How much is too much?

[Huskee]

GirlpoweredBBQ I'll risk being stoned and say that if you want to smoke 20 lb of pork as you mentioned in your OP you need at least a WSM 22 or maybe a larger cooker. Not dissing the 22 kettle/SNS combo, it's great for a rack or two of ribs or a single butt but it just doesn't have the real estate for a big cook. Just the facts, ma'am.

HTH,
Bill

I have fit 14lb of meat on my 22" kettle on the indirect side, both by means of a packer brisket and on another occasion butts & short ribs totaling about the same. Shouldn't be too hard to get another 6lbs in the WSM, or vice versa. Not that I'm against another cooker by any means! Ribs, due to their larger flat footprint is where you lose real estate, you can fit two racks if you cut one or both in half, or 3 racks if you use a rib rack. But taller meat you can load 'er right up.

[ecowper]

Huskee the real estate of the WSM 22.5 for the price is crazy

[Huskee]

Absolutely. I'm just looking at it from a BOTH devices perspective. Adding a SnS to her kettle, plus using her current WSM will double her capacity (roughly) for minimal cost now. Absolutely a 22" WSM is a beast!

[ecowper]

I get it Huskee. Thing is, I do big cooks. I like having a lot of real estate to cook on. I don't like having to figure out how to manage grill space. I'm willing to pay for the big WSM to solve that problem

[Huskee]

ecowper I get it too. But this thread and my advice is to the OP, GirlpoweredBBQ, and the questions she's asking. I just wanted her to understand she can utilize what she has if she's not able to expand to more pricey gear. I have several cookers, I LOVE doing big cooks myself too. Cheers!

[DWCowles]

I can do two 15 lb briskets and four 10 lb pork butts on the 22" WSM

[ecowper]

I haven't even begun to Challenge myself on the WSM

[GirlpoweredBBQ]

Wow.... Controversial topic!! I would love to have a second WSM, and I WILL. Someday. But with two people in my household, with just the occasional guest (and a small freezer) it's tough to justify spending another 300-odd dollars when I just bought the 14" six weeks ago. And a month before that I bought the Weber kettle. Now the SnS plus for $114.... I can rationalize that, no problem! If I knew then what I know now!

[ecowper]

I frankly think that for someone cooking for 2-4 people, you should add the SnS to your kettle FIRST. Then, when it makes sense, add a big smoker. That said, a big, dedicated smoker is a very cool thing :-)

[ecowper]

GirlpoweredBBQ I tend to cook for 8-20 people, or even more, at times. Let's say I do that about once a month. If you were smoking for that size gatherings, routinely, you definitely would want a ton of grill space. To be honest, the Hasty-Bake, WSM 22, big oven and big stove ... They feel small for some of our bigger parties.

[GirlpoweredBBQ]

I hear you. For sure, I don't think I can justify my upgrade yet!! On to the SnS. Next year, WSM 22"!

[ecowper]

That totally makes sense. Now it is time for you to start sharing pics of your cooks!

[ecowper]

Also tell us how they went ... We all love to learn from experience :-)

[ecowper]

Also, from what I know, the SnS is the greatest Weber upgrade ever. It will make your Weber about 80% of a Hasty-Bake. If theSnS existed when I bought the Hasty-Bake .... I might not have the Hadty-Bake

[GadjetGriller]

Ok so how does the SNS work on a WSM? isn't there a water pan between the coals and the grates? I thought the water pan worked as a diffuser (for even cooking across the grates) and to create steam. obviously I dont have one (I know fore shame) so am a little confused?

[ecowper]

Right, the WSM is a bullet smoker. Very different from a Weber kettle with SnS. The water pan adds moisture to the air in the WSM, plus the water is a heat sink, allowing for more stable temps. You would not add an SnS to a WSM.

[GirlpoweredBBQ]

I do appreciate all your help, guys. I will definitely post pics and share updates!! You, too! ☺

[Danjohnston949]

GirlpoweredBBQ, I came to the Convention Late But: I think you made the right Choice going with the S 'n S for Your Weber Kettle! I have one and I love it! I use it on an older Weber Performer 22 1/2" Kettle that I have added a BBQ GURU DigiQ-2. Temp Control and a SS Baffle Plate between the S 'n S and the opposite side of the Weber! By using the baffle the Bottom Vents of the Weber are Closed and the DigiQ-2 Provides all of the Air for the cook and thereby Controls the Temp! Eat Well and Prosper! From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[ecowper]

Also GirlpoweredBBQ try http://www.fruitawood.com/ for quality hardwood.

[GirlpoweredBBQ]

Thanks, so much. I am ready to place my order now. What would I do without you guys and your advice?

[fuzzydaddy]

+1 on fruitawood for quality.

[JeffJ]

Over the 4th I cooked a 17 pound brisket and an 18 pound turkey in my 14.5" WSM. Both came out great. if the meat fits the 14.5 WSM will cook it well.

[JohnF]

Walmart has chunks also.

[GirlpoweredBBQ]

Wow...cool! I'll go check that out.

[Danjohnston949]

GirlpoweredBBQ, Generally ACE Hardware is a good local source. Also most of the Big Box Stores, if there are Orchards in Your Area check with the Tree Trimmers and Firewood Sellers! In general the wood you want is to small to be marketable, but you may have to cut it to size Yourself! I use a 10" Dia Power Miter Saw for this! READ ALL THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!
I meant to mention Earlier go to ABCBBQ.Com (Adrenaline BBQ Co's Site), they have an Excellant Dissertation on Temp Control for the Weber Kettle! See both the Technique Section and the Recipe Section for the Total Picture! Huskee, David Parrish and the Good People at Adrenaline BBQ have put together an Outstanding Resource for Our Use! One more Thing before this Sermon is over, that is Thermometers you will need a Digital Instant Read (Thermopen MK 4) Thermometer and a Good Min Dual Probe Leave In Thermometer such as a Maverick 732 or 733! Check the Ratings and Reviews Section of Amazing Ribs!
Eat Well and Prosper! From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[GirlpoweredBBQ]

WOW..thanks so much for the detailed information!!!

[Danjohnston949]

GirlpoweredBBQ, If your Weber doen't have the Lift Up Wings on the Grate I would say Definately Get One! I will go even further get one with the Lift Out Center Section! They are heavier construction than the original!
The lift out center allows Better Access to the S 'n S and Drip Pans ETC!