WSM - 18.5 vs 22.5

heres my 2 cents.

I had the same dilemma back in November when I got mine. COuld have gone either way, but based on discussion with some WSM owners, and gurus I decided the 18.5" would fit my immediate needs. Typically cooking for only a few people, so I could save on fuel each burn.

The 22" is a more of a fuel hog than the 18.5" from what I have been told My 18.5" unit can run on one ring and a chimney of lump for 10-11 hours. Thats about 6-7 lbs. of lump.

THe 18.5" without any rib racks, etc can hold 4 slabs of either bb's or spares if you curve the ribs a little bit. Easily will hold 4-6 pork butts, if you t-pee them on the racks, and rotate them.

Id go with what you can afford. I am looking at getting another WSM, the larger one, for some side projects I am thinking about.

You really cant go wrong with either.

good luck

I don't own a WSM, but reading chisoxjim comments after he says he is satisfied with his 18" he is going to buy the 22".

When I purchased my MES 40" I had to make the decision 30" or 40", the difference in price really has to make you think. But I knew I would be doing at least 3 or 4 backyard BBQs for more than the immediate family a year, so I needed capacity, plus I wanted to lay my ribs out not cut or fold them. But even more than that I have learned ...
When buying a boat most owners regret not going bigger..
When buying my plasma tv I have regretted not going bigger..
(well those two purchases to upgrade is thousands of $$$$)

It was an easy decision I went bigger, it was not that great of difference in price, and I am very happy I did.

bigger is typically always good.

but for conserving fuel(the larger unit will use alot more lump to run). The small WSM has plenty of capacity to feed a good sized group, it easily would do 20#'s of butts, and 4-5 racks of ribs using a rib rack. If someone needs more capacity than that the larger unit would be the way to go.

I am getting the larger WSM to do some side projects(possible competition run, etc.) that I dont want to use the smaller one for. Its only $300 for the big one, ive almost saved enough pennies to get it. Since I think the WSM is the best smoker around I didnt even consider another type, just a larger model to handle a larger load.

Here is a quote I found from a WSM owner who has both 18 & 22" on fuel consumption.

Hope this helps