Smokey Mountain Weber Vs. Frontier Pro BBQ

Hello everyone,

I just found out that my local store carries the Frontier Pro BBQ. I was going to purchase a Smokey Weber as my first smoker but now, I am considering the Frontier Pro BBQ. While I understand that this site is pro for this brand, can you let provide me with some feedback on:

1. What makes the Frontier better than the Smokey Mountain Cooker?
2. Any better features on the SMC than on the Frontier?

I have to make a purchase decision tomorrow and I am leaning on the Frontier. Any feedback or comments would be greatly appreciatted.

Regards,
Ramiro R,

Welcome Ramiro !


Weber Smokey Mountain :

Pro :

-3 bottom vents
-slightly heavyer gauge material
-fully porcellain enameld
-has a pretty solid reputation


Con :

-Door might fall out
-No thermometer, warranty is void if you drill a hole to add one
-no handles
-need to take off top rack to get to the lower rack
-Rain collects in bottom bowl

ProBBQ Frontier :

Pro :

-Flexibility (stacker system)
-Charcoal basket
-thermometer
-Hanging rods
-mobility (unit locks together)
-price
-Hinged access door on each stacker
-handles
-bigger water pan


Con :

-Only bottom Base is enameld but this is the part wich gets the hottest after all
-only 1 bottom vent (can easyly be modded though, new models will have 3 vents afaik)
-slightly thinner metal
-slightly smaller diameter than the WSM


After all, the WSM has been there a looooong time and is definately a bit more solid than the frontier.
On the other side, the frontier is very versatile and you can use and expand it for a lot of cooking techniques.

Performance wise, they are both pretty much equal and cook along around 220 F for
hours with very little tending and low fuel consumption.


Cheers,

DM

great, thanks for the feedback DM

I have a WSM and a mate of mine has the proQ. I would say if I could get the ProQ with the Weber Quality I would pay good money for it.

The ProQ has many features that I think are good, the separate sections, expandability, large water pan, etc

I don't like the handles, not fussed about the thermometer nor the vents, I usually have to close 2 of my vents anyway. build time is I think 3 Beers whearas the WSM is one (You decide good or bad).

I would say the ProQ is a great Value for Money and Weber rely on reputation too much.

My Wish list for a smoker would be:

All the ProQ features
Webers Spot welded handle brackets.
Webers Porcelin enamel finish all over.
Weber Quality cover
A slim cut out on the handles to hold my new maverick dual probe thermometer.
As an extreme... an easier way to restock the fuel and add wood chuncks that would be really nice however too many doors may make airflow uncontrollable.

For all the above I would be happy to pay more.

All Weather Griller wrote:

For all the above I would be happy to pay more.

The ProQ Excel, just about fits the bill then?

Would need a "Bullet" proof finish.

You're a hard man to please... but we'll work on it

Good man!

When will the Pro Q Excels be available in Canada ???

Jules

You will to order it from the USA...

Unfortunately, due to some situations beyond control, only the frontier is available in Canada... and that is for a limited time.............