My First 18.5" WSM Craigslist Find


 
Earl D.

Earl D.

TVWBB Super Fan
It has a "E" stamp code = 1983
In really good shape for being 29 years old. The seller kept pretty good care of it. A small rusty spot on the lid. I can fix that. No dents.

I don't think they made them with ash pans back then. The door and legs are made of steel. Not bad for $50 It also came with a cheapy cover.

Now I need to figure out what all of the WSM mods are.

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Nice score. Used is always better. I have a 22 and the 18 both bought used. They were in great shape. My favorite is the 18.
You need to read up on the mods here, some are pretty awesome. 1st a thermometer so you know where you are at. After that it is a matter of priority. I liked my rivet modification.
I have been hunting for handles like you guys have a Lowes. They don't have them like that up here.
 
I tried to buy a thermometer from weber. They said NO. If it didn't come with it, you can't buy it.........bummer.
 
That seems a bit strange that you cannot obtain a thermometer if you want one. There seems to be plenty of people who add them...maybe not original types
 
I'm starting to hear that the weber themometers are not that good to start with. Some have said I can do better buying a 2" BBQ type thermometer.
 
I don't think so, Earl. I use this thermometer stuck through one of the lid vents and it works like a champ. I checked it in boiling water and it only registered a degree or two off the correct temp. I bent the clip so it would insert about 4-5" inside the dome, which still gives clearance for pork butts stood on one side on the top rack. All I try to do is keep my WSM within 25° or so of whatever temp I want to cook at, and this thermometer has worked great for over three years. I have used one for smoking in my WSM and a 22" OTG kettle also.

Here's what it looks like in the WSM vent.
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This pic looks like the thermometer covers the whole vent, but there is about 3" between the vent and the bottom of the thermometer as you can see. This has never been a problem when using it.
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Good luck with your new WSM!
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I was at my local Ace Hardware store, and they were selling a thermometer for the Weber Q. It is the same exact therm on the performer minus the bezel. It was around $10 dollars.

Brian
 
Just ordered a thermometer for the OTG & the WSM from a weber dealer. Dealer can't believe the weber won't sell you one either. OTG with bezel was $9. The WSM with bezel was $15.
 
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