Buying my FIRST smoker. Was ready to pull the trigger on the WSM 18in but saw it potentially struggles with Brisket? What are your experiences?

[jsaniga]

Haven’t had an issue with brisket on mine.

[Allon]

Because of Panhead John and Finster s influence, I started with an Oklahoma Joe's Bronco and have never been disappointed

🥩🥩🥩
🔥🔥🔥

[HouseHomey]

Only read some of the comments. No experience with one but have a 22 and a 26 kettle that I can feed the world on. Just my free 2 cents.

[HawkerXP]

+!

[bbqLuv]

I am a pellet head and the Chef of my backyard.
It is the easiest way to learn and produce a good BBQ.

[stevenschwartz]

Hi Everyone,

I have never smoked a thing in my life, and am looking to purchase my first smoker this week. I was all ready to pick up a WSM 18in Smokers after seeing the platinum award given here but then ready that regarding full racks of ribs and briskets things get tight.

Regarding ribs, I am assuming I can always half-rack them? Which I'm guessing isn't a big problem (or is it?). Then I also read that it isn't quite big enough to smoke a whole brisket without part of it needing to be leaned over/on a piece of wood with a drip bowl or something to that nature? Is it a huge "no-no" to cut a brisket to make it fit?

I then thought I'd just spring for the 22in to solve these problems, but the 22in only has been awarded a silver medal due to the heat being challenging in that model to get down below 275 degrees. I feel it is more important to have a smoker (at least my first one) that is easier to regulate the temp in than not?

Just looking for your experiences and recommendations.

Cheers

I've had both the 22 and a tiny one (I believe 14) for 15 years. They tend to run about 250 for me as well. I try not to stress too much about the 25 degree difference. I live in Arizona where it can get pretty hot, and if I am desperate for cooler temps it is crucial to run the smoker in shade. By the way, I love the 22, probably a bit more stable; but also like the 14 a lot. Most of the time it is just myself and my wife, and I am loathe to spend more on charcoal than meat when doing say ribs just for us. I use the 22 when doing wagyu brisket. It is wonderful for a cooker that is in the hundreds not multiple thousands and can be almost set and forget when you get the hang of it..

Steve

[ecowper]

Brisket on WSM 22

[texastweeter]

I think you're over thinking it. Buy one, get to cookin, and you'll do fine.

[Carolyn]

The OP bought an 18" back in April 2023.

[ecowper]

I saw that after I posted. I think I’ve posted on this thread back in 2023 LOL

[Lynn Dollar]

Brisket on the 18 WSM, 20 someodd years ago, separate the point from the flat. Flat on top grate, point on bottom .

[JCBBQ]

All cookers have their peccadillos, you’ll figure out how to deal with them in no time.