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View Full Version : WSM owners, a little help please


cheez
03-21-2015, 10:17 AM
I was lucky enough to finally rescue a 22.5" WSM from Craigslist:

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad57/Cheez62/Mobile%20Uploads/d15600c8-7fd7-4ef0-878e-f6c55e34f8db_zpsawenw1sn.jpg (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/Cheez62/media/Mobile%20Uploads/d15600c8-7fd7-4ef0-878e-f6c55e34f8db_zpsawenw1sn.jpg.html)

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad57/Cheez62/Mobile%20Uploads/e6750e99-892a-4ee5-8f36-cf8da2255015_zpsuyiyiuma.jpg (http://s921.photobucket.com/user/Cheez62/media/Mobile%20Uploads/e6750e99-892a-4ee5-8f36-cf8da2255015_zpsuyiyiuma.jpg.html)

The good news is that it's like new and I got it for $150, the bad news is that the guy lost the water pan (how do you do that? :doh:).
So here are my questions - Do I need to bite the bullet and spend another $50 on a water pan from Weber? Is there any sort of substitute that will fit? Do I even need a water pan?
Until now, and in all of my years on this site (since the beginning, and even before), my only "smoker" has been my New Braunfels Bandera. I long ago stopped putting water in that pan, either using it empty, or with sand and foil. All of my other Q'ing has been on my various kettles. My water pan experience is kinda limited :wink:

I'm open to suggestions, so fire 'em at me! Thanks!

STLBBQer
03-21-2015, 10:21 AM
NOPE. Anything heat resistant/proof that is approximately 18.75" OD will work. Some people run theirs empty or use a clay pot.

Fwismoker
03-21-2015, 10:26 AM
I'd find a pizza pan that fits and drill holes in it...it'll improve the flavor and fuel mileage. Easier cleanup as well.

Bob C Cue
03-21-2015, 10:39 AM
I am sure I speak for a lot of Brethren when I say: Build a UDS!

Seriously though, very nice pickup on CL. Happy smoking and be sure to post some pics of your first cook.

Ron_L
03-21-2015, 10:42 AM
You're going to want some sort of heat diverter and it might just be easier to order the water pan. that way you know it fits and if you want to use water at some point you are all set.

Meatguyver
03-21-2015, 11:48 AM
Look here for a mod / replacement: http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/. Good luck!

ajstrider
03-21-2015, 04:32 PM
I prefer to have a water pan there that if foil wrapped to catch drippings and act as a heat diverter.

The good news is that I was checking out the Cajun Bandit website the other day for new stuff and they have a 22.5" water pan for $20! There door and stackers are of excellent quality and I wouldn't hesitate to try their water pan.

http://cajunbandit.com/accessories/

Also, excellent find on the smoker!

mrp116
03-21-2015, 04:36 PM
A five gallon water pan?

Dale Nichols
03-21-2015, 07:20 PM
That CB bowl is I think to deep. I agree with Ron and would get one from Weber or Harry Soo uses the heat shield. The heat shield is the aluminum pan that sits on the legs between the bottom of the smoker and wraps it in foil. So no money out of pocket for you and it fits perfect. That way he gets more charcoal in for longer cooks when he needs it. He is also a no water in the pan at all guy. Slap Yo Daddy is what he goes by look him up.

Hopes this helps.

DetTigersFan
03-21-2015, 07:39 PM
Wow nice grab there... Did the guy have any reason for selling it off? It does look brand new lol

PaulstheRibList
03-21-2015, 08:57 PM
Use the water pan. The Cajun bandit sounds like a good, less expensive alternative.

Smokeoholic
03-21-2015, 09:00 PM
a five gallon water pan?


+1...

El Ropo
03-21-2015, 11:05 PM
With good fire management, a water pan isn't a requirement in a WSM. All they do is help to regulate heat in exchange for burning through a lot more fuel. I'd suggest trying a pizza pan for heat deflector, or something similar.

And remember, 225 is not the magic number. If your cooker likes to settle in at 280, just roll with it and adjust cooking times accordingly. Don't try to choke down the fire to get to some magical cooking temp. It doesn't exist.

Wolverine
03-22-2015, 05:11 AM
I would just get the water pan as cheap as you can find it somewhere, YOU GOT A GREAT DEAL,

fantomlord
03-22-2015, 09:16 AM
an actual water pan isn't necessary...just some kind of heat diverter, as Ron said. I never put water in my water pan--it's too messy, and doesn't seem to give any benefit.

Sauce Dog
03-22-2015, 01:41 PM
Nice "rescue". That baby looks immaculate!

IamMadMan
03-22-2015, 03:53 PM
Nice find.....

It seems like the water pan is a personal choice, I prefer to use mine..

cheez
03-22-2015, 09:37 PM
Thanks guys! I'll definitely get something then, quite possibly I'll just order the Weber part. I did get a lucky find, the guy was moving and didn't want to take it with him, I guess. I can't wait to cook on it!

Kaptain Kadian
03-22-2015, 10:29 PM
Academy sells them