Question about the Enamel in the bottom of the WSM

[JohnMcD348]

OK, question time. I was just out cleaning up my WSM after it's inaugural cook yesterday. I noticed in the bottom bowl that it looked as if the enamel had come off in a few places. Not just little spots here and there but a pretty large area on one side that looks like metal. THe area wasn't like that before the cook, I looked eveerything over very well and made sure everything fit just right.

Is this common since it was exposed to the burning coals for so long and it's nothing to worry about? The rest of the unit looks fine. The barrel and dome have what's starting to look like a real nice coating of smoke n oils. The defect only appears to be on the bottom bowl.

 

[HoDeDo]

I don't have a WSM - but I can tell you on other enameled surfaces, when I have had coals going in them, become pitted. Not sure if it is solely the heat......or other factors also (i.e. curved surface vs. flat surface, or amount of air circ. , etc)

 

[Ron_L]

That doesn't sound normal to me. I've only had my WSM for about 10 month, but it doesn't show anything like that. I also have a 30 year old weber kettle and the bottom of the kettle looks fine. The WSM is new, right? You might want to check with Weber. Take pictures.

 

[1044]

Shouldn't happen. Both of mine are a couple of years old and I have no damage in there.

 

[Kirk]

Mine's only a year old, but I haven't seen anything like that. Definately contact Weber.

 

[rookiedad]

this might be a silly question, but did you have the charcoal grate and ring in the bowl? you say the bowl was exposed to the burning coals but actually the bowl gets mostly ash while most of the coals stay on the grate. if its a factory defect, weber will probably take care of it for you.
phil

 

[JohnMcD348]

I had the ring in. I was using basically the minion method. It kinda looks like some og the grease from the brisket dripped down the side and settled(burned) there. The rest of the smoker is fine. The barrel section didn't have anything like that on it but it just looks like something splashed or cooked onto it and it took off the enamel. I didn't have to refill the pan except for when I put the Butt on after I took off the brisket. I used the garden hose and made certain nothing splashed over when I refilled it.

 

[BBQchef33]

i have 2 WSM's, use them ALOT and have nothing like what you described. When cleaned, they look like new.

Definately Call weber, they will most likely send u a new bottom no questions asked.

 

[FatDad]

My question is ..Do you use a chimney starter?

If you put charcoal in and put fluid on it and start it.

That might be your problem.

Don't know just a thought.

 

[CarbonToe]

If you're using the grate under the coals you shouldn't have this issue, I've read (on the web) issues other people have had with pealing but the Muppets were throwing hot coals directly into the bottom of the bullet.

The other cause of pealing is either high pressure washers to clean the WSM and being over zelous or cooling the cooker using cold water when it's hot.

You need to seek the Weber customer services team for a replacement bottom section. I've heard great things about thier customer services so your greif shouldnt be prolonged.

 

[BBQchef33]

My question is ..Do you use a chimney starter?

If you put charcoal in and put fluid on it and start it.

That might be your problem.

Don't know just a thought.

NO.. SAY NO!!!!!

 

[CharlieBeasley]

I wondered if Fatdad was being cruel or what "If you put charcoal in and put fluid on it and start it." I agree with Phill please say noooooo GRiN

 

[FatDad]

I wondered if Fatdad was being cruel or what "If you put charcoal in and put fluid on it and start it." I agree with Phill please say noooooo GRiN

Sorry about that .....I keep thinking about the NEW Kingsford commercial.
Things like that just couldn't happen in real life.

 

[JohnMcD348]

My question is ..Do you use a chimney starter?

If you put charcoal in and put fluid on it and start it.

That might be your problem.

Don't know just a thought.

Now that's just wrong.......I use a Chimney and use Denautred Alcohol in a small homemade burner under it. (thanks for the idea Tim).

I think my feelings are hurt.

No!.....wait a minute................


I'll get over it.


The indians did

 

[rookiedad]

while were on the topic of starting chimneys i would like to tell you about a tip that Mista tossed out a while back that has worked really well. he said to put some vegetable oil on the lighting paper. i can now start my chimney with one paper towel! give this a shot and thanks again Mista!
phil