Use performer Base for WSM

[Adam W]

So I got a performer on CL super cheap and am planning on making a cart for my 22 WSM from it.

Before I rip it apart, I was wondering how many people have used the performer base for smoking on thier WSM, my concern is I use a stoker and get really good efficiency, I dont want any extra fresh air draw. I know I would have to modify the starter to not draw external air, but other than that, how tight are the ash seals? etc...

thanks!
Adam

 

[Brian Moriarty]

I'm using a Cajun Bandit kettle conversion on my Performer. Not the WSM, but the same concept.

Although I don't have it set up for an ATC (yet) I would try to seal the vents under the ash sweeps.
One advantage I've got is an ash pan from a Sears/Weber Economy kettle, that seems to give me better control on low n slow cooks using the Cajun Bandit.

Not sure which Performer you plan to use for the cart, and I've never really paid too much attention to the new P, but If I felt there was still to much draw from the charcoal starter, I'd likely just slip a length of pipe over the burner tube.

I'm 6'2" and it is just the right height for me, but if you plan to use a rotisserie with the WSM/Cajun Bandit, take that into account too.

Keep us posted!

 

[Adam W]

hmm, you've given me an idea... I have a newer style P with the plastic top..

maybe I can use the gas starter as an air feed, make a fan adapter for it, after starting the WSM with the gas line, I can pull gas line and jet off (only held with a C pin) then put the Fan on adapter on ...Could be awesone!!

No need to use the P base though, cause once the ash vents are sealed it would basically be a WSM base anyway, better to just drill the WSM base...

thoughts? Am I crazy here?