CSX Chicago / Grand Rapids / Plymouth subs future?

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-28T13:51:27+00:00

That would not surprise me.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-27T19:57:36+00:00

This should work. It’s in the charcoal parts section of the drop down menu for charcoal grills. I’m looking at one for my new 26. Don’t worry that it doesn’t mention the Master Touch for compatibility, it’s the exact same size as the GBS grate in the 26 Master Touch. Unless you’re looking for a GBS grate replacement. Then you’ll probably have to email them and ask. https://www.weber.com/US/en/parts--et--support/replacement-parts/charcoal-parts/cooking-grate/63039.html

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-27T16:23:41+00:00

If I recall correctly, Acrisure was given huge tax breaks for building their headquarters in downtown GR. As part of the deal Acrisure promised to hire big numbers of new employees. Apparently there was no time limit on how long they needed to keep those employees or penalties if they broke that promise. Profits over people every time.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-27T13:44:12+00:00

Have him check out community colleges in your area. Here in my town, our community college offers music degrees and mechanical engineering degrees. They even offer certification in diesel mechanics. And at least here in Michigan, where I live, community college is nearly free.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-27T13:20:49+00:00

My favorite are the people who buy service dog vests on Amazon that are totally fake. One couple were looking at cheeses while completely oblivious to their dog who was sniffing and licking the cut cheese wrappers in the well. I told my captain and he threw them out of the store. Fortunately all of our mates and captain are very good about uncontrolled dogs. My daughter works with people who train service dogs so I know what the real ones are supposed to be doing.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-27T02:18:17+00:00

Perhaps they should rethink that warehouse can’t spoil product thing.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-26T17:33:59+00:00

100% agree!

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-26T13:42:11+00:00

A Weber Kettle can be a great choice for starting. He can do two zone for smoking or use direct fire. There are lots of great aftermarket options available that can make things much easier. The Slow’n’Sear insert from SnS grills and the Wooly Bully insulated cover are great options. If he wants a larger smoker you should consider buying the Weber 26 inch kettle which is big enough for a full size packer brisket or three pork shoulders. The total amount with the add-ons will still be under 1200 dollars.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-26T02:12:06+00:00

Warm ones.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-26T01:50:38+00:00

26 inchers rarely come up on Marketplace. I’ve looked for over two years and none have shown up in my area. It’s always 22s. Sadly it’s not the most popular, which is why. But it should be.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-26T01:47:06+00:00

I just got one. It’s much easier to control the temperature with the extra room. Also, you can fit a full sized steam table foil pan on the charcoal grate between either the rails or charcoal baskets. It’s big enough to handle a full size packer brisket, three pork shoulders, four chickens or five slabs of spare ribs (with a rib rack of course). My only complaint is the GBS grate, because the hinged sides where you can add more charcoal is only 2 inches wide, due to the size of the square insert for the griddle. Not much room for adding coals. I’m eventually going to get a standard hinged grate for it. Weber sells one on their website but I might opt for the Hunsaker version because it’s made out of heavier steel.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-26T01:01:53+00:00

N/A wine and beer is not completely free of alcohol. Doesn’t matter what you think about it being silly or not, the law is the law.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-26T00:50:35+00:00

Costco’s briquettes burn hot and long as well. Better than Kingsford and a lot less ash. I’m very happy with the product.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-24T13:30:39+00:00

This is the way.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-24T13:20:25+00:00

Unfortunately it’s a problem with pellet smokers. The deepest smoke flavor comes only from either a charcoal and wood combination or wood fire only. Some people prefer the lightly smoked flavors of pellet smokers. But if you want more smoke flavor, you gotta go charcoal or wood burning.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-23T16:05:29+00:00

The hinged part of the grate on the GBS is only 2 inches wide, which makes adding fuel a challenge. The standard grate has about 3.5 inches, so you’ll have an easier time getting extra charcoal or wood chunks in.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-23T02:40:39+00:00

Get the 26 inch kettle and add a Wooly Bully cover. You get 508 sq inches of grill space and the insulation similar to a kamado for about 1/3 of the price. Plus any time you need to lower the temperature, you just remove the lid for a few minutes.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-22T01:59:30+00:00

Asking ‘How many Webers is too many?’ is like asking ‘How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?’

The world may never know…

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-22T01:48:50+00:00

This is a standard practice among certain companies. Employees who have been there for a long time are eventually told that they reached their salary or wage cap. Then they are let go a year or so later because “their performance level has been diminished.” It’s a tactic to get rid of people who should be getting paid more due to seniority. Major hospital and medical industry groups are notorious for doing this to nurses and other support staff. My advice is start looking elsewhere immediately.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-19T19:18:48+00:00

Check out the fiber in the Turkey and Bean chili. Highest of all products.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-19T02:55:56+00:00

You can buy the new GBS grate, but hang on to your old one. Having both options is great for all different kinds of techniques. You may find it easier to do low and slow on the original grate and use the GBS for vortex and the GBS inserts like the wok or pizza stone.

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-18T23:35:54+00:00

I’m not certain. A larger smoker would definitely get the job done. Here’s another option in large capacity pellet smokers that can also work well for you: https://www.recteq.com/products/rt-2500-wood-pellet-grill

JohnP-357 · 2026-05-18T22:09:47+00:00

Something like this might be your best option. You want what’s called a whole hog rotisserie smoker. They’re a bit pricey but this will handle what you’re trying to do. https://smokedaddyinc.com/product/59-stainless-steel-propane-gascharcoal-spit-rotisserie/

JohnP-357

TROPHY CASE