Newbie needs WSM purchase advice


 
J

JakeM

New member
Hey guys,
I'm looking into getting my first smoker. I think it will compliment my Weber Genesis e-330 gasser. I came here seeking some advise from the seasoned(no pun intended) vets. I have the opportunity to purchase a used 18.5 WSM that has a few mods done to it. First of all, it comes with a BBQ Guru DigiQ with all the probes ready to go. It has a cajun bandit door and a full gasket kit. The seller also put it on casters to move around easier. He just got new grates and the unit was always kept under the weber cover in a garage. He says the whole package is approx. 3 years old. He is about an hour drive from me and I managed to get his bottom dollar on the package at $350. Can you guys tell me if this is worth getting? I am worried that with the age of BBQ Guru it might go bad, i really dont know how long they last. Am i better off buying new? Thanks in advance everyone!
 
Between the DigiQ and the Cajun bandit door with full gasket kit you're at the asking price. The WSM is the frosting. Just do it.
Good luck with your decision.

Bill
 
Overpriced imho. I would not pay extra for the casters, gasket kit or door - hey... it's a used cooker (even though I have the casters & door my rig).
Around here, you can pick up a very nice 18.5 WSM on CL for $150 -$200. You just have to be patient.
I just had to have an atc & ended up never using it. Sold it for a loss. Don't miss it in the least.
& you have 2 hours travel time.
 
I will be going up to look at it tonight, if i dont get this unit, there is someone else 10 minutes from him selling a used WSM for $180.
 
Depending on the age & condition of the ATC, that could be a very good deal. However, unless you're fully committed and know you'll use the DigiQ enough, it may not be worth the extra cost. Also, it may be better in the long run to get "just" a stock WSM so you can get a feel for it and learn to control temps without external help. Understanding how temp control works is crucial to effectively and efficiently using any ATC, not to mention you need to know what to do when/if that ATC doesn't work as designed (BBQ Guru stuff is good, as is their customer support, but nothing is perfect).
 
Jake, have a look at some Walmarts close to you. This is the season that they close out price grills and smokers so they don't have to store them through winter.
 
Brought the WSM and guru home last night. Ended up knocking down the price a bit. Its in really good shape other than the fact that the factory weber thermometer on the cover is stuck at 200 degrees. I might have to change that with a factory thermometer or get a better one. looking forward to my first smoke.
 
Don't worry about the therm, it's notoriously unreliable. It's only there to plug up the hole in the lid…;)

Pick up a Maverick & you'll be good to go.
 
Don't sweat the thermometer if you have the DigiQ. I have the same setup and the dome thermometer is usually 25+ degrees outside off. Nice score, have fun with it.
 
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