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-   -   22.5 WSM on the way. Did I go too big? (https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172869)

jeffturnerjr 10-10-2013 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckelly (Post 2653636)
Better to have and not need vs. need and not have!

Preach!!!

Porcine Perfection 10-10-2013 11:48 PM

I often have to dome my briskets (I love cooking 16 pounders because the flat thickness is consistent) on my 18 but that doesn't seem to make a big difference.

That being said, charcoal is cheap and I wouldn't be complaining one bit if I had the larger one. I just decided to go with a UDS instead.

martyleach 10-10-2013 11:55 PM

No, good choice! That is a very efficient cooker and you will love it.

JazzyBadger 10-11-2013 06:50 AM

I bought a 22" W.S.M. a few years ago, and have zero complaints about my choice.

jamus34 10-11-2013 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron_L (Post 2653612)
You can always buy the charcoal ring for the 18.5" WSM to reduce the amount of charcoal needed for shorter cooks. It's rare to hear some say "I wish I had bought a smaller pit" but you hear "I wish i had a bigger pit" all of the time.

Heck...$2 worth of Home depot bricks and some aluminum foil can do the same thing.

I can say that even for 2 the 22 is the perfect size. Imagine this...you want to do steak and potatoes on the grill for 2...the 22 can not only fit everything but you can set up heat zones too.

EDIT - Oops, I was thinking the OP was talking the kettle not the WSM. Anyway, I have the 22 WSM and it's good. It "can" use a lot of fuel but it's nice to be able to load it up. I'm actually planning to do a full packer, a pork shoulder and probably one other thing on mine this weekend (maybe turkey legs).

charrederhead 10-11-2013 08:24 AM

I've been bitching about not having a 22 instead of the 18 I have because I want to be able to simply lift the top and lay down ribs or a packer w/o having to fuss w/ it.

Last week I bought another 18...so now I have 36" and plenty of room, right? :bow:

(I would gladly trade the two 18s for one 22.)

You made the right choice. :thumb:

Icekub 10-11-2013 09:07 AM

Chalk up another vote for 22! Ask how many 22 owners started out with an 18 and you will find out it's alot. You just skipped a costly step so congrats.

K-Train 10-11-2013 09:08 AM

22.5 is a good call

dano 10-11-2013 09:11 AM

You made the right choice IMO....for the extra couple of bucks it will be worth it!

coastal 10-11-2013 09:24 AM

edit, my bad I thought we were talking kettles. Yes I am wondering if I should get a 22 or 18 for a WSM also. I may start with 18 because I see 2 WSMs in my future anyway and I heard the 18 is easier to manage temp

Texas Turtle 10-11-2013 09:24 AM

"Had an 18" for a year and sold it to upgrade to the 22", you will appreciate it for Whole Packer Briskets (as you said) and the ability to lay out full slabs of ribs without using a rib rack."

Sounds like my experience to a tee. I do wish that I had kept the 18 for smaller cooks, but with six cookers, I was catching some flak about needing two WSMs from the spousal unit. The 22.5 is much more versatile, with room for multiple packers and/or racks of ribs, not to mention a half dozen chickens should the need arise.

donerkebablover 10-11-2013 05:49 PM

Love my 22" WSM
 
I bought my 22" WSM last Nov. and I have no regrets. It's uses a good amount of charcoal but... it's a smoker. I do have to mention that if you plan to use the minion method you might run into some trouble. For whatever reason my 22" gets too hot when I use that method. I switched to the snake method described on amazingribs.com and have had good results ever since.

Thespanishgrill 10-11-2013 06:56 PM

Ok I'm sold on it, I think I'll just get an 18 wsm ring and us it for shorter cooks since I'm not handy with a torch and can make my own =).

Done and Done. Thanks all. PrOn incoming as soon as it arrives.

Smoking Bruin 10-12-2013 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckelly (Post 2653636)
Better to have and not need vs. need and not have!

So true. I wish I bought the 22 instead of the 18.

Stxhunter 10-12-2013 01:22 PM

I was debating the same thing about a month ago. I typically only cook for two to three people, but like to have enough food for leftovers for a few days. I ended up going with the 22.5 after I saw I wouldn't be able to comfortably put a packer on the 18.5. I have yet to smoke a brisket, but have done spare ribs, chicken, and pork butts. I'm definitely glad I went with the 22.5 over the 18.5 as I have used much of the cooking space already! I'm pretty sure had I gone with the 18.5 I would have regretted it in the long run. Buy once cry once!


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