I am about to pull the trigger on a WSM 22.5 from Amazon. I can't think of a reason not to get this over the 18. Any advice outside of **** yeah buy it! Or by the 18 the 22 is to big for small crowds!

Size is the first 'issue' I bring up to those trying to decided 18 or 22.

Go to your local Ace Hardware store and view them side-by-side. The 22 is huge! My first thought when handling a 22 ... gee, this was a lot easier with my 18.

If you've got the room, get the 22.

What Travis said. That's the only advice outside of the typical that I can think of. I went with the 18 because it was the right size for me, but when I saw the 22 a little while ago I was floored by how big the thing is. Like Travis said, If you've got the room, go for it.

Thanks! I have a huge deck so space isn't an issue and probably will never bring it anywhere. I say that now! It will fit nicely with the Performer and the Summit I have. I have 3 hours to pick before overnight shipping is done for the day at Amazon. 3.99 per item rocks!

David - Space wasn't an issue for me either! I love my 22!!! As for transporting, I've taken it on two trips with me thus far. Not as easy, it does take up space but not a big deal, for me anyway.

I am in the same boat. Right now I am leaning towards the 22 because I have dreams of my kids birthday parties, fourth of July's, Summer nights pickin guitar and drinking bbq's with loads of people. Yesterday, I was on the 18 bandwagon for all of the opposite reasons.

I have ordered the 22 and it arrives tomorrow. Cooking by Sunday!

How the heck are you getting it by tomorrow?

Amazon Prime ships next day air for any single item for 3.99 that is in stock at Amazon. It is the best for things like this. Assuming you order it early enough in the day and for this it was 2:30 CST or something like that. I buy alot on Amazon so the prime membership for 79 pays for itself.

Prime shipping is the best thing ever.

quote:

Originally posted by David A M:
Amazon Prime ships next day air for any single item for 3.99 that is in stock at Amazon. It is the best for things like this. Assuming you order it early enough in the day and for this it was 2:30 CST or something like that. I buy alot on Amazon so the prime membership for 79 pays for itself.

+1 big time for Amazon Prime.
Not only is it how I got my WSM, I use Amazon for a huge chunk of my gift shopping, including Christmas, so that $79 is money very well spent.

quote:

Originally posted by David A M:
I am about to pull the trigger on a WSM 22.5 from Amazon. I can't think of a reason not to get this over the 18. Any advice outside of **** yeah buy it! Or by the 18 the 22 is to big for small crowds!

I got the 22 inch over the 18 inch for more smoking room for comps to be honest and to be able to do larger cuts of pork, chicken, beef. First time cook at a comp we got a whole case - 8 buts on the 22 inch wsm . So I figure I will add one or two more plus a 22 1/2 kettle to our line up and we will be done. I have already sold one of my 2- 18 1/2 WSMS and will sell the other soon.

You probably have it by now, but for the record, the 22" uses more fuel, so there are some ongoing costs, but it's not that big of a deal to my mind. I've only used the 22" and it works very nicely so no worries.

wife got the big one for my birthday,so i cannot compare as i have never laid eyes on the 18".Not like i'm an expert,but my first cook was 2 packer briskets,2 pork butts and some sausage thrown in at the end.Fed 20+ folks,with leftovers.You will be glad you went with the larger one-enjoy!