[AZWildcat]

I've monitored this site off and on for quite some time, but only recently signed up. This is a heck of a great service, and thanks to all those who put their time in it. Now, on to the BIG question.....How bout that Pro Q Excel 20? I've been smoking on a WSM for a few years now and seems I need a 2nd smoker (feels like i'm cheating on my wife since the WSM has been so good to me). I see them around for all kinds of price points and don't know whats good and not good. Most recently someone on Craigslist who has several  Pro Q's w/ middle add unit and everything but the kitchen sink for $300. Sure sounds reasonable! As we all know the price on WSM's are pretty constant, is there a constant for these? I'm weighing to go w/ the WSM 22.5 or go for the attractive Pro Q. I know they both have +'s and -'s, but whats a good deal on a Excel 20 w/ the middle unit?

Again, thanks for a great site, i've already written down a few recipes and have used a few smoking tips that really worked. I hope to use this site for making my bbq better and maybe pass on a few thing i've learned myself (like not trying to convert an old wsm into a propane smoker by adding parts from a clearance turkey fryer, thereby exploding and causing burned hair and PTSD issues) but thats another issue! (and its amazing how much propane a WSM can hold prior to spark time).  A real beat down from the BBQ God............only charcoal and wood from here on out!!

[Mike (AZBarbeque)]

Dan, first off, Welcome to the site, great to have you here.

We do have a great group of BBQers on here and as you have already experienced, lots of great topics.

Now, do understand, we are one big BBQ Family here, so with that in mind, we do have a "FUN" rivalry going on with our passion for College Teams here, but it is all in good fun, so please take it as it is, just playful banter.    When you meet us, you will know we are all good friends and it's just normal ribbing going on, hopefully you join in on it with us. 

Crash and a few others can post up about the Pro Q's.  For the price, they are very nice units and a great compliment to your WSM.

We look forward to seeing your posts regarding the two if you do pick one up.  Remember to take Pictures as we LOVE Pictures.  Glad you are enjoying some of the recipes from on here, hope to see some of yours in the future.

WELCOME!!

Mike

[glenntm]

Welcome Dan.  Enjoy the site...

[AzQer]

Hello Dan first of Go Cats. I have a WSM 22 1/2 and an 18" I also have a ProQ 20. They are a good cooker. I myself prefere my wsm, I just seem to have better luck maintaing temp. I also use a stoker and for some reason Im able to control the temps better with it. This is just my 2 cents Im sure some of the other guys will tell there story

[G$]

First,  BEAR DOWN.

Second, we compete with both WSM 22s and a 3 stack Pro Q so they'll both work!  I prefer the WSM, others prefer the stacked ProQ.  We use  them both!

Third, contact Crash.

[G$]

HAHA, and no, Mark and I are not the same person ...

[AZWildcat]

Crash has been kind enough to already give me some detailed advice. He's on top of it, no doubt. Thanks to the shared WSM vs ProQ experience. While to most people they look the same, they have some very distinct differences. They are kinda like a box of chocolates...........and GO CATS!

[Mike (AZBarbeque)]

I can see this thread is already getting out of hand and will soon need to be moderated..

GO SUN DEVILS!!! 


Great to hear Crash has gotten in touch with you already, he is the guru on the Pro Q's, so pick his brain on anything you need to know with them. 

[AZWildcat]

Thx Mike.........didn't know you were a Sun Devil fan, sorry. I'll type s...l...o...w...e...r!

[smitty250]

Welcome to the site Dan. Mike - we have got to do something about all these little kitty cat fans  .
Hope to see you out at some competitions or events we have coming up Dan - we usually have UofA alum picking up trash or dumping coals so we could use the help!! 

[Mike (AZBarbeque)]

Thx Mike.........didn't know you were a Sun Devil fan, sorry. I'll type s...l...o...w...e...r!

Nice      

[Crashs Wife]

Welcome to the site!!!  I am Crash's other half and also cook on the Pro Q.  I learned very quickly how to control tems so please do not hesitate to ask!!! 

[AzQer]

T H A T i s a w e s o m e        thanks for the great Laugh Dan Dont worry I am not only a moderator I am also cats fan.

[Crash]

Welcome again Dan.  Like I said, if you have any other questions regarding the Pro Q please don't hesitate to ask.

And don't worry about the SunDevil fans.  They're still having trouble adjusting to the fact that their basketball team lost to a bunch of freshmen and softmores.   

[AZWildcat]

Thx all to the warm invites and the rivalry banter. I don't take anything personally so gimme your best. It's also easier to take when UA's teams are just so much better that ASU's, which is the wonderful truth. I'm sure it would sting more if UA was bad. All things come full cirlce, i'm just enjoying the moment!