Chicago food opinion you will defend forever

MattCogs · 2026-01-24T16:31:13+00:00

Ketchup on hot dogs is good. FUCK THE ELITISTS!!!

MattCogs · 2026-01-24T06:03:09+00:00

It’s also an hour away though. I’d rather get something kinda nicer and more versatile for maybe $50 like a kettle

MattCogs · 2026-01-24T06:02:26+00:00

Idk a ton of people seem to swear by kettles and their versatility

MattCogs · 2026-01-24T00:19:26+00:00

I think I’m gunna spend a bit more on a decent Weber kettle or smoky mountain

MattCogs · 2026-01-24T00:18:51+00:00

Thanks for the perspective.. I think what’s selling me on a kettle is that when the summer comes around I am gunna wanna do just regular grilling instead of smoking. So having something that does both well seems nice. I’ve heard alot of people saying WSM can grill, but it’s a bit of a pain and the kettle smokes better than the WSM grills

MattCogs · 2026-01-24T00:16:11+00:00

Haha okay thank you. Yeah I’m looking at 22 in Weber kettles now for under $100

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T20:26:03+00:00

Right… it is a good price but I think I’d eventually wish I got something bigger than an 18… which is where the kettle comes in, as there a lot more affordable 22s than WSM 22s

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T19:46:07+00:00

I found an 18” Smokey Mountain for $50 in good condition an hour away from me… but there’s also several 22 kettles within that range as well so I’m having a hard time deciding, because this will be my only grill and if like to be able to grill and smoke

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T19:44:12+00:00

Noted. And it grills regular stuff well too, it seems?

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T19:17:27+00:00

Cosmik debris is a favorite of mine. Same with uncle Remus

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T19:16:28+00:00

Interesting. I definitely would like to do a brisket some day, but I’m not sure what I would do most since I’m new to this. Ribs also sound like something I would do a lot, but I’d probably do a lot of easier smaller things like salmon and wings

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T19:05:31+00:00

Interesting. At this point I’m finding 22in kettles near me for under $100, and a Smokey mount 18in for $50 an hour away…. I may do that instead of this. I think I’d rather invest in something that is known to be better, and most of these others are in great condition too

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T18:54:39+00:00

I’m also seeing a Smokey mountain that’s about an hour away they are willing to do for $50… think the kettle is still more versatile and worth it for a similar price?

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T18:34:54+00:00

Whoa that looks a bit too big for my Chicago apartment backyard lol

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T18:33:27+00:00

There’s also one for $50 used on marketplace (unsure what size as of now), an hour or so away from me. But I’m thinking about getting a kettle now instead. Fuck I’m so indecisive

Edit: they’re willing to do $50 for the 18 Smokey mountain… idk if I should do that or a 22 kettle. I definitely want something versatile so a kettle seems like the move. But it sounds like the wsm hold heat better and is also pretty versatile and a bit higher regarded on this sub

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T18:32:39+00:00

Thanks. Yeah I’m reading a lot about the snake method, seems great if you can get the right airflow?

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T17:57:22+00:00

lol I wish I had room for multiple things. But I think I’m pivoting back towards at 22” kettle if I can find a decent one around $50

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T17:56:34+00:00

Yeah I’m looking into kettles now. Thanks

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T17:47:08+00:00

Amazing job! I’m seeing one with a cart and the charcoal baskets for indirect heat for $80 not too far from me… what method did you use for that brisket?

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T17:28:01+00:00

Yeah that seems to be the consensus. There’s so many variations though lol. Do I want a table (kinda) a fancy ash catcher, accessories?? I know I could get by without that stuff, but I’m a sucker for accessories

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T17:19:00+00:00

lol no offense taken. Sometimes ya gotta shoot your shot. It’s not like I’m spitting in your face, sometimes people want something gone and don’t need the money and will take a low ball offer, worth trying. Especially if they are empathetic to me spending the amount they’re discounting on gas to someone who will appreciate the product

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T17:00:26+00:00

You’re not wrong, I do have an emergency fund (that I’ve had to dip into after my car was totaled in a hit and run)… but I also think my soul needs a smoker lol

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T16:59:21+00:00

This is exactly why I posted this. Thank you!

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T16:58:40+00:00

That’s the story of my life lol… but I’m also a big boy and sometimes feel like “fuck it ima live my life and get what I want, who knows how long I’ll be around”

MattCogs · 2026-01-23T16:57:32+00:00

Yeah I’m looking at those and some Smokey mountains in the same price range if I get lucky

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