??'s about the WSM 18.5

earthling30 · 01-11-2013, 01:15 AM

For those of you that have one, how do you like it? Is it easy to control the temp? Is the temp gage accurate? How does it compare to a well used UDS?

The reason for the questions is my employer is giving me a 15 years service gift and the WSM 18.5 is one of the many choices and the only one that involves BBQ. After all it's a Weber which I know the quality of the production will be great. I have a UDS which I'm very happy with, so I'm kind of considering getting one to add to the family, just wanted to get your input and thoughts on it before moving forward with this.

jazzybadger · 01-11-2013, 01:26 AM

I have a 22" WSM. I can honestly say I love it. It's pretty freaking close to a UDS in a lot of ways, but you won't ever regret having one. Not ever, and if it's free, all the better. It is ridiculously easy to control the temp in those things. It's a very set it and forget it kind of smoker. The 22" is a bit of a fuel hog, but I always have some leftover for the next cook. Fill the ring up, and it's good to go for the duration of any cook I've ever thrown at it, and it's been a lot.

Unless there's something else you REALLY want on that list, I cannot recommend that sucker enough. You'll never go "Man, that thing was a total waste of an anniversary gift."

J'ville Grill · 01-11-2013, 02:14 AM

It's super easy to cono the temp on a 18.5 WSM. And my temp gauge actually is accurate, although I like to use a probe thermometer at grate level.

You've got a chance to get one free there's nothing to think about, mine cost me $300.

Harbormaster · 01-11-2013, 03:10 AM

I hoard 18.5" WSMs.

'Nuff said..

Seriously, they are great cookers and very easy to control. I do not have one with the factory thermo, so I can't speak to how well they work, but guys have posted on here that they can be 30 degrees off either way.

Better get the freebie while you can!

fedex · 01-11-2013, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by earthling30

For those of you that have one, how do you like it? Is it easy to control the temp? Is the temp gage accurate? How does it compare to a well used UDS?

The reason for the questions is my employer is giving me a 15 years service gift and the WSM 18.5 is one of the many choices and the only one that involves BBQ. After all it's a Weber which I know the quality of the production will be great. I have a UDS which I'm very happy with, so I'm kind of considering getting one to add to the family, just wanted to get your input and thoughts on it before moving forward with this.

WOW! My choices were a set of binoculors or a watch. A couple weeks ago I thought about selling My 18" be cause of lack of use (UDS and a couple Kettles) I was convinced on this forum not to. Glad I kept it. It's FREE get it. Just wondering, What else could you choose from? A WSM is an awesome gift.

swamprb · 01-11-2013, 03:42 AM

Dayum! I got a freaking 6"x6" piece of etched glass thanking me for 25 years of service to _____ County. Wanna trade for that 18" WSM?

Get it while you can! (the WSM that is, you will love it!)

Bluebird · 01-11-2013, 05:44 AM

I love my 18.5" WSM, no problem controlling the temperature. I find my thermometer reads a little cooler than the grate temperature but that's really no problem for me. Just pick the smoker!

fantomlord · 01-11-2013, 05:44 AM

you'll love it...set it and forget it. Mine holds temp for hours without budging.

Tim Campbell · 01-11-2013, 05:45 AM

Get it if you don't have a smoker. If there is a TV on the list, that may be the only other choice I would go with

volfan411 · 01-11-2013, 05:50 AM

I have one and love it.

JonM106 · 01-11-2013, 05:53 AM

Love mine. Easy to control temps, and it holds enough coals that I've done 19-hour cooks on one load of coals.

grilling24x7 · 01-11-2013, 06:19 AM

It's a great smoker. My only complaint is that you can't lay many racks of ribs flat because of size. You also can't cook any big packer briskets. But I cooked 25 lbs of pork butts and brisket flats for my daughters bday party and it was great.

Size is the only reason I'm now building a UDS!

John

Icekub · 01-11-2013, 06:20 AM

You asked how it would compare to a well seasoned UDS. My answer to that would be that it holds a bit steadier temp and isn't quite as wind sensitive. Very comparable but btw the 2, I like the WSM more.

JP7794 · 01-11-2013, 06:30 AM

Have one and would get another in a second.

"You don't win friends with salad!" - Homer Simpson

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

PatAttack · 01-11-2013, 07:15 AM

I love mine! Very easy to control temps and one load of fuel will run 10-12 hours @ 275 for me. The thermometer on mine isn't very accurate. Seems to be between 20-25 degrees off according to the Maverick. I'd have another one in a second!

01-11-2013, 01:15 AM	#1
earthling30 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 05-17-09 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	??'s about the WSM 18.5 For those of you that have one, how do you like it? Is it easy to control the temp? Is the temp gage accurate? How does it compare to a well used UDS? The reason for the questions is my employer is giving me a 15 years service gift and the WSM 18.5 is one of the many choices and the only one that involves BBQ. After all it's a Weber which I know the quality of the production will be great. I have a UDS which I'm very happy with, so I'm kind of considering getting one to add to the family, just wanted to get your input and thoughts on it before moving forward with this. __________________ UDS, Chargriller Pro, back yard with friends and family.

01-11-2013, 01:26 AM	#2
jazzybadger Babbling Farker Join Date: 04-12-10 Location: Jazzy Gerbil Land. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I have a 22" WSM. I can honestly say I love it. It's pretty freaking close to a UDS in a lot of ways, but you won't ever regret having one. Not ever, and if it's free, all the better. It is ridiculously easy to control the temp in those things. It's a very set it and forget it kind of smoker. The 22" is a bit of a fuel hog, but I always have some leftover for the next cook. Fill the ring up, and it's good to go for the duration of any cook I've ever thrown at it, and it's been a lot. Unless there's something else you REALLY want on that list, I cannot recommend that sucker enough. You'll never go "Man, that thing was a total waste of an anniversary gift." __________________ The Life of the Knife is Ended By! The Wife.

01-11-2013, 02:14 AM	#3
J'ville Grill is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 11-18-10 Location: Jacksonville, Fl. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	It's super easy to cono the temp on a 18.5 WSM. And my temp gauge actually is accurate, although I like to use a probe thermometer at grate level. You've got a chance to get one free there's nothing to think about, mine cost me $300. __________________ Rick 18.5" Weber Smokey Mountain 22.5" Weber OTG with Cajun Bandit Conversion Kit Char-Griller Akorn with side cart 1999 Weber Master-Touch - bent but not broken 14.5" Weber Smokey Joe Silver

01-11-2013, 03:10 AM	#4
Harbormaster Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 07-14-06 Location: Wyocena, WI Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I hoard 18.5" WSMs. 'Nuff said.. Seriously, they are great cookers and very easy to control. I do not have one with the factory thermo, so I can't speak to how well they work, but guys have posted on here that they can be 30 degrees off either way. Better get the freebie while you can! __________________ Clark My Boys: Joseph (EI); Andrew (EE); Daniel (EE) My Toys: 10 WSMs (B, C, DH, DA, EZ, DZ, EO, DU, DR, EE/DU mutt); Brinkman Cimmaron; Chuckwagon Cooker; 22.5" OTG (DT); Two 22.5" Bar-B-Kettles; One 18.5" Bar-B-Kettle; Smokey Joes (A, K); Genesis Silver C (DU); 3 WGAs (EZ, DE, N); 3 SJPs (DT, DU, DR). "For when democracy becomes tyranny, those of us with rifles still get to vote"

01-11-2013, 03:42 AM	#6
swamprb somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 10-27-06 Location: Bothell WA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Dayum! I got a freaking 6"x6" piece of etched glass thanking me for 25 years of service to _____ County. Wanna trade for that 18" WSM? Get it while you can! (the WSM that is, you will love it!) __________________ Brian - Left Hand Smoke BBQ PNWBA 2010 Team of the Year BGE's/WSM's/BWS Gater/BDS Clones/Weber Performer w EZ-Que/Cajun Bandit/Rib-O-Lator Test Pilot/La Caja China/BBQ Guru/Weber 1000 RK Drum Coffee Roaster Follow Left Hand Smoke on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/pages/Left-H...462391?sk=wall KCBS CBJ/PNWBA CBJ www.pnwba.com

01-11-2013, 05:44 AM	#7
Bluebird Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 07-11-12 Location: Floyd Va Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I love my 18.5" WSM, no problem controlling the temperature. I find my thermometer reads a little cooler than the grate temperature but that's really no problem for me. Just pick the smoker! __________________ Weber 18.5"OTS, Weber SS Performer, 18.5" WSM, Chargriller Akorn & Weber Genesis.

01-11-2013, 05:44 AM	#8
fantomlord Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 09-24-12 Location: Sauk City, WI Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	you'll love it...set it and forget it. Mine holds temp for hours without budging. __________________ Matt...Sauk City, WI...WSM 18.5" (DZ)...WGA (A)...22.5" OTS (AD)

01-11-2013, 05:45 AM	#9
Tim Campbell On the road to being a farker Join Date: 08-12-12 Location: Bristol, CT Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Get it if you don't have a smoker. If there is a TV on the list, that may be the only other choice I would go with __________________ WSM 22.5", Little Chief, Weber Spirit 300

01-11-2013, 05:50 AM	#10
volfan411 On the road to being a farker Join Date: 05-01-12 Location: Knoxville tn Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I have one and love it. __________________ OK Joe OS, WSM 18.5, OTS 22.5, BBQ Guru Digi 2, Vols Orange Thermapen

01-11-2013, 05:53 AM	#11
JonM106 Got Wood. Join Date: 09-24-12 Location: Milwaukee Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Love mine. Easy to control temps, and it holds enough coals that I've done 19-hour cooks on one load of coals.

01-11-2013, 06:19 AM	#12
grilling24x7 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 05-17-11 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	It's a great smoker. My only complaint is that you can't lay many racks of ribs flat because of size. You also can't cook any big packer briskets. But I cooked 25 lbs of pork butts and brisket flats for my daughters bday party and it was great. Size is the only reason I'm now building a UDS! John __________________ Weber Performer 18.5" WSM UDS build: http://grilling24x7.com/UDS1.shtml http://www.grilling24x7.com

01-11-2013, 06:20 AM	#13
Icekub Got Wood. Join Date: 06-12-12 Location: Cincinnati, OH Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	You asked how it would compare to a well seasoned UDS. My answer to that would be that it holds a bit steadier temp and isn't quite as wind sensitive. Very comparable but btw the 2, I like the WSM more.

01-11-2013, 06:30 AM	#14
JP7794 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 04-13-12 Location: KANSAS CITY MISSOURI Downloads: 2 Uploads: 1	Have one and would get another in a second. "You don't win friends with salad!" - Homer Simpson Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ "You don't win friends with salad" - Homer Simpson Jim - KCBS CBJ 18.5" WSM - Packer Green Thermapen - Auber PID Temperature Controller - Mini WSM GO PACK GO!

01-11-2013, 07:15 AM	#15
PatAttack is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 07-19-11 Location: Mt. Pleasant S.C. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I love mine! Very easy to control temps and one load of fuel will run 10-12 hours @ 275 for me. The thermometer on mine isn't very accurate. Seems to be between 20-25 degrees off according to the Maverick. I'd have another one in a second! __________________ 18.5" WSM Weber SJS Maverick ET-732 Stealthy Fast Black Thermapen "You have never lived until you have almost died". "For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know".-Unknown Vietnam Soldier