Saw recent build by rabbithutch http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/121337/heres-my-mini-wsm-build-longish-with-qview and thought I just had to do one of these. Read hours and hours of posts and different ways to build this thing. Finally settled on this plan.
Searched my area for the Imusa or Vasconia tamale steamer, no luck. So from what I have read the Vasconia is consistantly a better fit so since I had to order I went with it. 38 bucks from Amazon, free shipping though.
Like rabbithutch I wanted more options on grate position. I wanted a deeper grate for things like beer can chicken but did not see a need for the one at steamer height. So I settled on the diffuser height no higher than the ridge for the steamer insert, bottom rack at the insert ridge. On the Vasconia the ridge sits 9 1/2 " down from the rim. 4" down for the first rack then split the difference for the middle (2 3/4"). So my first rack is at 4" down, second at 6 3/4" down and the third at the steamer rack ridge 9 1/2" down.
So here we go.
Cut the bottom out of the pot.
Most of these builds I have run across use 1/4" bolts, seams like overkill to me. Went with stainless steel 10-24 x 3/8 machine screws with lock washer, flat washer and acorn nut, fit perfect, looks good. Just a note, I have run across a lot of threads with guys trying to do this build on the cheap, if so forget the ss acorn nuts they are proud of those, over a buck apiece!
Mask her up and paint
While paint was drying:
bent and drilled lower vent flange for cariage bolt handle.
Did upper vent too. Will pretty them up later. found some knobs that looked good at ACE but over 3 bucks apiece, ouch! I'll come up with something.
Found a SS pet food bowl at one of the local farm and ranch supply stores for $2.99. Fits perfect for an ash diffuser, sold. Drilled 8 each 1/2" holes around the base. Interestingly, when I did the math on area, the 8 1/2" holes have about .2 sq in less area than the 4 3/4" holes in the damper. But I figure the damper is going to be pinched most of the time anyway so it should not be an issue.
Since I will be using mostly briquets, from what I have read I thought a basket is in order.
With the Vasconia pot, a weber 18 " charcoal grill is just a tad too big to go around the ridge for the steamer insert, unless you use a little force, it will pop right through. Weber P/N 7440. foiled up saucer and we are there.
Mounted this way I was only able to get about 3 1/4" height on my charcoal basket. Some guys in threads are talking about 4" high baskets when the diffuser is at the steamer insert height. Will see if this impacts cook time much.
Minnion method, loaded basket, took out six briquets and got them lit, couple chunks cherry wood.
Getting dark.
So far looks good, temps leveled out, holding good, ambient temp about 90 deg.
I think I'm gonna like this.
Searched my area for the Imusa or Vasconia tamale steamer, no luck. So from what I have read the Vasconia is consistantly a better fit so since I had to order I went with it. 38 bucks from Amazon, free shipping though.
Like rabbithutch I wanted more options on grate position. I wanted a deeper grate for things like beer can chicken but did not see a need for the one at steamer height. So I settled on the diffuser height no higher than the ridge for the steamer insert, bottom rack at the insert ridge. On the Vasconia the ridge sits 9 1/2 " down from the rim. 4" down for the first rack then split the difference for the middle (2 3/4"). So my first rack is at 4" down, second at 6 3/4" down and the third at the steamer rack ridge 9 1/2" down.
So here we go.
Cut the bottom out of the pot.
Most of these builds I have run across use 1/4" bolts, seams like overkill to me. Went with stainless steel 10-24 x 3/8 machine screws with lock washer, flat washer and acorn nut, fit perfect, looks good. Just a note, I have run across a lot of threads with guys trying to do this build on the cheap, if so forget the ss acorn nuts they are proud of those, over a buck apiece!
Mask her up and paint
While paint was drying:
bent and drilled lower vent flange for cariage bolt handle.
Did upper vent too. Will pretty them up later. found some knobs that looked good at ACE but over 3 bucks apiece, ouch! I'll come up with something.
Found a SS pet food bowl at one of the local farm and ranch supply stores for $2.99. Fits perfect for an ash diffuser, sold. Drilled 8 each 1/2" holes around the base. Interestingly, when I did the math on area, the 8 1/2" holes have about .2 sq in less area than the 4 3/4" holes in the damper. But I figure the damper is going to be pinched most of the time anyway so it should not be an issue.
Since I will be using mostly briquets, from what I have read I thought a basket is in order.
With the Vasconia pot, a weber 18 " charcoal grill is just a tad too big to go around the ridge for the steamer insert, unless you use a little force, it will pop right through. Weber P/N 7440. foiled up saucer and we are there.
Mounted this way I was only able to get about 3 1/4" height on my charcoal basket. Some guys in threads are talking about 4" high baskets when the diffuser is at the steamer insert height. Will see if this impacts cook time much.
Minnion method, loaded basket, took out six briquets and got them lit, couple chunks cherry wood.
Getting dark.
So far looks good, temps leveled out, holding good, ambient temp about 90 deg.
I think I'm gonna like this.
Last edited:
