Lew Newby
R.I.P. 1/26/2024
A lot of folks ask about the attributes of the different size WSM so I thought maybe they would like to read our members thoughts on one thread.
My new WSM is the baby. I have the 14.5 to cook for me and my wife which is most of my cooks. I like the light weight, I can clean the components in the sink, the small amount of charcoal it burns, and storage is easy. Ribs need to be cut in half and only 1 pork butt fits on the cooking grate. Mine gunked up fast so I didn't have to do anything to seal it better. My 14.5 is flat out fun.
My first WSM was the 18.5 because i didn't think I needed the "new" 22.5 and it cost $100 less. The 18.5 replaced an El Cheapo Brinkman (ECB) and suddenly BBQ was a lot less hassle. St. Louis cut ribs fit on the cooking grate or I could crowd three 8 lb. port butts on each cooking grate if I stood them on end and skewered them together for support. Capacity was great, charcoal consumption was good, and temp control was easy. I could wash the water pan in the sink. Mine was tight when I got it and it gunked up quickly so air leakage was never a problem. It went to my daughter when my son offered me his 22.5 but I would take it back if she decided she doesn't want it.
The 22.5 works great when I'm cooking for a big crowd but that's not often. When my son offered it I accepted. To be honest I knew I didn't "need" the extra capacity but I wanted the big cooker. It was a totally unreasonable decision but I don't regret it. The 22.5 is heavy for a 76 year old man but it's doable. The 22.5 burns a lot of charcoal but I don't care. My 22.5 leaked a lot of air but gaskets solved that problem. The 22.5 parts get cleaned in the garage deep sink and that's not as convenient as the kitchen sink especially when it's hot outside (most of the year). About 10 times a year I cook for 15 to 18 people and with the 22.5 that's easy even if I'm doing boneless skinless chicken parts.
If I could only have one (for my situation) I would have the 18.5" WSM. Fortunately, my bride of 53 years likes BBQ.
That's my thought on this and I hope a lot of you toss in your thoughts and experiences. Merry Christmas!!!!
My new WSM is the baby. I have the 14.5 to cook for me and my wife which is most of my cooks. I like the light weight, I can clean the components in the sink, the small amount of charcoal it burns, and storage is easy. Ribs need to be cut in half and only 1 pork butt fits on the cooking grate. Mine gunked up fast so I didn't have to do anything to seal it better. My 14.5 is flat out fun.
My first WSM was the 18.5 because i didn't think I needed the "new" 22.5 and it cost $100 less. The 18.5 replaced an El Cheapo Brinkman (ECB) and suddenly BBQ was a lot less hassle. St. Louis cut ribs fit on the cooking grate or I could crowd three 8 lb. port butts on each cooking grate if I stood them on end and skewered them together for support. Capacity was great, charcoal consumption was good, and temp control was easy. I could wash the water pan in the sink. Mine was tight when I got it and it gunked up quickly so air leakage was never a problem. It went to my daughter when my son offered me his 22.5 but I would take it back if she decided she doesn't want it.
The 22.5 works great when I'm cooking for a big crowd but that's not often. When my son offered it I accepted. To be honest I knew I didn't "need" the extra capacity but I wanted the big cooker. It was a totally unreasonable decision but I don't regret it. The 22.5 is heavy for a 76 year old man but it's doable. The 22.5 burns a lot of charcoal but I don't care. My 22.5 leaked a lot of air but gaskets solved that problem. The 22.5 parts get cleaned in the garage deep sink and that's not as convenient as the kitchen sink especially when it's hot outside (most of the year). About 10 times a year I cook for 15 to 18 people and with the 22.5 that's easy even if I'm doing boneless skinless chicken parts.
If I could only have one (for my situation) I would have the 18.5" WSM. Fortunately, my bride of 53 years likes BBQ.
That's my thought on this and I hope a lot of you toss in your thoughts and experiences. Merry Christmas!!!!