Greetings! New WSM 18.5 owner here from San Diego


 
Erik Tracy

Erik Tracy

TVWBB Pro
Hello!

Just picked up a brand new 18.5" WSM today and am looking forward to turning out some great 'q for the family.

I've been using a Vermont Castings Propane grill along with a pair of Amazen Smoker Tubes for bbq. And have turned out some pretty good bbq, but wanted to up my game and decided on the Weber.

I picked it up at BBQ Depot in Kearny Mesa - good shop, already assembled, no charge.
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weber-2.jpg

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I got the second grate, the cover was included, and was ready to do some of the mods suggested here but was pleasantly surprised to see that this year's model already has some cool features:
* The door handle is a vertical tail style so you can see where the orientation is
* There is a rubble grommet w/ two styled slits for running probes - no need for the 'slot'

But, the door doesn't seal, so wondering if I should shape it myself or just go for the wool gasket tape.

I'm doing an empty run now with some coal to burn it in and get used to the setup.

Looking forward to reading more about the great advice here and maybe sharing some results!

Cheers,
Erik Tracy
 
Congrats. Shape the door by hand. It'll seal up tight after a smoke then and you won't have a nasty looking gasket.
 
Eric S. said:
Congrats. Shape the door by hand. It'll seal up tight after a smoke then and you won't have a nasty looking gasket.
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I have my first empty test run with coals going now - minion method but only about 1/2 full and the water pan about 2/3 full. It only took me 1 hr from lighting coals in the chimney to get to a steady 225F. I've been holding that for about 2 hrs now.

Love how this is working!:)
 
You are going to love that cooker.
X2 on shaping the door by hand.
Oh... & welcome. You will like it here.
Spend some time researching this site. You will find a gold mine of information.
 
Erik, make sure there is no bulge along the side of the door opening.

I had a similar problem that shaping the door would not fix, so Weber sent me a new door. Come to find out, there was a small bulge along the side of the door opening that kept the door from sealing properly. I pushed the bulge in gently with my hand, and now the original door seals up nicely.

Guess I'll keep the extra door for a backup.

Welcome to the forum. :)
 
Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new WSM. Remember, we love pics here. You will really enjoy the WSM and your family will thank you.
 
Congrats on the new WSM and welcome to the addiction. The door doesn't look that bad actually. I would cook on it a few times and see how it works before I did anything. It might leak a little smoke, but that isn't a big deal. If you are not having trouble controlling temps and you can snuff the fire out after cooking, then I wouldn't worry about it.
 
Thanks for the warm welcome.

I'm digging thru a lot of the previous posts for WSM tips.

I was all set to break out the dremel for the 'slot' mod, and marking the door latch, but was happy to see that Weber is making upgrades to keep things current - they must be listening!

So, not everyone automatically does the gasket mod to the door?

I do think I'm going to find/make a dolly-cart to bolt the WSM to so I can roll it from the patio to the side when not in use.
 
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