Smoking in the rain

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hellbent357

Newbie
Original poster
Sep 16, 2017
20
8
I just bought a used WSM,18", and, of Course, its been raining here ever since. The question is, how well does WSM perform in the rain? Light rain, no overhead cover. TIA.
 
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I can't imagine it would have any trouble, I don't think a light rain would cool it down enough to be an issue. Is there no nearby garage overhang? Or don't want to get it too close to one?

I remember smoking on my weber kettle in the middle of the patio when it was 25 degrees out and snowing, and that did ok. I say ok because I did cover some cardboard with foil and surrounded it as a shield from the wind and to reflect some heat back to it (possibly).

I'd give it a go though, what do you intend on smoking?
 
I don't have a barrel, but a couple of offsets and when it's raining, I use a pop up canopy like this...
1715792297321.png


This is similar to what I have. They are worth having for rain and sun protection...
 
I don't have a barrel, but a couple of offsets and when it's raining, I use a pop up canopy like this...
View attachment 696874

This is similar to what I have. They are worth having for rain and sun protection...

I agree with this...
But let me also add... I've seen so many get ruined from the wind picking them up and bodyslamming to the ground... Just make sure you tie it down EVERYTIME you get it out... Just because it's not windy when you set it up... STILL tie it down ...
 
The way those are set up , the water runs right in the lower bowl . A kettle puts the lip of the lid over the body .
A WSM is ass backwards . Look at it , you'll see what I mean .
Yep. Rain will enter the smoker and pool in the bottom, which can lead to some impressive mold growth if it isn't dried out promptly after it gets wet. Keep a very waterproof cover over it when it isn't in use. The Weber covers may need to be replaced every few years, mine have started letting water through after a couple of seasons in the sun.

I've only used mine in a very light drizzle, so I can't comment on how well they do in heavier rain. I suspect it's workable, but one would would need to up the airflow to maintain temperature since the rain will be cooling the outer surfaces pretty quickly. I'm fortunate in that I have a covered section of deck, less convenient than where my WSM usually sits, but if rain is in the forecast I just pick it up and move it before I fire it up.
 
Oh jeez, I had no idea about how that lip was. I always wanted a WSM but maybe not after hearing that. Then again, the wife would kill me lol.
 
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Oh jeez, I had no idea about how that lip was. I always wanted a WSM but maybe not after hearing that. Then again, the wife would kill me lol.
Don't get me wrong, I really like my WSM. It checks all the boxes for me; reasonably inexpensive, charcoal fired with wood chunks for smoke, doesn't need a lot of attention during the smoke (on overnight cooks I only look in on it every 3-4 hours, though I do also use a temp probe with alarm function). It turns out great BBQ. It's the only smoker Harry Soo uses in competition, and he's won a lot. https://slapyodaddybbq.store

I just wanted to point out that you need to keep it covered and dry when stored.
 
I can't imagine it would have any trouble, I don't think a light rain would cool it down enough to be an issue. Is there no nearby garage overhang? Or don't want to get it too close to one?

I remember smoking on my weber kettle in the middle of the patio when it was 25 degrees out and snowing, and that did ok. I say ok because I did cover some cardboard with foil and surrounded it as a shield from the wind and to reflect some heat back to it (possibly).

I'd give it a go though, what do you intend on smoking?
I learned the hard way to keep my grills and smokers at least 4-6 feet from my house. A few years ago I had one up under the overhang on my back patio within a foot of the house. Had cooked many times like that. Somehow and ember got out, hit some loose leaves and caught my house on fire luckily caught it fast and damage was limited to a 10 x 10 section of siding and board under where the chopped it open with a fire ax to kill a hot spot. Fireman told me if I'd waited a few more minutes to call them trying to put it out with a hose if have likely lost the garage at a minimum and maybe the whole house.
 
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Yup . I was just commenting for info . I think most people learn the hard way . They find it full of water .
Light rain may not even be an issue .
I got my 14 out a month ago to use it , then didn't get to it . Another month went by , and I found it full of water .
So to dry it out I filled it with charcoal and fired it up . Settled in at 350 . That was in the morning . Came back at 8 pm . It was still running along at 350 . I was shocked . They are great smokers .
 
Just a quick update. I fired up the new,used, WSM this morning at 9AM and it's still going 7 1/2 hrs later. Couldn't be happier with my first burn. Thaks for everyone's replies on the rain issue.
 
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