Stopping leaks on WSM

[edgrinde1951]

OK, I just bought a Weber Smokey Mountain smoker and am performing my first smoke today - pork butt for pulled pork. One thing I noticed was that smoke leaks from the side door and also around the lid. So far it is holding temp at 250 quite nicely, but I wonder if I can hold much higher temps if I don't fix the air leaks. I have read about the door and seen suggestions for either gasket material or buying a third party new door. Anyone have experience as to which is a better fix? Also, is it advisable use high temp gasket material to stop the leaks around the dome?

[DWCowles]

http://bbqgaskets.com/kits-by-brand/weber/wsm-bullet-kettle-premium-hi-heat-door-gasket-5ft.html

[Mr. Bones]

I jus run mine like they was made, never noticed any problems achievin/holdin temps...
Yeah, they leak some smoke, an doubtless some heat, as well. Still cook Great Food.

If yer hankerin fer sustained temps above 250°, losin th water in yer pan is where I'd start. It's what I have found works well in mine...

After several cooks th lids usually will gunk themselves a seal, in my experience, provided they ain't bent, warped, or out of round to begin with...

If it makes a difference, mine are elderly/older 18.5's, so yer mileage may vary!

[Elton's BBQ]

Same here.. i run it as is.. no problemos

[pizza67]

My wife got me the gasket kit (and hinge) for Christmas a couple of years ago. Smoker worked fine before, but it really made a big difference in sealing it up. Very easy to install.

[Spinaker]

Yep, gaskets will get that baby sealed right up.

[lonnie mac]

Possibly I read your post wrong. Are you wanting to hold higher temps at times?

[edgrinde1951]

Both. Keep the smoker tight. I assume that will make holding whatever temp you want to keep it at easier. But also if by sealing better will I be able to get a higher temp. I don't see the need for much over 300, but just wondering how hot a temp the WSM can normally and safely can handle.

[Tazman01]

I got the gasket and put on door area and where the lid sits. Made a big difference. Still have a little leak by lid but door is tight. Also door is a little flexible and a slight bend to shape it to the middle section helped.

I sometimes use on the lid those black binder clips for paper if I want lid a little tighter and that usually seals it a little more. One on opposite sides 12:00 and 6:00.

[BBQCentralShow]

I found that after you cook on the WSM for a few months, the "Seasoning" of the cooker helps seal itself quite a bit.

[dshaffes]

As others have said, I put gaskets around the door and lid which tightened up any leaks. A few cooks as mentioned in the previous quote will get it seasoned which will help too. A mod that you might find useful is to install a lid hinge. It solves the problem of having to find a place to put the lid every time you open the smoker.