Scored an 18" WSM, let the learning begin!

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Teal101

Meat Mopper
Original poster
Jan 2, 2020
240
255
So I had always planned on adding a WSM to my arsenal, but couldnt pull the trigger due to price for the time being. I needed a new charcoal grill and decides to get myself a 22" kettle owing to all the rave reviews. I decided to check craigslist on the off chance I could get one cheaper and found this WSM 18" for $100. Yes $100. Guy bought it last year, put an aftermarket old smokey thermo on it, used it a couple times and decided its not for him. Cant beat that! He included a chimney and cover. Smoker is in excellent condition, cant wait to get cooking. Think I'll start with a pork butt just because they're forgiving. Will monitor temps with my Inkbird units, I dont trust dial gauges. So whats everyone using for charcoal? Lump? Wood? How about some accessories or gadgets for this thing? Oh, I also got the Kettle too!!!
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20200407_180540.jpg
 
I Second the BBQGURU - I used a PARTYQ on my 14" WSM and it was dreamy/priceless. just start things up the chill till done. ran it overnight many times - even through a downpour and WSM was in the rain (the rain woke me and i thought awe s**t - that cook is toast) - woke up and it was pumping at 225.

Couple other nice mods -
lid hinge
gaskets
 
Wow, I'd say you had quite a day, nice score! RAY
Thanks!
Very nice find !
I agree haha!
now that is a hellavadeal! nice work!
Thanks!
Nice find. Royal Oak briquettes for fuel. Accessories, include: a bbq guru. Found here: https://www.bbqguru.com/
Not needed, but a luxury for an overnight smoke.
Hanging rack.
Stainless steel door.
ROyal Oak is sold out locally so I grabbed some Embers from Home Depot, supposedly according to my research here they are RO seconds. Thanks for the suggestions on the other toys, the guru looks like a very nice piece of equipment to have!
Fantastic find. Enjoy it!
Thank you!
I Second the BBQGURU - I used a PARTYQ on my 14" WSM and it was dreamy/priceless. just start things up the chill till done. ran it overnight many times - even through a downpour and WSM was in the rain (the rain woke me and i thought awe s**t - that cook is toast) - woke up and it was pumping at 225.

Couple other nice mods -
lid hinge
gaskets
Yes the lid Hinge will be a major need. My buddy has one on his 22" WSM and I can already tell I need one on my WSM and my Kettle.
Congrats on your new smoker! Have fun!
Thanks!

Tested the Kettle out last night after letting it go for an hour to season and burn off all the oils. Wings came out fantastic! I added some Hickory chips I had lying around in right off the bat to give it a little smoke flavor. Skin nice and crispy.
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I just ordered a new door for mine
That is to replace the junk door that comes with the WSM
Wings look good
Richie
 
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Oh yes, the thermometer in the lid - consider it a cork in the hole - they are normally WAY off. get a digital that clips on the grate.
 
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I just ordered a new door for mine
That is to replace the junk door that comes with the WSM
Wings look good
Richie
Sweet thanks for the link!
Oh yes, the thermometer in the lid - consider it a cork in the hole - they are normally WAY off. get a digital that clips on the grate.
Yeah I disregard all lid thermometers. I have two Inkbird digital units, a 4 probe and a 6 probe. One will find use on this WSM for temp monitoring. I will need to re-seal the aftermarket thermometer that the previous owner installed, he did a poor job and its semi loose. May do a test smoke this weekend and see what I have for gaps and escapement.
 
Guy bought it last year, put an aftermarket old smokey thermo on it, used it a couple times and decided its not for him.

This was me a few years back, got an wsm18 as a gift. Couldn’t do long smokes with charcoal.

Converted it to propane, runs great.
 
So I had always planned on adding a WSM to my arsenal, but couldnt pull the trigger due to price for the time being. I needed a new charcoal grill and decides to get myself a 22" kettle owing to all the rave reviews. I decided to check craigslist on the off chance I could get one cheaper and found this WSM 18" for $100. Yes $100. Guy bought it last year, put an aftermarket old smokey thermo on it, used it a couple times and decided its not for him. Cant beat that! He included a chimney and cover. Smoker is in excellent condition, cant wait to get cooking. Think I'll start with a pork butt just because they're forgiving. Will monitor temps with my Inkbird units, I dont trust dial gauges. So whats everyone using for charcoal? Lump? Wood? How about some accessories or gadgets for this thing? Oh, I also got the Kettle too!!!View attachment 439151View attachment 439152

Nice find!

But I did beat that, I got mine for $90 :emoji_wink:
 
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I Second the BBQGURU - I used a PARTYQ on my 14" WSM and it was dreamy/priceless. just start things up the chill till done. ran it overnight many times - even through a downpour and WSM was in the rain (the rain woke me and i thought awe s**t - that cook is toast) - woke up and it was pumping at 225.

Couple other nice mods -
lid hinge
gaskets
I can also vouch for one. I got a Party Q as well recently (right before they discontinued it). My plan on it was mostly to be able to run to the store while i was making food and not have to worry during that time, but on the first cook with it, i ran it on there the whole time after letting it get up to temp. Easiest 4 hours of my life. Yes the WSM isn't too fussy with temps, but you do still have to check and adjust on occassion, but not with a BBQ guru.
 
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