Any way to tell a 2014 model on the shelf?


 
AndyE

AndyE

New member
Hey guys! Long time lurker here, but it's time to get in action. ~15 years ago, I bought a New Braunfels COS and after a few years of frustration, just gave it away.

The wife ordered me a long-wanted 18.5" WSM for Christmas from Amazon. Unfortunately, they missed Christmas eve and have since changed the ETA on us 2 times or so...

Finally fed up with that, I have started looking around local Lowes and HD, but I have a question: Is there any way to tell from the box that the WSM inside is the 2014 model with the thermometer grommet?

I called Weber this morning to ask this question and they guy who answered kept insisting that as long as the box had model 721001 on it, it would be a 2014 model. Attempts to explain to him that this had been the model number for years seemed to go nowhere.

I went to the local HD and they had one WSM in stock. I saw a CN###### serial number on the box. Based on the article here on how to determine the age of your WSM, I suspected this new serial number format indicated a 2014 model. However, I opened the box and saw no opening by the door for the grommet.

So, have you guys found or do you know of a way to tell without cracking it open?

Thanks for any help & Happy New Year!

--AE
 
What's up Andy. I am not sure of any way without opening. I had to order one from my Lowe's store hoping for a 14 model. Once i opened it...it was the older model. But I didn't care. I just did they notch modification and will put some handles on the bottom grate when I feel I need them. So to me it wasn't a deal breaker. I say just buy the one you see and start cooking.
 
Buy the 14.5" and you'll be gauranteed it's a 2014 ;)
As a side note, mine had the CN# as well and expected them to ask for it when I registered it, but the form has not changed to include that information. Yet
 
Hey guys, thanks for the advice. I may need it! We got shipping confirmation from Amazon last night, so it looks like whatever arrives is what I get! I may need to start hunting for the notch modification info. :)

As an aside, I got the following email back from Weber Customer Service this morning:

"Thank you for your email. If it has a CS serial number on the outside of the box it is a 2014 and it should have the grommet."
 
Here you go http://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?46655-Cutting-a-notch-in-top-of-smoker and I second what Greg says get to smoking.


AndyE said:
Hey guys, thanks for the advice. I may need it! We got shipping confirmation from Amazon last night, so it looks like whatever arrives is what I get! I may need to start hunting for the notch modification info. :)

As an aside, I got the following email back from Weber Customer Service this morning:

"Thank you for your email. If it has a CS serial number on the outside of the box it is a 2014 and it should have the grommet."
Click to expand...
 
CONFIRMED! The new baby arrived this morning. There was, indeed, a CS#### serial number on the carton and a thermometer port on the side!

After diligent assembly and wiping down all the dust, she is now out on the deck going through a "shakedown burn". Half a ring of Kingsford Competition started via Minion method with a full compact chimney. Approaching the 30 minute mark and at about 315*F

I know many say you don't need to season a new WSM, but I just wanted to run through the motions of getting a fire going in there. This also gives me a chance to play with my new Maverick ET-732. :)

Seeing a lot of smoke leakage around the lid and access door, but not too worried about it. I understand that it should seal up over time.
 
AndyE, I wouldn't be concerned about any smoke leakage around the door or different sections. I've used our 18.5 for over a year now and still get "some" leakage but I've never had any problems maintaining temperature and getting long cook times from my charcoal. I've noticed some posts where people have added different materials to the doors and sections to seal them only to have to adjust their vent openings wider. The smoke has to come out somewhere or the coal will extinguish itself. Enjoy your new 18.5!
 
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