Question about the WSM.

[ericm83]

I've heard that it uses a lot of charcoal. I read somebody say that on a 12 hr smoke it went through 22 lbs of lump charcoal. Is that about right for the WSM and all charcoal smokers. I'm just starting to looking at charcoal smokers, had a MES for a couple of years. I have also been looking at the Big Steel Keg because I've heard it doesn't take much charcoal for a 10+ hr cook, and also I think it would make a good grill.

 

[jirodriguez]

The 22 lbs. of lump was probably on a 22.5" WSM. The 22.5's have a very large charcoal ring, and if you fill it, it will take about 20 lbs. or so. That being said once you load it and light it, you don't have to mess with it, it will chug along at a steady temp for the entire time.

If you get the 18" WSM you still get a good amount of room, and use a lot less fuel. I have never seen or used a BSK, so I can't realy compare the two, but I can say the WSM is bang for the buck the best thing I have ever bought. It really is a great cooker for under $400 (for the 22.5").

 

[chisoxjim]

I get 9-12 hours on about 9 lbs of lump on the smaller WSM.

 

[rickw]

Sounds about right. Last time we cooked it was a good size chicken and we used 2 charcoal chimneys of mixed bricks and lump, with left over coals.

 

[goobi99]

ill second...i mean third that ..its about right

 

[caveman]

Thank you for that. I was wondering. Okay....22.5 for me. It is a coming....coming....coming.........