Handles on the Cooking Chamber


 
J

JimB

New member
I did a search on this topic prior to posting. I got an 18.5 wsm for christmas. I am thinking about adding the handles to the cooking section. My only concern is if the weber cover will still fit with the handles installed. I know it won't with the lid hinge mod. I thought I would ask the pros before buying the materials for the change. Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Welcome Jim! If you are worried about moving it while hot, a nice pair of welders gloves works fine.
Adding the handles could void the warranty if they wanted to be picky about it.
 
I cannot say for sure, but the cover barely fits with nothing added to the WSM I can't imagine how it would fit with handles added. One option you can take is to scrap the cover and use a contractor size garbage bag. They work great, are actually water proof and have a little extra room in them for the handles if you go that way. The only thing you need to do is tie a bungee cord around the bottom of the WSM so the wind doesn't get up under the bag and blow it off. Personally, I'm with Bob and would not recommend the handles but it's your WSM and half the fun for some is the modifications. Enjoy!
 
Why do you want handles? If you just got the unit, how do you know you even need handles?

Get 4-5 smokes under your belt and then see if you even need them.

Personally, I've only seen a need for them once in all my smokes. And that was only because I started an "inefficient" fire and needed access to the coals directly (and not just through the side door).
 
I don't think Weber makes all covers equal. My 08 cover was a loose fit before I added handles and it still fit (snugly) with the handles. I keep mine sheltered, out of the elements so I don't need a cover anymore but the handles are a must for me in how I roll.

Tim
 
Len Dennis said:
Why do you want handles? If you just got the unit, how do you know you even need handles?

Get 4-5 smokes under your belt and then see if you even need them.

Personally, I've only seen a need for them once in all my smokes. And that was only because I started an "inefficient" fire and needed access to the coals directly (and not just through the side door).
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Much like Jim, I got one for Christmas and already want to add handles and hinges to it! I must be crazy... but the mods do appeal to me. :)
 
I am well aware that I can just use gloves to move the chamber. Like a lot of other owners, I just like dinkin' with the smoker. My first weber but fourth smoker. I spend as much time with mods as I do cooking or at least it seems like it. The main reason for the handles is to provide mounting points for a couple side tables. I was pretty sure the cover wouldn't fit over handles as it is a bit of a pain to put on already.
 
I've been thinking about adding handles too, JimB.

It would be great if someone who has already done it would offer some insight on how to do it.
 
The only thing I have done to mine is attach the fire ring to the grate with stainless steel zip ties.
That was something that simply had to be done (IMO).
But......I think about:
Putting handles on the main body every now and then.
Maybe it needs wheels.
Gluing the door on.
The 22" lid is pretty big and I don't want to create potential for a tip over situation but a hinge would be convenient.

Would any of this make it better??
Kinda subjective since it cooks great just like it is.

It's your cooker, mod it up if that's what you want to do.
 
I added garage door handles years ago and the cover still fits. I used existing holes for the strap hardware. However, I rarely if ever use the handles. I simply lift the mid section with gloves on. I've often thought of removing them but then think what the heck, they're there now so just leave em.

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If you want original looking handles you can order a set of Weber fireplace handles from ereplacements
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/handle-fireplace-p-1475698.html The fireplace metal handle bracket is identical to those in this thread http://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?11833-Ranch-Handles-on-22-WSM&highlight=Ranch+handles
Others more clever than me did this first so I know there are a couple of other threads with pics.
I use a 26" kettle cover on my 22" WSM with the handles and would guess a 22" WSM cover will fit an 18.5" WSM with handles and hinges
 
I just put the lid hinge attachment on my new 22.5 wsm and the cover fits over it percectly. Can't even tell it's there. Maybe the 18.5 has a tighter fitting cover, but I would imagine they fit similarly.
 
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