i picked the new 22.5" WSM from Lowe's yesterday after the month long ordeal. i know you don't really NEED to season the WSM, but...like i'm gonna get a new smoker and not do a test run. i ran it with a full water pan and about 7 pounds of the Kingsford Hickory briquettes. the charcoal was ready and i got it assembled right at 7 pm (my time...not yours). and that thing got to 225 in like15 - 20 mins (all vents open 100%). i let it run like that no changes for 4 hours. i can tell that this thing is gonna make my wife hate my hobby more, cause now i can bug her after the meat goes on the WSM!