Here I am after deliberation and reading and tons of support from the people of these forums

[Porkies]

I am down to these questions at this point.

If it comes to it, do I get the 18" WSM, and also purchase the Fireboard with a pit viper fan, or do I get the 22" wait on the fireboard and fan?

The grommet on the side of the wsm means I do not need to purchase fireboard's smoker probe? I can use the ambient probe which comes in the kit?

I am planning on getting the rib hanger regardless of what smoker and temp control I purchase.

Is there anything else I'm missing, regarding options, that experts have already figured out?

[HawkerXP]

Only one thing missing. PBC, PBC, pbc……….get the 22, learn how to use it as is. If needed get the other stuff when you can. pbc, pbc, pbc….

[Porkies]

Thank you for your advice and responses, HawkerXP !
If friends/family get to asking me to cook more often for more people, I'm sure PBC will still be echoing in my brain.

[Mudkat]

LOL. HawkerPBC!

[Andrrr]

In short, personally I’d rather have the capacity and not need it vs need it and not have it. Then again depends on if any of your other cookers can be used as smokers in tandem.
That said I have the 22 and I can’t wait till I can get a thermostat on it!

[Porkies]

If you get one setup before I do, be sure to let me know how you like it!

[Andrrr]

I certainly will Seems like the fire board is the consensus paired with basically whatever fan you want. I know its way more than I need but it’s just... so... cool.

Also someone mentioned learning the ropes on the 22 before buying the toys and I couldn’t agree more. Getting the smoker taught me so much about managing fire and challenging myself to see how long I could get a pile of coals to last. It’s still fun and so rewarding

[FireMan]

Go with the capacity, the "22" or as Hawker said a PBC. You can always get the other stuff later if needed. It would be mo difficult to add on capacity.

[Porkies]

Truth. As HawkerXP posted, it's probably better to learn without the extras. I might learn something good!

[Polarbear777]

22 and wait. You don’t need a special mounted probe. I tried those in the PBC and when you inadvertently kill them with high temperatures you have to unmount and replace. Just use the regular or pro wire probes.

Easier to add/upgrade thermo later, rather than stretch the cooker 4” in diameter. Should work well in stock configuration to get you started. You’ll just have to monitor it more frequently.

[Porkies]

Yes, I would rather just replace the probe on a clip than disassemble and reassemble a mount. Thanks!

[bep35]

I would agree with all of the above. Go for the 22" and you won't end up wishing later you had gone big. There will inevitably come a time when you want more capacity.

Learn to cook using vent controls and different techniques so you understand how it impacts the final product. Once you figure it out you may find the WSM to be much more stable than you could have imagined. Good luck and most of all, have fun!

[Porkies]

Okay! I think I'm ready to open the wallet and get myself a 22" WSM and the hanger thing for ribs. It seems everyone pretty much agrees that hanging ribs is a good thing.
I have my ThermoWorks Smoke ambient probe and meat probe which should keep me from completely making a cook inedible.

I can make my order and then start worrying about which charcoal to buy

Thanks to everyone who responded here, and those in the Bronco vs PBC thread. Your willingness to jump in and help is greatly appreciated, along with the jedi mind-control tricks!
Who could have guessed I'd end up with a WSM?!?

[Andrrr]

Best of luck and we can’t wait for pics.

[RobertC]

How often do you have large parties? If not often, get the 18" and make friends with someone nearby who has another smoker. Then, on the rare (?) occasions when you need more capacity, borrow that -- and loan yours out when your friend needs more capacity.

[Porkies]

Ordered and will be delivered Monday. The hunsaker rib hanger will be sometime mid/late next week.

Now I will have a beer, breathe and relax until it arrives!

[TNPIGBBQ]

The Fireboard & fan are sweet but you should really get to know your grill inside and out before you start using the fan and it can't magically make your cooker bigger.

While you're having fun and getting to know the grill that'll give you some time to save up for the thermostatic setup and decide whether you even need it. (you do bye the way, it's awesome.)

Enjoy your new smoker!

[Steve B]

22 and the SnS and you’re good to go.
Other cookers will fall into place after that.

[au4stree]

Go with advice above. I’ve never wished I had bought a smaller cooker.

[fzxdoc]

Congrats on placing the order for the 22" Weber Smokey Mountain. You're going to have a great time learning to use it and eating all the delicious food that will come out of it.

Keep us posted with your first cook. It's always fun to see a new BBQ toy's maiden voyage.

Kathryn

[Porkies]

Andrrr fzxdoc and everyone. When I first joined AR, I bought the electric smoker but fell of the edge of a cliff named 'career and home improvement'. I will certainly get some pics during use of the wsm. I will have to make a comparison study of cooking butts, or something, in both at the same time.

[Troutman]

The 22" is a great choice padawan. Here are the extras you may want to consider;

ASAP List

Fireboard/Cable/Pit Viper Fan
Hinge for your lid (you will understand once you have to wrestle with that a few times!)
Wheels for the legs (a DYI project)
A gasket kit for the lid

Short List Options

Cajun Bandit Smoker Door - buy it here
Handle for the side to move around (a DYI project)

Totally Optional

Some of the Hunsaker vortex products - buy them here

Welcome to the Weber WSM family. Your chariot awaits

[Porkies]

Obi-Wan Troutman -
The wheels should be easy enough. I've put casters on a few items over the years. I'll do that or put together a small cart for it.
If I go ahead and build a small cart, I am thinking of a hanging post for the lid. Do you think that would work? The post could also resolve the side handle?
The gasket kit I'm assuming is for fuel conservation?

The rest will come along later, perhaps once I am ready for The Trials.

[Troutman]

Not sure a hanging post would work or not, would have to experiment. The hinge isn't that expensive, I'd go with that if it were me.

The gasket is for around the fuel door and the top of the smoker's edge under the lid. Both areas leak smoke (and heat) so sealing is a cheap and easy way to control your burn and get the most out of your smoke. Having said that if you buy the Cajun Bandit door, they do a much better job of sealing off the door area.