Is the Bro 'N Sear More Efficient Than the Slow 'N Sear?

Two years ago I set out to find out if the Slow 'N Sear is more or less efficient than cheap Weber charcoal baskets. Lots of people have commented and asked what about the Bro 'N Sear? I had to test it for all the DIY bros out there to answer that question.

Since I was comparing the cheap ($20 or less) Bro 'N Sear, I wanted to go with the cheaper model of Slow 'N Sear from SNS grills. The original works just as well for low and slow and is quite a bit cheaper at $60.

Let me know if there is another test you'd like to see on the Slow 'N Sear or Bro 'N Sear.

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[barrybebenek]

I’d think for most of us normal backyard cooks out there - based on the results being just about even - saving well over half the cost of a slow ‘n’ sear, is WAY better! Thanks for doing this testing. 👍🏼🇨🇦

[FlagPole]

Great Video. The Slow N Sear is very nice, but I made the Bro as the Slow cost more than I paid for my grill.

[devinthomas]

Nice vid...
After 5 or more sets of baskets over the years I bought the SNS.
Works great, burns a long time
The water pan is nice too.
I've been filling up just half of the SNS on quick cooks, works great for steaks, etc. Use less fuel too.

[daddydutchbbq]

Nice Ryan ! Glad to see that save the camera. Happy to see you do the comparison. Glad to see that the baskets that come with the kettle can work similar to the SNS. Great job Ryan.

[scottroberts]

I know that you are not advocating for anyone to not get the SNS. But for me the sns works better than the baskets having a place for water, wood and if I need extra room for searing I can remove water trough! Great video as always-Scott

[JoshandBabe]

This is awesome. Nice job! Great editing as well.

[calzadafamily]

Love the honesty. The slow and sear is just too expensive. Great marketing plan, Like selling ice to people who live at the North Pole. Got to give to the guy who sold the concept- why not test the Weber rails. Or the brick method?

[SmokingBears]

Cool review, I've been a bro n sear ever since Kent's video.

[ChadRex]

I use firebrick method and put Alu foil on the opposite side charcoal grate, throw a water/drip pan under where the food is. I have smoked many a Thanksgiving turkey & more recently a full brisket this way.

I may try the Weber charcoal basket hack to contain my banked coals better in combination with the firebricks. I like the basket method to prevent the loss to radiant heat through kettle wall.

The Weber Charcoal baskets are made in the USA, The SNS is made in China. This alone is a good reason for me to not buy the SNS

[JBishop]

I wonder what would happen with more charcoal, and maybe with a water pan next to the bro version. So many more tests! To make it more worthwhile, add food! Nice video, as always.

[rottvang]

It took me a year to buy the slow n sear. But I've tried similar things to see if it makes a difference. Well it does. Combine the slow n sear and the drip n griddle pan together makes a difference. Just buy the combo for 94 bucks it's worth it.

[easybackyardbbq]

How well is it to keep to bro n sear at the 275-350ish range. I cook hot n fast. Does this work pretty well with the bro n sear. Being disabled I’m just looking for simplicity

[dgallag]

Nice job, I thinkI know what I'm making after work today haha.

[meatcranium]

You just seem to correspond and confirm all of my test. Very good test

[GrizzAxxemann]

Oh good... I don't have to sell my SnS or butcher my baskets.

Only gripe I have about the SnS is it sits about half an inch too tall for the lowest grate position on my Napoleon kettle. It can lead to a bit of a wobble.

[HiVizCamo]

Well good thing I haven't jumped into buying a SnS then, I'd have kicked myself. I'll save $$ for a Vortex, I can't imagine a way to fabricobble one of those! A plus with the BnS is you can unmake it to get your two baskets back if you need it, two-zone indirect for examps.

[GobbaGooBBQ]

That’s awesome man... bro n sear, lol

[ratking]

In your opinion how much does the trough in the SNS really do compared to lets say a water pan placed under the meat?

[isaacreicin]

Hey man i have a question. I Know that you didn't use water for variable reasons but if you did you would get more consistent temps is that right. Due to the boil heat being more gentle and consistent than the coal em selves

[edwardprokopchuk]

It’s not always about saving money. We all like new toys and something that’s pleasant to look at.
Enjoy bbq-ing and splurge once in a while!

Thanks for the tests!