Heat Shield has rotted away for the second time


 
N

Nevin H.

New member
Is anyone else having a similar problem?

I have the 18.5" WSM and the first time that my heat shield got ruined I assumed fault myself as I had left it out in the rain for a bit with no cover for a couple days. When I did get around to cleaning it out I found that the heat shield that was holding ash and water had corroded a little bit. I did not worry about it too much and then cooked again and it was totally ruined after that.

I contacted Weber and they happily replaced the part for me (I was so very pleased with the awesome customer service!!!!).

Just this weekend I fired up for a cook, using the new heat shield for a second time, finished the cook, let it cool, and moved it into my garage for the night. Cleaned it two days later to find that the ash alone had somehow eaten through the heat shield in a couple spots again.

Do I seriously have to clean this the night of every time to avoid this from happening? Not that this is the end of the world but I can't believe that every other person who owns these does that. I can't be the only guy who gets lazy once and a while... can I?

let me know what you do with yours and if you have had this issue also.

Thanks!
 
Strange. I've had my wsm for 3+ yr and NEVER had ash in it, only the odd bit of grease.

How is it loading up? I just can't see it happening.

edit--you are talking about the heat shield, the silver saucer that sits below the bottom of the wsm, between the legs, right?
 
Last edited:
Len Dennis said:
Strange. I've had my wsm for 3+ yr and NEVER had ash in it, only the odd bit of grease.

How is it loading up? I just can't see it happening.

edit--you are talking about the heat shield, the silver saucer that sits below the bottom of the wsm, between the legs, right?
Click to expand...

Yup. But I think you just answered my question for me. I have placed it inside the WSM underneath of the coals instead of in the legs, and used it as a bit of an ash pan. Guessing that was a stupid move and need to quit doing that.
 
What len said rang a bell. I read a while ago that someone had forgotten to install the heatshield below the WSM where it helps to protect the surface that the WSM is sitting on and instead used the heat shield inside the bottom of the WSM to collect ash for easier removal. Is that what you did. Asking because I have had my WSM sitting on the back porch for a few years and the heat shield is still perfect. I agree that I can't see how the heat shield could possibly collect ash if it is installed correctly. Just asking.
 
I am going to defend Nevin here. Anyone who has a 14.5" WSM has noticed that the heat shield for this model is used INSIDE under the charcoal grate similar to what Nevin was doing with the 18.5". The difference in material is what causes the problem.

To make my self clear - 22.5" and 18.5" WSM's use the heat shield OUTSIDE between the legs. The 14.5" uses the heat shield in the bottom of the smoker under the charcoal grate.

Keep on smokin',
Dale53:wsm:
 
Thanks for the clarification on the WSM 14.5 Robert. When I read this post before I came to your reply, I had wondered if I had used the ash catcher in the wrong position.
 
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