The WSM Weber Won't Build


 
J

JRPfeff

TVWBB Guru
I just spotted this new water smoker that includes several features that we've been begging Weber to add to the WSM. It is expandable - you can use it like the 1880 or add ProStacker sections to increase capacity to Magnum proportions. The ProQ BBQ Smoker also includes a thermometer and has handles in the middle sections. It even comes in <span class="ev_code_GREEN">green</span>.

http://www.probbq.co.uk/Animation.gif

The dimensions are slightly smaller than the WSM, 43 cm vs. 47 cm diameter, so the parts are not going to be interchangable. A British firm is marketing this smoker.
 
Yeah, looks mighty fine.
Wonder how it cooks and performs, and how tight it´s gonna be

Buck%20Large%20View.html


I would have wished for a slightly larger diameter than the WSM, though.

Heres the Homepage

http://www.probbq.co.uk/ProQ%20Smokers.html

DM
 
This is an option Weber should have offered. I wonder if Weber puts as much thought into the charcoal grills as they do into the gassers? The Frontier, just judging from the pictures, looks much easier and safer to use.
 
Originally posted by Robert McGinley:
This is an option Weber should have offered. I wonder if Weber puts as much thought into the charcoal grills as they do into the gassers? The Frontier, just judging from the pictures, looks much easier and safer to use.
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The answer has to be no. The WSM design remains virtually unchanged from 25 years ago.

Some competition is a good thing and could shake things up.
 
I like the concept of versatility.

However, they have a link to Brinkmann UK. If it smokes like a ECB, I'll have to pass.

Russell
 
Originally posted by Robert McGinley:
I wonder if Weber puts as much thought into the charcoal grills as they do into the gassers?
I would expect the answer is an unequivocal no. Gas grills are likely to be the growth business and the higher margin business. The WSM seems like a specialty product that does low numbers and even though it has a devoted following, probably doesn't offer them a lot of bottom-line opportunity. Too bad.
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That's a good idea, but just looking at the photo Jim posted I can see one negative issue with the design already.
The vents on the charcoal bowl are awfully low, and on a long cook, I can see potential issues with ash accumulation blocking the vents.
I really do like the idea of being able to add smaller section to expand the capacity. Think about being able to add like an 8" section to your WSM to add a third grate. That would be pretty cool.
 
That is pretty cool Jim. Personally I like the bigger diameter like this one. my baby Getting ready to build another one shortly.

I haven't tried to max out a rib cook on that baby yet but I bet I can get at least 9 slabs on a rack. I can throw on 3 laying flat no cutting or anything.
 
Originally posted by Jeff T Miller:
That is pretty cool Jim. Personally I like the bigger diameter like this one. my baby Getting ready to build another one shortly.

I haven't tried to max out a rib cook on that baby yet but I bet I can get at least 9 slabs on a rack. I can throw on 3 laying flat no cutting or anything.
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I can't argue with that Jeff. I still dream of building a Magnum.

I doubt that Weber will lose much business to the Pro Q, but I hope this gives them an incentive to offer some new WSM options.

Is Redneck BBQ still in business? I've been recommending you on some other message boards.

Jim
 
Jeff- I love the Magnum design and I'm hooked on the drum smokers right now, and I'm wondering if you ever use yours without the water pan?
 
Rumor has it that this - ezque from ezque will be out this summer for WSM's.

If they do it right, besides the rotisserie, you could use it to increase capacity. I'm hoping the lid will fit nicely on top and the bolts on the side will hold another grate.

Russell
 
Originally posted by Eron "Coastie" Stoykovich:
Any idea if that is available in the US and how much 159 RRP is?
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The Frontier lists at 169.99 pounds which equals $333.517 USD not including shipping.
 
Jim, I don't think it will dent weber business either. From the $334 that John converted for us the Weber is a steal at the current $250. Not to mention the people who buy the ECB because the weber price is so stiff. If Weber would come out with a 22.5 diameter and leave all the other dimensions the same I would snag one in a heartbeat.

The Redneck is going to open later this spring. Probobly around May.

Brian, I only have used it with the water pan. I am going to make a piedmont pan conversion for it though. Worst part about that is one sheet of foil won't cover it.
 
Originally posted by Clark "Harbormaster" Hodgson:
That's a good idea, but just looking at the photo Jim posted I can see one negative issue with the design already.
The vents on the charcoal bowl are awfully low, and on a long cook, I can see potential issues with ash accumulation blocking the vents.
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Clark - I learned elsewhere that the photo is of a prototype and the vents will be positioned upwards on the production units.

I also understand that Pro Q pricing will be competitive with the WSM in the US - nothing like the the $300+ that John computed.

Jim
 
Just got an email from Ian at ProQ...

Hi Jim,
Thank you for your enquiry.
We are still looking at how we want to distribute our BBQ's within the
USA. Our 1st thoughts are that we would set up an office in the USA, as
the importer, we would then appoint distributors, giving them exclusive
territories in which to operate, based on their size and experience in
the market.
We hope to achieve a good coverage by the end of 2007.
I hope this has been helpful, but please feel free to email me if I may
be of further assistance.

Kind regards,
Ian McKend

ProBBQ Ltd
2 Clifden Rd, St Austell, Cornwall
PL25 4NU
United Kingdom
Phone +44 (0)1726 76245
Fax +44 (0)1726 76246

BBQ & Smoker Specialists
www.probbq.co.uk
 
I agree, a 22-1/2" WSM would be ideal, and I would prob pay 350 for it. Not being able too put full racks of ribs without rolling them is my only complaint about this thing. Add a therm. and a 3rd grate... sure would be nice.
 
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