Smaller ring on WSM for smaller cooks?
 

Do you think making a smaller ring fora 22" WSM would be beneficial for smaller cooks? I was thinking I could pack in the lump easier.

I just found another thread on this. Should have searched! Broke the cardinal rule!

I've been using an 18 1/2" ring in my 22 1/2" WSM.
For short cooks, at a lower temperature, with a small quantity of food, it saves a little fuel.
Otherwise I'm not sure there is any real advantage over the full size ring.

Bob

I've thought of this as well, in my case for my Egg's. It should work for the WSM as well, just get a sheet of expanded metal, roll it and bolt it into the shape of a circle. I think it should be easy. Kinda' like the fire box that we make for the UDS.

i also use my 18" ring in my 22" WSM. its great for ribs cooks or chicken. alot less fuel being used. works good.

I tried it with my 18" ring and it did not work for me. But that's because I use a Guru, I removed the smaller ring and everything worked fine and I used less coal because I loaded it with less to begin with.

It is easy and they work great.... I built this one for my Egg, it's diameter is closer to the charcoal grate. It;s just a ring only. It wasn't quite right for my Smokey Joe Tallboy (mini WSM)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3.../DSC02270a.jpg


So I made a second one for it...the ring is bolted together like the one above, and then wired to the round expando bottom. I bet one like this for a full size WSM would work fine too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...DSC02378aa.jpg

Third eye, what is the diameter of yours?

Here is the one I made. Works great.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=102347

The small one is 6-1/4" and the other one is 9-1/2".

Here are just a couple that I use in my 22"WSM and Weber/Cajun Bandit/Performer

Stainless steel perf.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_4579.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_4581.jpg

Holds equivalent amount as the 18"WSM ring
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_4583.jpg

This is one is even smaller-great for 4-6 hour cooks
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_4578.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_1650.jpg

An expando ring
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...IMG_1628_1.jpg

An 11" ring from a steel container
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_1302.jpg

An expando ring on a SJS charcoal grate.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_0465.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_0462.jpg

6"x6" perf steel cube basket in a 15 gallon Mini UDS
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_0387.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/IMG_0411.jpg

Go for it!

Brian, that is a good assortment of WSM options. I'll be forwarding those to my buddy at work that has a WSM on order. He is so stoked he can hardly stand it. I'm giving him an assortment of rubs and a variety pack of different woods.

I suggested he set it up at the shop for a few days at least, so we can do fatties, pork loins, sausages, chicken pieces and the like. In 3 or 4 cooks I figure he will be able to learn fire management, show off a little, and at the same time build up his confidence by getting some compliments on the food. It will be a win-win situation. Then he can take it home to sell the Mrs. on his new hobby. Heheheee.

I rarely do any long cooks with my 22" WSM's or Cajun Bandit, so I don't see the need to use the stock rings. I use them primarily for comps, and when the heavy meats are resting, I just empty out what little ash is left and start a fresh fire for ribs and chicken.

I do have a Cajun Bandit Stainless Steel High Airflow charcoal ring that will hold a full 21.6lb bag of Kingsford and if he's thinking of doing a heavy loaded big bullet low n slow, it might be something to consider, as an addition.