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Weber Smokey Mountain 18 or 22

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    Weber Smokey Mountain 18 or 22

    Greetings Gang,

    So I have finally convinced myself to go with a WSM, with some of the upgrades. Seems to be the best bang for the buck.

    Can I get comments on which size to get?

    I would like to do a full brisket, will the 18 typically handle one? Considering the typical variety of sizes briskets are available to purchase.

    I do not "plan" on doing a lot of pieces at once. Either brisket, or beef ribs, or turkey one at a time.. I think a 18 will do it, but wanted to get input from you guys that have done it.

    Thank you very much!
    Bill

    #2
    I've done briskys up to 14#, pre trim...I have 2 18.5"s, did have three...one got reassigned, to help out a brother...

    Also, I've never looked back, in hindsight, an wished that I'd gotten a smaller cooker...
    Last edited by Mr. Bones; June 15, 2020, 12:41 AM.

    Comment


    • hillbilly
      hillbilly commented
      Editing a comment
      Thanks Mr.B!
      So you are saying that you would rather have a 14" WSM?

    • Mr. Bones
      Mr. Bones commented
      Editing a comment
      Nope, no desire fer a 14" WSM hillbilly

    #3
    As Mr. Bones said "I've never looked back , in hindsight an wished that i'd gotten a smaller cooker." I also would go for the 22. It can handle a larger turkey. My Weber 22 Kettle lets me do an 18lb turkey. I have had briskets that are close to or over 18", the same with pork ribs.

    So don't short yourself and get the larger WSM....

    Comment


    • hillbilly
      hillbilly commented
      Editing a comment
      Thanks for the input!
      You wish you got a smaller cooker, what do you mean? But you are selling me on the 22.
      You and Mr Bones are wishing for smaller cookers. What gives there fellas?

    • mountainsmoker
      mountainsmoker commented
      Editing a comment
      Nope you have misread me. You will never be sorry with the larger kettle. Get the 18"

    #4
    I have a 22" WSM and I love it. I don't have to worry about what size brisket or turkey to get. I recommend the 22. Just my 2 cents before taxes.

    Comment


    • hillbilly
      hillbilly commented
      Editing a comment
      Thanks cccq!

    • Rfhd69
      Rfhd69 commented
      Editing a comment
      I agree. The extra space in the 22” is well worth it.

    #5
    I have done an 18# brisket on my 18.5. You kind of have to make it bow up in the middle but as it cooks and shrinks it will settle on the rack.

    I agree with bigger is better to a point. Bigger is also more fuel and more weight to lug around if you are moving it.

    Whatever size you choose the WSM is a very good cooker.

    Comment


    • hillbilly
      hillbilly commented
      Editing a comment
      Thank you.
      Won't be moving it,, much. The more fuel for smaller items cooking was a concern, if even warranted.

    #6
    Go big hillbilly. If you get the smaller one, you will ALWAYS look over your shoulder and think on why you didn't get the bigger one. You may never need it , but if you get into this, it's addicting , and there may be a point where you want to max out a cook, and you'll be glad you had the extra size. My 2 cents bro --- they both will produce a quality cook.

    Comment


      #7
      I have an 18 and am happy, but there is so much more I could do with the 22. Yes, I've cooked a full packer brisket on my 18, but the sides always get a little too burnt for my taste, because they're so close to the edge. Yes, there are ways around this by putting a piece of wood under the middle of the brisket, but the brisket will still be close to the edges. Plus, if you're ever looking to buy some add-ons, I believe you'll find many more options for the 22 in. Could be that more people have the 22, so more add-ons are available for it. Either way, you're going to love it!

      Comment


        #8
        Thanks To Everyone!

        Comment


          #9
          Here is my go at a brisket crown, came out really good. The kettle leaks like crazy, I think best way to improve the cook is upgrade the cooker.
          Attached Files

          Comment


            #10
            Not WSM, but kamado. I have a LBGE, which is 18”. Although it is fine for a lot of things, it is small for briskets and racks of full spares. I would have liked a XLBGE.

            Comment


              #11
              Get the 22", you will not regret it.

              Comment


                #12
                A 22" will also handle 3 racks if ribs blasphemy style.

                ​I'm just saying......

                Comment


                  #13
                  Did a 15 lb packer on the 18 yesterday. Worked out great. I don’t like burning through fuel unnecessarily. 18 works great for me. Also have a jumbo joe with a 10” extension to do smaller smokes to be efficient. That’s just me. Either way U’ll love the easy of use once u dial it in.
                  Attached Files

                  Comment


                    #14
                    Another vote for the 18" for the footprint, price, and fuel economy. BTW, you can use a little Cajun ingenuity and stretch the inside of your 18" WSM to fit a full size brisket.


                    Comment


                    • Razor
                      Razor commented
                      Editing a comment
                      That’s a lot of work! I just put a chunk of wood underneath to arch it up some. Works every time.

                    • Beefchop
                      Beefchop commented
                      Editing a comment
                      Razor I thought it was a cool idea! Honestly, it doesn't look like to much work to me, but I confess... I do the same as you, except I use a cheap rib rack instead of a chunk of wood because it allows air to circulate under the bottom of the brisket.

                    • Razor
                      Razor commented
                      Editing a comment
                      Beefchop That’s a great idea. I’m going to try. Only problem is I have a Weber rack, nothing they make is cheap. 🤣

                    #15
                    I have a 22 and love it. If you go with it you will always have the space you need.

                    Comment

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