Kevin T. Schmidt
New member
After determining that my standard Weber Thermometer was at least 10 degrees off after the boiling water test I decided to go with the River Country 2" thermometer for my WSM 18.5. If you don't have one yet get yourself a Unibit from your local hardware store.These bits make it super easy to drill larger holes as the hole gets progressively larger as you drill. Pay attention to your drill size as you progress. I live in Wisconsin, so I went to my local Menard's. I went with the Irwin #1 bit ($17) don't bother with spending double your money for the Cobalt bit, the regular one will be fine. The Irwin #1 goes up to 1/2" for drilling which is recommended for the hole you need to drill in the WSM hood. Find a bit that goes slightly larger than 1/2" for the drill hole and go slightly past 1/2" when completing the drill. The River Country thermometer did not go in after I drilled the recommended hole site, I had to get my dremel out w/stone grinder to enlarge the hole ever so slightly. My modification went better than planned. I also drilled a 1/2" size hole through the Weber thermometer holder bracket to give it a better look. I have pictures but I can't figure out how to attach them here. I will do so after I figure that out.