Hello from NC!


 
S

Scotty Mac

New member
Greetings folks, happy to be aboard, looks like you've got a good thing going here.

A little about me by way of introduction. I've lived all over but first fell in love with BBQ while living in Atlanta. I've done my fair share of smoking and had good results but I'm looking to take it to the next level. Also, I just moved to NC from NYC where I'd been for several years so I'm super pumped to have a nice back yard again (instead of an alley) where I can setup the smoker and crank out some delicious BBQ!

I've had Weber grills forever and I know they make really high quality products so when I started doing my research on smokers, the Weber Smokey Mountain was an easy choice.

Couple questions for you right off the bat if you don't mind:

  1. I was planning on getting the 18.5 WSM because it's just my wife and I and I don't anticipate cooking for big crowds much (if at all). I considered the larger model but it's more money and I've heard they run hotter and can be more finicky to get at a nice low 200s temp for a long smoke. I figure the 18.5 will do me well for now and if I decide I want to go bigger in the future I can always sell it and get a good return on it since it's so well made and much beloved. Thoughts?
  2. Rib racks - What would you guys recommend for quality rib racks that will fit in the 18.5 WSM. I'm looking for something that won't crowd the meat and is easy to use and clean up afterwards.

thanks!
 
Welcome to the forum Scotty. I have the 18.5 also. It is also just the two of us and the 18.5 is more than adequate for our needs even when we entertain. I myself don't use a rib rack so I couldn't offer much help there. But there are others with more experience with them that I'm sure will gladly offer some advice. Glad you found your way to us.
 
Welcome to the forum Scotty. That 18.5 will work great for you. I have the 22 and it is now just my wife and me but since it is what I have, and I have modified it to my liking, I won't change. This forum is a great place to learn and to share with others. Remember to post pics of your cooks.
 
Scotty Mac;
Welcome to the forum! My oldest son and his family (from N.C.) were visiting last week. We BBQ'ed all week long! It was WONDERFUL!

The 18.5 is an excellent choice for an "only" WSM. I have both a 14.5" and a 18.5" and built a Mini-Joe (now in possession of my youngest son:rolleyes:). My oldest son built himself a Mini-Joe and is an excellent cook. Frankly, I mostly use my 14.5 and regularly do ribs (generally do a three pack-halve the ribs and do three half racks on each grate using Brinkman Rib Racks). When I do bone in Boston Butts for pulled pork, I generally do two (one on each rack). If I don't have a freezer full of cooked ribs or pulled pork, a trip to the grocery is in order!

I like my Brinkman rib racks because they are such a good fit on the Mini-Joe and 14.5 and work just fine on the 18.5" WSM. However, they are a bit tight for my favored rather thick Loin Back ribs I get from Costco. If you buy the 18.5, you might want to take a look a Weber's rib rack or even others.

I want my ribs to be evenly cooked, end to end. I get that by cutting each rack of ribs in half and using a rib rack. This keeps the ribs centered and away from the edges of the smoker where the super heated air will over cook the ends.

As an aside, the Brinkman racks are inexpensive ($9.95 from most places) and clean easily. They also fit in our dishwasher, if needed.

Good luck with your new smoker, whichever WSM you choose! They are a GREAT piece of equipment!

Keep on smokin',
Dale53:wsm:
 
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