. SNS is a waste of money.
Thanks brotha you just save me 140.00 from ordering one. I was really thinking about get a sns but after your video I don’t need one. My wife thank you as well lol. “She hates when I buy a new Bbq toy” keep Bbq-ing my dude.
Smokin’ Jazz Bbq these 304 STAINLESS STEEL CHARCOAL BASKETS can be found on EBay really cheap, make sure you read the description. I will be ordering another pair for my other Kettle. The SNS is currently getting a new face lift by my Daughter in Law And Granddaughter, they are going to make it look more “MAGICAL”. Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed it and that I could save you money. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
MeatHead thanks my brotha
MeatHead you can buy the Weber baskets pretty cheap on amazon too. $12 last I bought them.
Sean McGee yes you can, those are aluminized Steel, for a little more you ca get the 304 Stainless steel.
Man your new videos are killing it! getting loads of views brother, I´m loving the new editing style too
Spain on a Fork Albert I do appreciate it.I really have fun doing this TH-cam thing. It’s just unfortunate I had to do a series like this. Well thanks for the support and watching brother
Bro! LOVE this video! Been grilling for 20 years, but new to Kettle. Got the Weber 26” and (without knocking anyone) just didn’t like how it seemed like everyone was saying SNS is “the only way to go”. I live in Canada and a SNS up here was going to cost me about $275. Thanks for helping save my money. Love the technique tips of going basket to basket as well as the bricks under the baskets to sear. Can’t wait to check out more of your videos! Keep up the good work! 👍
K.C. Graham I have reviewed many items and almost everything by Adrenaline BBQ I do not like. I will be putting the SNS against the BBQ DRAGON GRILL STONE soon, that is only $50. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Ive been waiting for this!! Thx MeatHead. Sometimes the truth hurts. Grown men babies these days always whining
Brian Gutierrez That is a very true statement. I prefer to called snowflakes. Thanks for watching and the support
I just bought those baskets about a year ago they works great.The Sns sounded good until I saw the price I rather just put that towards another grill.People can't handle constructive criticism anymore they just get triggered and act like fools.Good video!
sheoop lasios THANKYOU so much I appreciate it
I have two of these charcoal baskets but was about to pull the trigger on the ABC. I believed their hype and was about to purchase one. Thanks, MeatHead you saved me some money!
bobby l Glad I could help
I would like your opinion on something that doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with this video. I have a 22” Weber kettle. What would you think about getting a vortex to set in the center and then getting a BBQ Guru round rib rack to set ribs up in a circle towards the outer part of the kettle?
Jeff I’m no to familiar with the Vortex, it looks pretty cool. I’ve never had one. Rib racks are always the best option, it maximizes space. Thanks for the support and watching
laughing my but off there are a lot of things I have learned and taught people learn to never never challenge a MARINE/NAVY SEAL and never challenge meadhead . nice bro ..love it when you do a TRUE product review...
WHEAT H I am a Dad to a Marine. I don’t put up with nonsense and shady snakeoil Salesmen. Everybody seems to be scared to make ripples in the TH-cam Cooks Community, well that needs to change. We need to call out BS and hold companies accountable. thanks for the support and watching
I appreciate the methodical approach to it.
I was looking at buying a slow n sear but the price point seemed much too high especially compared to the weber baskets. This video provided some good info. Thanks.
Izy Alilin I have SNS VS GRILL STONE COMING OUT TODAY. It is really interesting. I am Premiering it at 10:30 EST. Thanks for the support and watching. I’m glad I could provide some informative for you.
Nice. Thanks for the video
I have two baskets works good. And a griddle, not a fan. Nothing like a rotisserie chix over charcoal or gas with Wood chips. A griddle can not do that. I have a stone for pizza and cheese Steaks. So people don't waste your money on a griddle. And nasty stuff for a clean up. Keep grilling.
Great videos, that is why we watch you. Thanks for shining the "LIGHT" on the slow n sear. Look forward to your next video. Still one of my favorite channels to watch, keep up the great work.
Rick Short I sure do appreciate it. I am back to cooking next weekend. I glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the support and watching
another thumbs up on this one guy,,,,i dont have, need, or want one of those sns deals,,,,,i appreciated this series of vids, thank you
keith bettag Hey Keith I’m Glad you enjoyed it. I’m not putting up with BS no more. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Im glad i found this video. I was wondering whats the rage on slow n sear. I achieve the same thing by banking the coals and putting up fire brick barrier. The price is not very justified either. So even if it was marginally better than chacoal baskets, probably still wouldn’t buy it
I just came across your video, I see that it's 3 yrs ago... I don't use either the sns or basket, but then again I've been BBQng and smoking meats before any of these products and before cell phones for that matter lol... Good video and keep on Grilling!
Very interesting results brother. That was awesome of you to mention Justin’s father. He is a good dude. Excited to see you get back to cooking too! Cheers!
Cooking With CJ me too. I can’t wait to get back into the routine. Now that I’m done Putting Up. As always, Thanks for the support and watching CALIBRO
Thanks. You are an unbiased person.
Lol. Uh huh
Gimmick on the phone 😭 Savage. I'm subscribed. My new Weber kettle will be here Wednesday in green. I'm hoping the baskets win because they're 15 bucks!
Nick Folcarelli I like that Green. Thanks for the support and watching
You can take one end of each basket loose, put the two together, to make a low and sear type basket. No more need to bridge over from one to the other.
worrabd That was one of the considerations however I Thought that may have burned to quickly, the configuration worked out perfectly. Thanks for watching and commenting
The sns is designed to use water, convenient and effective.
As an engineer, I have no idea what the point of this was.
Entertaining nonetheless.
w oke Since you were polite in your comment I’ll be polite as well. With that being said, thanks for the comment. I have addressed this no less than 20 times. Dave and Baby Back Maniac did a video of , snake method vs SNS. I that video Dave explains that using water would give to many variables, so he did not use it. I thought I explained this, I used that video as a Guide. He didn’t, so I didn’t. In any scenario the SNS should have more than defeated the lesser Charcoal baskets. The SNS is an overpriced, overhyped, gimmick. Thanks for the watching
Im looking to get a SnS. The only thing I can say is you should do one more Video. I get that your using the same amount of coals in both but the charcoal baskets are maxed out and you still have room in the SnS for more coals. If you stop the video at 11:40 you can see what I mean. looks like a product that holds more and that why the company says what they say about it. But second thought do you think the holes on those charcoal baskets help it where the SnS dont have any holes along the side?
Timothy Sheaffer if anything the holes on the smaller baskets would hurt it. Heat would escape faster. In no World or situation should the 304 SS Charcoal Baskets had even competed with a so call, “Superior” SNS. Thanks for the support and watching
Would you recommend the SnS or just stay away? Because I noticed that the SnS has two walls of steel to go through to get the temp gauge to the temp you wanted and the baskets are right there open heat straight to the temp gauge. Im not trying to hit you with a bus just trying to get knowledge on slow cooking on a grill like should I spend $100 or just none at all. Should I just stack coals on 1/3 of the grill with a foil pan and water or snake method.
Timothy Sheaffer STAY AWAY!!! The SNS is a total gimmick. For much less money you can get a grill stone from BBQ DRAGON $50, and a TIPTOPTEMP $36, you will be much better off.
I haven't watched the series. I just watched your closing comments on this video and that was all I needed to see to agree with you on this topic. I've been using a kettle for 20 years and the sns is a glorified large charcoal basket. Nothing wrong with that if it makes what you already do convenient in some way but personally, it is not worth it. I made a video using a large charcoal basket made out of 2 weber baskets in my 26". works fantastic. I get just as good of results searing with no baskets. Just banked charcoal. I can't reiterate enough that all that is needed is a kettle, charcoal, and meat. A lot of new people seem to be under the impression that you need gadgets to make great food. The chef makes the food, not the gadgets. Again, nothing wrong with owning and using accessories if you enjoy that aspect of the hobby and I wish sns continued success even if I disagree with their "Science"
HoosierKettle I agree. If someone wants to purchase an SNS, God Bless them, if not, God Bless them too, I Just purchased 2 Weber Charcoal 430 stainless steel charcoal baskets. On EBAY FOR $36.56, those will last forever. Thanks for the support and watching
you still paid too much. a couple weber charcoal rails for $10 would have worked too. ;-)
So true brother. I smoked two racks of ribs on my kettle grill last week with free pecan wood I scavenged after a hurricane Nate. I just stacked the charcoal carefully on one side and use foil pans full of water to regulate temp. Man they turned out great.
Thanks for your test. I recently purchased the charcoal baskets and and planning to grill an 11 lb. trimmed brisket. I am going to use long burn charcoal and add oak pellets and pieces of mesquite. I’m doing a test run today to see for myself how long your method of overlapping the charcoal brickets . Thanks for your you-tubes. Laddie in Big Spring Tx
Laddie Bordovsky Let me know how it goes. I want people to be able to make beautiful Q, and have enough money to buy the meat. Lol. Thanks for the support and watching
Thanks for doing the comparison. Not really a surprise. I watched one of those SNS vs snake-method videos a while back and viewed the results with skepticism. These comparisons, which are not scientific experiments of course, can be done any number of ways. I appreciate how you kept it simple. I'll leave the science to unbiased professionals (like those looking at climate change) and use common sense where it counts, by avoiding overpriced and over-hyped products. Cheers!
Outdoor Ed LOL. Cheers Ed. That was Great. I am offering people an alternative. Thanks for the support and watching
Very well said...Great video..You saved me money..Because my next purchase was going to be two slow n sears..Thank you ..So much..
Rah Leo I found 430 Stainless Steel Charcoal basket on EBAY yesterday and ordered today $36.56. Thanks for the support and watching
Thank you
Thanks for the video 👍 I'm definitely getting a SnS now 😎 I was leaning towards that and you helped me decide. Quality video 👍👍
ben tackett it’s a Nice Well built charcoal Basket. Enjoy it.
They do price their stuff high, however, the quality is very good on their products. I do agree they could most likely lower the price. I won my SnS and a weber kettle and a bunch of other stuff. I did buy the griddle without a rack and their grill grates. The price was the only thing I'm not happy with. The products work well together and will last a very long time.
As far as your tests go I'd say the 45 min difference is most likely the fact the fire had to jump from one to the other and that slowed the process down a bit and extended the burn. If I was to guess I'd say you could use no charcoal basket and get about the same burn time as any basket including the slow n sear.
Jason F I think you’d be right on that assessment. I just see your comment sorry for responding 10 months later. Thanks for the support and watching.
@@meatcranium4280 you can make it up to me by sending me some brisket!
Lol you said gnashing of teeth! I enjoyed this video. Don't really have anything to say against how this test was done. Nice job!
Roundhouse Ranch BBQ Thanks Erik. Some people are Upset that I didn’t use water, but what they don’t realize is that ABC didn’t use water in there test. Lol. Thanks again for the support and watching Brother
I came to the exact same conclusion! Without knowing about the “beef” or seeing the video! Simple and cheap is usually best.
Thanks for this! You just saved me a lot of money.
Apex Brewer I’m glad I could offer you some valuable information. Thanks for the support and watching
Good stuff ,i have a kettle original. It’s my first one . Found your channel. Should have bought one decades ago . I miss home. Going to subscribe.
Thanks mane, I most certainly do appreciate it.
Your science is off. What system keeps more consistent temps. If your trying to stay at 225, which is easier? Which has more capacity? All of the big names like Harry Soo doesn’t have bad things to say about the product. Why would you throw it away even if it didn’t work as great as you say. It just seems you have a bone to pick.
Scott H. I took it out of the garbage Btw. I have ask Dave Questions and he refuses to answer, I Pursue to find the answers, ask him more questions he tells me, “PUT UP OR SHUT UP”. He is the most unprofessional Owner of any company that I have ever dealt with. All his products are waaay overhyped and are not what he claims they are, I proved it. Watch my first video in this series I go over all this. I like testing at 250, cause that is the main temp I cook at. I will revisit this one more time, as I will put the SNS against the BBQ DRAGON GRILL STONE. I now have temp control devices and I will keep the temp at 225
Look at (Grill Top Experience) on TH-cam. Video title is Efficiency Slow N Sear. Hands down slow N Sear the temperature difference is huge. The slow n sear is way more consistent there's a 33 degree difference from onside of they kettle to the other using the other product. That means onside cooking way faster than the other. Your gonna burn your meat or constantly turning it to keep it from burning !
Did u have water in the sns for this test
WaffleNova since I used the Adrenaline BBQ SNS VS SNAKE METHOD VIDEO as a guideline, and since they didn’t use water in there SNS I didn’t use it in mine. Less variables
@@meatcranium4280 I've seen videos of people getting 13 hours out of a basket in slow and sear. Were they using different charcoals
Thank goodness for someone who doesn't just repeat so much of the nonsense that we see around and about.
Andy Howell Truth and Commonsence, that’s what I’m about. Thanks for the support and watching
No problem. It is a pleasure!
I no longer want the slow and sear. My baskets are just fine. Thanks brother! Great videos.
Your welcome
So this is your first video that I’ve seen. Not sure to like or dislike because of the d&$k Measuring contest. I’m with you I don’t use the slow and see her either. I like your attitude, your love for barbecue and your love for guns but especially your love for family. Therefore I’m gonna watch your other videos maybe I’ll sub
D Horne This Dude told me to Put Up or Shut Up, challenging me after I Questioned him on his BS GIMMICK Products, so this is a pretty passionate Video. Thanks for watching and commenting
Why doesn’t weber make their baskets circular? The grill is round so wouldn’t it make since for the baskets to be round!
bama Great Question. That would be a question for Weber. I think it’s so you can Link them together in different configurations would be my best guess. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
great job what a great approach and intersting data collected. I have weber master and today was my first smoke and you taught me how to let the charcoal snake burn- i kept one coal bucket in there and kept feeding it was the temp dropped every few hours now im going ot use both and do what you just did.
Herakles great comment, I’m glad I could help you out. Thanks for the support and watching.
Slownsear is not worth and necessary...for the same price or less you're better off getting the Weber rotisserie attachment and the Craycort cast iron crate...both are well worth it and they add so much more your basic Weber grill
MDP673NJ1 I would give away the cast iron grates. I have them and they are crap. I am Big about cleaning and oiling and they rust like hell. They don’t sear a steak any better than the Weber grates.
Cast iron needs to be taken care of. The Rotisserie attachment would be awesome and cheaper than the S&S. Thanks for watching
Love the honesty and your take on this. I feel the same way about alot of bbq tools, accessories, etc........ but nobody else will say it. Great job!!!!!
Since I was about to buy SNS and this changed my mind, I'm gonna spend a little of my savings and get the Quality Grill Parts Heavy Duty SS baskets.
You would be a lot better off. Thanks for the support and watching.
@@meatcranium4280 yeah, $40 instead of $20, but way better than $99.
Where do you get stainless baskets for 22" Weber?
@@jacklowe3788 I had ordered a set from Amazon when I posted this, but the vendor didn't have what they were selling, so I just bought a set of Weber baskets. Couldn't find the SS anywhere else. The Webers are holding up pretty well so far.
Jack Lowe On EBay. They have almost a yellowish tint to them in the pictures.
I think the heavier gauge metal of the slow n sear retains more heat that’s reflected back at the charcoal which causes them to burn up faster.
oh men, every time for some unknown reason I think about buying the SnS I came to watch your video to un-brainwash and you safe me $$ :) thanks !
LOL!! I’m glad I saved you from making a bad decision. I will be doing a BBQ DRAGON GRILL STONE 🆚 SNS Soon. Thanks for the support and watching Brother
Instant sub as soon as I heard your Al Gore comment. Just bought a SnS but not precious about it, something to try but still getting mileage outta my plain ole Weber charcoal baskets.
theimp67 amen brother. A lot of people have been duped by that Global warming BS. My SS Weber baskets are holding up just fine. Thanks for the support and watching Brother.
I listen to scientists say stuff all day and I've come to the conclusion that the only conclusive thing about science is that. Science is always changing. That's what I say to people that try and throw science in my face🤷🏾♂️.
Solo Male AMEN!! Very True Statement. HOMERUN
Jesse Johnson it changes because we learn new stuff.
@@spencerstracke92 Yes meaning that science is not always set in stone because everything is always changing.
@@RSP3557 True, but consider how it's changing. Most things in physics that people can actually observe without very expensive equipment is very, very well understood. It changes because we are able to observe things better. But that doesn't overthrow what we have seen earlier. For example, when we discover that physics turns weird when looking at the extremely small (subatomic particles) or the extremely large (space), doens't mean that what we have always experienced as humans on earth suddenly changes as well! So yes, science changes all the time, but it has direction, it moves towards being more accurate and complete.
A little bit off-topic, but as someone who used to be a scientist, I am always triggered when people attack the scientific method. Nothing personal though.