I have heard that the gaskets and door are not needed, but I had to tinker and did it any ways. BBQGaskets.com and Cajun Bandit for the door. You can see my mods (including the gasket install) HERE.
In my opinion it's not a big deal, others may say it is.Is it really a big deal to have EVERYTHING air tight? Will it really affect the cook to have it one way or the other?
The lid on my 14.5 is a bit out-of-round (dropped it, ooops) and no amount of gentle pushing/pulling gets it quite right. A lot more smoke comes out around the edges than used to. Would the gasket fix this? If so, is it hard to apply? I'm not terribly patient if that's a requirement to install, lol.
I don't have a gasket, but I can't imagine how nasty one would get around the lid. Without a gasket, I have to keep the lip of the center section and the lid clean or the lid will actually stick to the center section and will not come off. I actually had to pry the lid off with a screw driver once. Before I would install a gasket, I'd talk to someone who had one for a year or more and see if they still like it. Leaks are not a big problem with the WSM and most can be fixed by gently persuading the center section or door into proper position.
Jerry, as for liking it, I have had the gasket on my WSM for a year and a half and still think it is worth the time and effort. Would not change a thing. Just my opinion!!
I can shut the vents and put out the fire and reuse charcoal pretty easily.