It's been a while

I have the smoker bug again after my last smoker cramping out on me after ten years hard use. I am trying to decide between an used older 22.5 or an used newer 18.5. I used to have a nib 18.5 I won at auction for 100 bucks but the vents froze shut on me. I never remember wanting more space with it I will be cooking for myself most of the time and occasionally small crowds of <10 people. I am planning a cook labor day and would like to do six 8 lb butts on the grill. Could this be accomplished easily on an 18? I've seen people fit 8 8 lb butts on the 22 making me think six on an 18 is possible! I am also wondering if there is a reason to not get the stoker atc? It is what I am leaning towards even though it's a little pricey.

Six 8-pound pork butts will feed a lot more than <10 people!

22.5" WSM will be much larger than you need for most of the time you're cooking. It takes more fuel to operate and has a poorer fitting door than the 18.5" WSM. You should be able to get six butts in an 18.5" WSM, there's a photo of it here: http://virtualweberbullet.com/wsmcapacity.html

I'm not an ATC user, I like to cook the old-fashioned way. But Stoker is very good if you're heading that direction.

For 10 people, one 4oz pulled pork "burger" per person you would want ~5 lb RAW butt. Two "burgers" per person you'd want < 10 lb raw butt.

With sides I would guess you'd only want maybe 7-8 lb raw butt.

This figures on 50% loss during the smoking process.

I agree with Chris. The 18 will give you all the flexibility you need.

Thank you, I will do the 18. I know six butts is overkill and plan on freezing a lot of it.

Those pictures of the arrangement really help.