Just pulled the trigger today on a new WSM 18.5

ngasmokehead

Fire Starter

Original poster

Jun 27, 2009

73

12

Cartersville, GA

• Jul 12, 2012

• #1

I have a GOSM 2 drawer gasser now and had an older Brinkmann SnP at one point. I've been contemplating what my next unit would be. It will just be me and the family most of the time, so I didn't go for the 22.5...and because it costs more and have heard of some issues with getting the temp lower and it being a fuel hog...

So...any mod ideas, tips, tricks, and techniques would be much appreciated! 

The WSM arrives on Saturday and I plan on going ahead and doing some test runs and seasoning it this weekend...

Thanks in advance.

 

fpnmf

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

Jul 19, 2010

7,283

82

Fl

• Jul 12, 2012

• #2

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/94076/wsm-mods

 

ngasmokehead

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Jun 27, 2009

73

12

Cartersville, GA

• Jul 13, 2012

• #3

Thank you, sir!

 

ferguss

Newbie

Jul 13, 2012

1

10

• Jul 13, 2012

• #4

Can someone expand on the pros and cons of the 18.5 vs the 22.5?  For the extra $100, it seems like the extra capacity is a no brainer.  But, I'll seldom, if ever, need the extra capacity.  Is the fuel consumption significantly different?  Is one easier to use (maintain a constant temp)?  I'm a beginner.

I have poked around a bit looking for such a review (which is what brought me here), but what I have found is (good) reviews for both rather than a comparison.

Thanks.
 

 

jirodriguez

Master of the Pit

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SMF Premier Member

Jun 5, 2009

4,656

143

Portland, OR

• Jul 13, 2012

• #5

fpnmf said:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/94076/wsm-mods

Click to expand...

Funny how much this mod I did on a whim has made it around the internet... lol.

Ferguss said:

Can someone expand on the pros and cons of the 18.5 vs the 22.5?  For the extra $100, it seems like the extra capacity is a no brainer.  But, I'll seldom, if ever, need the extra capacity.  Is the fuel consumption significantly different?  Is one easier to use (maintain a constant temp)?  I'm a beginner.

I have poked around a bit looking for such a review (which is what brought me here), but what I have found is (good) reviews for both rather than a comparison.

Thanks.
 

Click to expand...

The main differance is how much stuff you can cook at once without feeling crowded. They both are very efficient, but the 22.5 does use a bit more charcoal per/hr. then the 18.5 because you are heating a bigger space - but I can still run 20+ hrs. on one 20 lb. bag of Kingsford blue provided it's not cold and windy. If you want to use less charcoal in the 22.5" you can buy the weber charcoal rials they sell for the 22.5" kettles.

Personally if you don't mind the extra $100 I would get the 22.5, the extra space is really nice to have when you need/want it. I own a 22.5 and have used a 18.5, both work great, and hold temps real well, but I just love having the space.

 

whtplainssmoker

Smoking Fanatic

Apr 9, 2011

346

15

White Plains, NY

• Jul 13, 2012

• #6

JIRodriguez said:

If you want to use less charcoal in the 22.5" you can buy the weber charcoal rials they sell for the 22.5" kettles.

Click to expand...

How would you use less charcoal?  Just wondering.

 

Last edited: Jul 13, 2012

dward51

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

Nov 24, 2011

2,865

538

McDonough, GA

• Jul 13, 2012

• #7

Get a power draft.  Once you have used one on a WSM (or any other stick or charcoal burner for that matter), you will wonder how you got along without one.  Nothing like setting a temp and forgetting about it for hours and hours and the computer and power draft mind the pit temp for you.  I went with a BBQ Guru model, but they all do the same thing, regulate the amount of air to the fire and therefore control the temps for you.

Actually, cook on it without a power draft a few times, then get one....  you will never look back

 

Last edited: Jul 13, 2012

ngasmokehead

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Jun 27, 2009

73

12

Cartersville, GA

• Jul 14, 2012

• #8

Guys, thanks for the advice/comments...really looking forward to firing it up. The WSM arrived in 1 day - ordered through Amazon (we have a prime membership so it's free 2 day shipping) on Thursday at lunchtime and it arrived in about 24 hrs. 

On a side note, if you make purchases online semi-frequently, then Prime with Amazon is a no brainer - free 2 day shipping on most items and Amazon Instant Video - better than Netflix, in my opinion and cheaper...

Anyway...here it is!  And keep the tips coming!!  

 

ngasmokehead

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Jun 27, 2009

73

12

Cartersville, GA

• Jul 14, 2012

• #9

DWard, 

What package did you select from BBQ Guru? Just curious...I'm somewhat of a cheapskate and all of these packages are pretty expensive....regardless of the brand/maker.