Efficiency Test: Slow N' Sear vs Weber Charcoal Baskets

Theres been a lot of talk lately about the efficiency of the Slow N' Sear. I had to do my own test to see if it uses more or less charcoal that the standard Weber charcoal baskets. Which one will burn out last and be crowned the king of efficiency?

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[GrillTopExperience]

If you are looking to buy a Slow 'N Sear direct from the source, here is the link:

[TheTtracer]

Excellent test and video. The time you took to do all that testing is a labor of love for better BBQ. Thank you.

[WhiteThunderBBQ]

I have worked with both....I really have only noticed a difference in the colder months. The SNS would hands down beat the baskets during the winter. During the Summer its nominal.

[tyrellandonmorris]

You exactly explained why I bought a SnS. The Weber charcoal baskets are just two small and require more babysitting. For me, it was worth it.

[NotaFlea]

Love the test. I actually prefer the weber baskets with a twist. When they first came out I had just bought one of the master touch grills they came in. I was a snake guy. So I bought another set if the baskets and after a few cuts, I joined them at a 90 degree. Now I had a snake set of baskets. No bridge needed. The idea works fantastic. I can hold 250 post 6 hours. Only thing better is to find one of the internal ash plates from a 1970s happy cooker, the way it helps control air flow is the game changer of all methods.

[SkunkMonkey]

I got the baskets included with the last kettle I bought. Have had the slow and sear for several years and love using it. They both have pluses but if I could only have one it would be the slow and sear. Great video.

[Traumatree]

You could load up a lot more briquettes in the Slow 'N Sear than in the 2 small baskets and you dont have to monitor anything with the SnS vs the baskets.

[Scottstunts]

I’m impressed that they were only a gram off. Shows great product quality. Excellent video Sir!

[terryhamilton]

Exactly! Problem is takes 2 baskets for Weber charcoal basket method. I’ve used baskets and seams like there is always airflow issues.

[douglee]

My guys what you do is arrange the baskets in a circle and form a channel “moat” with the inside of the kettle. Then put the briquets in the channel. I put bricks in there too, holds in in place and also a great heat sink to stabilize temps.

[GrillTopExperience]

I did everything I could to make this an even test to compare the two. I even repeated it when it messed up. Did I miss anything?

[KevinHullinger]

Well done 👍. 25 years experience with the Weber and I always stick to the basics and use the Weber baskets. Too Many hyped up accessories on the market with average or less than average results.

[burningkarma]

If I have the time to do a slow cook, slow n sear. If not, weber baskets. Both are excellent products.

[Cookoutcoach]

Great test, great job in doing your best to eliminate variables, which I would say you did almost entirely given this wasn’t in a controlled lab, and also giving all the data points over time. Top notch bud👍, I just found your channel but it’s great stuff and I’m subbed

[progers]

Nice friendly test. I enjoyed watching.

[BigLewBBQ]

Excellent test and video. You did it with a positive upbeat attitude, with out anger issues, personal vendettas, and plain old fashioned grouchiness, as some SNS testers seem to do. Love it.,
And yes the SNS is a better option for a small family meal like just one pork butt, than my 55 gallon UDS is.
However if I’m cooking four pork butts then the UDS wins out.

[safinkasturi]

Nice vid, thanks. Can you pls make a vid of how to do a proper bridge with the weber baskets? I only have those, and want to try low n slow cook.

[Bryansreyes]

Great test, as someone who is actually in the market for both of these and trying to find real unbiased results this is a tremendous video. Keep up the great work I will be looking out for future videos!

[halmicroutsicos]

Glad I stumbled across this, actually just bought both the SnS and the Weber baskets. Excited to try both!

[ScottysBackYardBBQ]

over 45 years using a weber kettle. i need no baskets no lid gauge. i turn out great bbq with out all them gismos