I know several people that have them and love them.
I had one under consideration the last time i bought a cooker, but I got such a good deal on a PBC, that i went in that direction instead.
If not cooking outdoors, I am cooking on the stovetop with my 14" carbon steel wok, 12" CI skillet, or in the oven with my two Lodge CI pizza pans, or two dutch ovens. I've also got a nifty Lodge carbon steel grill pan that rocks for veggies outdoors.
Personally, all I see at the big box stores (Lowe's and Home Depot) is the 18" WSM, not even on display any more, but they do have them on the shelf in the box. No other sizes available, and I really don't think they sell many in the stores, as they USED to have them on display. Now I think they sell more pellet smokers than any other form of smoker, along with a smattering of kamado type grills or cheaper charcoal smokers.
Ace has them for sure, but I just don't think the WSM is as popular today, at least not for the "unwashed masses" that went to buy a smoker. Those folks are gobbling up Pit Boss, Traeger or other cheaper and easier options.
I would love a 22" WSM or PBX in my backyard, but not sure I can justify it at the moment, as I am smoking less for sure, and its covered with the Performer, SNS Kamado and old worn out offset...
So just as a final comment from the OP, it is an amazing product. I can fill the 22" with charcoal and some spice wood, and easily have it go for 12-14 hours. I usually have to add some more briquettes at 14 hours when doing brisket that I usually smoke for 16-17 hours. It holds a temperature amazingly well, and once it is seasoned and you know its quirks, the only thing easier is a pellet smoker, which is just a bridge too far for me - I want to actually work a bit to get my BBQ. I have always used kingsford briquettes because they burn regularly and slowly and not too hot. I may well try some real charcoal in the near future.
Once you have everything figured out it's hard to change.
I have multiple kettles and the PBC which fills my needs.
I still like kingsford but for longer cooks I'm using B&B. Check if Walmart is still having the best price with delivery? Only way you could get it from them.
I use KBB for all but long cooks, where I use B&B briquettes started with a chimney of 42 KBB briquettes. (42 is the Answer to...)
People diss KBB, but I really like its predictability and reliability in a cook. Once KBB has gone through the initial burn-in to eliminate that startup smell/smoke, it works great for me.
I use B&B briquettes and am working through a bag of char-logs for long cooks. Because I smoke at 250°+ temps, I really don't need the advantage the super long burning B&B char logs. Seldom do I burn through the B&B briquettes, even.
FWIW, as I mentioned earlier, I find that B&B is hard to start (takes longer to get well lit) so I use a chimney of lit KBB to goose it along at the beginning.
I recently purchased a WSM from Home Depot. It was on the shelf but not on display. Pellet smokers convenience appealed to me but I didn't want the large footprint and having to plug it into an outlet.
I was debating between a PBC and WSM and got the WSM because it does what the PBC does if you get a hanger kit, which I did.
I always thought of them as being closest to the barrel smokers -- of which there are a lot more options these days with PBC, OKJ, Big Poppa, and a few others.
I recently purchased a WSM from Home Depot. It was on the shelf but not on display. Pellet smokers convenience appealed to me but I didn't want the large footprint and having to plug it into an outlet.
I was debating between a PBC and WSM and got the WSM because it does what the PBC does if you get a hanger kit, which I did.
I bought a new 18" WSM from Home Depot a couple of weeks ago.
I really like it.
And my wife likes how it makes whole chicken and baby back ribs.
I don't use mine anymore. Served their purpose as I was learning how to BBQ and I used them quite a bit. Both my 18.5" and 22" WSM. But now have better equipment and loan out the WSM's to friends that want to try their hand at BBQ.
I was all set to get the either the 18" or 22" WSM, hanger kit, and then the Arbor Fab charcoal basket. The Pit suggested I look at the OKJ Bronco. I did. It was on sale, thus much cheaper so I bought it. No regrets. Because of MCS, I still want one.
Weber Smoky Mountain 18” and 22”
Weber Smoque XL w/ front and side folding tables
Weber Genesis E-430 (came with the frame kit).
DigiQ fan controller (WSM 22” has the attachment)
Nexgrill 6 burner gas grill (replaced original grates with GrillGrate grates)
Turkey fryer (2)
Maverick ET-732 (2)
Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Turkey Fryer, Bunk Basket (2)
SouthwestDisc 18" Cooking Disc
I have to think it’s a combination of convenience, and also price. Home Depot runs sales and several pellet smokers can be found for sub $500. By comparison the WSM 22” is listed at $549. Personally, I find more value n the WSM, but it can’t possibly cost as much to manufacture. Also, if you need the convenience of an oven, the WSM is not for you.
I think convenience is a huge factor. Not to bash anyone that uses a pellet cooker, but those seemingly have a lower learning curve, especially when starting out. So one needs to ask, does the buyer want to really learn how to BBQ…or do they simply want to start turning out decent food from day one? I got my 22” WSM because I was ready to LEARN, and it was a cheaper option than a decent offset. And took up less space.
Large Big Green Egg, Weber Performer Deluxe, Weber Smokey Joe Silver, Fireboard Drive, 3 DigiQs, lots of Thermapens, and too much other stuff to mention.
I've had a 14.5 and 22" WSM for over a decade. I love them. I also have a pit barrel for limited uses. I've been sad to see the WSM disappearing from places like Home Depot. Do people think it is simply that they can't compete with pellet machines for ease of use for new BBQ'ers? Curious if others have seen this.
Steve
Ten years is a lifetime in the internet information age. Just from 2014 until now there’s been an explosion of choices. Then, you’d decide you wanted a smoker, go into Lowe’s or Home Depot, see a WSM, and leave with it. In 2024, you decide you want a smoker, check Amazing Ribs for equipment reviews, check Amazon for prices, check Lowe’s and Home Depot online to see what’s in stock locally, see if BBQ Guys are having a sale, decide to maybe spend more money, get a trial membership to The Pit and ask people, and maybe get a WSM but also maybe get a kamado, or a Hasty Bake, or a pellet cooker…. It’s not the cooker, it’s the market, and the choices.
I have to think it’s a combination of convenience, and also price. Home Depot runs sales and several pellet smokers can be found for sub $500. By comparison the WSM 22” is listed at $549. Personally, I find more value n the WSM, but it can’t possibly cost as much to manufacture. Also, if you need the convenience of an oven, the WSM is not for you.
A list price of $549 is a good example of corporate overpricing.
My WSM 22 was on sale for $349 when my wife bought it for me. Then I added a hinge, upgraded door, and upgraded charcoal basket. With all that, my all in price was about $475. I’ve been using it for going on 10 years now. I wouldn’t pay $549 for a new one when compared to what else is out there at that price point.
An 18 inch WSM was my first smoker. I liked it and learned so much from it. The week before I got my Kamado Joe was the last time my WSM saw a fire. I was ready to move on to the next cooker immediately. I gave my WSM to my oldest son who used it for several years until his next door neighbor decided to move and sold him his pellet rig for a hundred dollars rather than move it. The WSM sits on his patio now under its cover waiting for its next call. You could use a WSM your whole life and be just fine. For many of us they were that gateway that led us to other smokers.
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