On 6/6/2010 12:01 PM, Denny Wheeler wrote:
> On Sat, 05 Jun 2010 21:35:54 -0500, > wrote:
>
>> On 6/5/2010 7:24 PM, Denny Wheeler wrote:
>>> On Wed, 2 Jun 2010 18:30:40 -0500, >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On Mon, 31 May 2010 22:46:43 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Exactly. I don't even look at the numbers, I just go by needle position.
>>>>> Its bbq, not a moon shot.
>>>>
>>>> I go for the "e" in "Ideal" on my thermometer (which comes with
>>>> the unit - no drilling necessary).
>>>
>>> Well, that's one shot you can stop taking--the current WSMs come with
>>> a thermo.
>>>
>>
>>
>> Not really. They added the thermometer, larger water pan, something
>> about the access door, and don't forget, $100 to the price for $25 worth
>> of improvements..
>
> Access door is now 2 or 3 times as big. I do agree that the raise in
> price is considerably more than the improvements would suggest--but
> wasn't a significant price rise overdue? I know their costs have been
> going up. I well know what's happened to the cost of sheet metal--the
> stove& fireplace company I work for uses a very great quantity of
> sheet metal.
>
> All in all, I'd say the current price of the WSM 721001 is on the high
> side, but for what you get is fair. The porcelained body/base/lid
> should outlast me, the thing is ridiculously easy to use, the food I
> turn out on it is outstanding. Yes, the center section needs handles
> added, and mine will have them, but beyond that I don't see much
> amending to do.
>

Agreed it is a great unit. Great for the beginner because of its almost
set it and forget abilities. Great for the experienced who does not
want to fiddle around with the fire.

The handles, a guy from virtual weber site I think, got to talk to the
designers at weber. The handles subject came up. As has been suspected
around here for years, they don't want to put on handles and then take
on the liability for putting handles on and someone gets injured taking
off the barrel.

But garage door handles has been suggested because of the holes lining
up perfectly. I don't have handles on mine.

Would I buy another? Probably. But I hope mine outlasts me !!!

BBQ