WSM Lid and escaping smoke

[matty gunns]

So i have been through about 5 smokes with my new wsm. When i first got it i noticed the charcoal ring was just a little warped sort of oval in appearance but no big deal right? Well the top lid seems to have a decent amount of wiggle room. When i smoke i can see smoke escaping from the lid in the initial stages of my smoke. Can anybody help me wjth this or chime in to say this is just normal. When i see the smoke escaping i can move the top lid over some and then the smoke will escape on the opposite side. Just hoping my smoker isnt warped i really dont think its the lid but maybe the middle section.

image.png

• matty gunns
• Feb 9, 2017

image.png

• matty gunns
• Feb 9, 2017

 

[wade]

A little bit of lost smoke around the joints is not a problem and the amount that is showing in the photos is nothing to worry about. If you notice, you have a much bigger leak just above it - it is called the top vent. Leaks of that size higher up are not a problem, it is the leaks below around the firebox that are more of an issue as they can interfere with fine lower vent control for managing temperature.

 

[tropics]

You can get a Nomex Gasket if it bothers you,I put that on mine and around the door.

Richie

 

[SmokinAl]

I think if you contact Weber, they will tell you that their smoker is not designed to be air tight.

All the parts fit loosely together & it leaks smoke.

It will not effect the performance of your smoker in any way.

Al

 

[gr0uch0]

Thought I also recall someone using those black binder clips on a Weber to help with this.

FYI, matty, hope those tongs laying on the ground aren't for what's inside your WSM: no points for those. Food safety police take a rather dim view of that. :police2:

 

[matty gunns]

Thanks for the replies thats what i was hoping to hear. I think i will just let the smoker do its thing for a while before i decide if i want a gasket kit but one thing i will be doing is getting a cajun bandit door. Groucho they are just for the coals i knew someone would catch me with that. Have a good weekend guys

 

[cmayna]

Here ya go. Does the job without having to deal with a seal. Hey that rhymes :yahoo:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[worktogthr]

Smoke is going to escape out of the vent either way... I have had mine for a few years and the same thing happens... always get nice smokey results

 

[gr0uch0]

Yeah, those things.  Thanks, Goat!