Recent content by Joe Tucker

Thanks to everyone who responded. After struggling most of the day, I finally pulled out the water pan, emptied it and put it back in. The temp then hovered in the 240s and the butts turned out great. Thanks again.

I've done the best I could to sheild it from wind. One vent is exposed but the wind isn't blowing from that direction. It has crept up to 205. I'm using a Maverick Et-73 to monitor both smoker and meat temp. I'll crack the door and see why happens. What happens if I can't get it above 205...

Thanks for the reply Larry. The vents are open. Have been for an hour. I'm 5 hours in. Meat temp is 165. Still no progress. Don't have a clue. Also - sorry for choppy replies. Writing from iPhone.

Help - I can't get my 18.5 to temp. I'm using Minion to the letter with Kingsford blue bag. Weather is rainy and damp - about 55 degrees. Roughly 30 lbs of butts. Water pan about 80% full. Added a chimney full of hot coals 30 minutes ago and temp went to 207 and now is back down to 195...

Anyone done this using the existing hole?

I ended up getting one of the newer ones. This thing is sweet!

My new 18.5 arrived yesterday afternoon from Amazon. I haven't opened it up yet but I'm looking forward to Mr. Brown this weekend. Thanks to everyone for chiming in. I'm really happy with the choice I made and as I said earlier, I used the difference in price to buy a new Thermapen.

I'm originally from Central Florida but now live in the greater Nashville, TN area. Don't know anyone from Topeka though.

Going to order a Thermapen as soon as I get an answer to this question. Anybody have the new "Splash-Proof" version? Is it worth the extra $20 or so? I think it's $96 for the new splash proof and $74 for the version that most folks seem to have on here? Thoughts anyone?

Okay. I've made my decision. Thanks to everyone who responded. I'm going to go with the 18 and use the difference in price to buy a Thermapen and a few other accessories. If I ever need more space I'll just buy another 18. The difference in temp sustainability and fuel consumption, along...

Joe and Trev - what difference is there in the fuel needs? Is there enough of a difference to make it a factor in my decision?

Thanks Larry for the great pics. Looks like the 18 will be plenty. I'm curious though Trev, would you mind elaborating on your 22? What made you decide to switch? Why do you regret selling the 18?

I am planning on ordering my WSM sometime this week but am really struggling deciding between the two sizes. I am not totally new to low and slow cooking. I have been using a New Braunfels Bandera for the past year or so with great success. I'm making a change to the WSM because the cost of...