I haven't been here in some time but as an owner of the shelfless model (2000?) that was under $400 in 2011, I thought I'd report on today's searches for similar models regardless of brand name.
I'm very happy with my BSK, so I keep an eye out when friends/relatives comment on my bbq dishes. It seems much more difficult to find a low cost model now. Costco had a nice one in the $400-$600 range but all I see at the moment is closer to $700.
This seems like a pretty good deal while it lasts (black Akorn for $330), assuming it's substantially the same product.
Is anyone familiar with the Akorn?
I have one at the cabin in Canada, really did not want to spend $800 plus tax for something I would use 5-20 times a year.
It is lighter than the keg, feels cheaper, does not seal at the bottom as well, has less insulation, goes through more charcoal than the Kegs I have.
In other words it is less efficient and has less quality.
It is more forgiving in regards to heating up too fast. So in that respect it is good for a newbie.
Because it seems to burn faster, it might run out of fuel on a long >12 hr cook.
The fact that it has less insulation, mitigates the leaky bottom seal since heat escapes more.
I have not had a ceramic, but I would compare the thermodynamics to a ceramic.
Personally I wish I had a keg up North, but I adjust.
