Questions for Mini-WSM owners

[shelterit]

Now that you have your Mini-WSM built and have used it a few times. How do you like it?  If you have other smokers, how often do you use your Mini over the others? Do you think it will be your "go to" smoker? (when the amount of meat fits of course) Does the smaller size pose any problems?

Thank you for the info.

 

[dan - firecraft]

Good cooker!

 

[dirtsailor2003]

I use mine several times a week. It is a great little smoker that can do anything the big ones can do. It is super efficient, and it is super easy to control the temps.

 

[pc farmer]

Mine is a new build mini but I use it all the time.

 

[shelterit]

Thank you for your insight.  I am convinced I need to build this.  I have ordered the Vasconia Steamer from Pfaltzgraff.  They had the best price I could find.  $31 delivered is not bad. The coupon code TAKE30 will take 30% off the listed price.

The next question I have is...Gold or Silver?  I understand the differences in the two models and was curious as to your experiences with either. So the big decision is vent holes on bottom or on the side..if you have the silver do you wish you used the gold or vice-versa or am I over thinking this and I should just get one and build it?

 

[dirtsailor2003]

 
Thank you for your insight.  I am convinced I need to build this.  I have ordered the Vasconia Steamer from Pfaltzgraff.  They had the best price I could find.  $31 delivered is not bad. The coupon code TAKE30 will take 30% off the listed price.

The next question I have is...Gold or Silver?  I understand the differences in the two models and was curious as to your experiences with either. So the big decision is vent holes on bottom or on the side..if you have the silver do you wish you used the gold or vice-versa or am I over thinking this and I should just get one and build it?

If you go with the Silver you will need to add vents on the side. I like to tinker, and for both of my mini's I used the Silver. The main reason was that I got them both off Craigslist for next to nothing. If I was going to buy a new one I'd pay the extra for the gold because the valves and nipples are going to cost you more . If you already have a silver or can get one for $10 or less (one of mine was $5 with the Chimney and some charcoal, the other was $10 with Charcoal) go that route. Or if you just like to build stuff like me get the silver and modify. Bottom line the silver needs the side vents added to get the best performance.

 

[shelterit]

 
If you go with the Silver you will need to add vents on the side. I like to tinker, and for both of my mini's I used the Silver. The main reason was that I got them both off Craigslist for next to nothing. If I was going to buy a new one I'd pay the extra for the gold because the valves and nipples are going to cost you more . If you already have a silver or can get one for $10 or less (one of mine was $5 with the Chimney and some charcoal, the other was $10 with Charcoal) go that route. Or if you just like to build stuff like me get the silver and modify. Bottom line the silver needs the side vents added to get the best performance.

 I would like to build this from a SJ bought off Craigslist but for some reason there are none listed on there.  Last month I know there were 10 or so??? Maybe the Mini-WSM has started a run on used SJ's.

  

I do have some extra Weber vent covers from a previous ECB build, and I like the idea of having the bottom vents for grilling. So, it sounds like the Silver is right for me.  Plus I like to tinker.  I will try to hold out to get one of Craigslist.  However, I know how impatient I am and after a couple of days, I will just end up buying one at the local big box.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Fall and spring is the best time to find bbq's on CL. There hasn't been a Smokey Joe on ours for at least 8 months. Since you already have the vents I'd go get a new silver and get to building!

 

[JckDanls 07]

I disagree with the comment that "You need the side vents"... I have the silver and just used the upside down dish method.. it works great... no need to spend more money to mod it....

 

[bdskelly]

I splurged and spent the extra 10 bucks and bought the gold unit. In the scheme of things it just seemed like the right thing to do. An upgrade for  less than the price equivalent of a 12 pack?

I'm in. 

I've got a good amount of equipment. Right now I use this one the most. 

 

[dirtsailor2003]

I disagree with the comment that "You need the side vents"... I have the silver and just used the upside down dish method.. it works great... no need to spend more money to mod it....

I disagree to disagree! The first year that I had my mini, in negative temps I needed the side valves to get the temp control I wanted. With that said you certainly can do no mods to the Silver and smoke away. Long smokes do require a bit of ash clearing if you don't put the side vents in...

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Good info all, as wanting to do a build myself.... WHB

 

[shelterit]

Great information and thank you!  If I cant find a SJ on Craigslist I will buy the gold version even though I will be given up a 12 pack 

Once I get all the components together I will take lots of pictures and submit a build thread.  I look forward to having a smaller, family sized smoker that wont use 10 lbs of briquettes every cook. 

 

[mdboatbum]

I think if I were to build another one, which I likely will this spring, I'd go with the Gold and add a bottom vent for grilling. The only downside to the Gold version that I had was that I couldn't get it quite hot enough for good searing. The side vents are awesome for smoking, and pose no problem with ash build up. The added bottom vent, in my opinion, would just make it the absolute perfect all 'round cooker. I guess the Silver with added side vents would offer the same functionality, but I'd rather just add the one bottom vent to the Gold and be done with it. In any case, it really is an awesome little cooker for whatever you want to do with it.

 

[fritzmonroe]

I went with the silver.  The main reason is I will be using this as a grill when camping as well as smoking at home.  I will likely do the mod to add the side vents.