Using WSM 18” charcoal chamber in Summit Kamado for smoking

[Gary Spencer]

I saw a few youtube videos that suggested lighting the charcoal off center on the Kamado because the grills tended to burn from one side to the other when set up for smoking. Using Kingsford Blue i noticed the same thing as well as the fire not moving from the center to all the charcoal when the Kamado was set for low and slow (225 to 250).

After puzzling over this for a while i decided to try using the Charcoal Chamber from my 18” WSM (the charcoal chamber for my 22” WSM is to big around) and it worked like a charm. Temperature very easy to control and results even heat all the way around. It might even mitigate the hot zone around the outside diameter of the Kamado because the charcoal is completely contained under the solid part of the diffuser plate.

I have been grilling on my Weber kettles for years, but i am just getting into smoking meat. I wanted to share this to see what the folks who really know what they are doing thought of it.

 

[Brett-EDH]

I saw a few youtube videos that suggested lighting the charcoal off center on the Kamado because the grills tended to burn from one side to the other when set up for smoking. Using Kingsford Blue i noticed the same thing as well as the fire not moving from the center to all the charcoal when the Kamado was set for low and slow (225 to 250).

After puzzling over this for a while i decided to try using the Charcoal Chamber from my 18” WSM (the charcoal chamber for my 22” WSM is to big around) and it worked like a charm. Temperature very easy to control and results even heat all the way around. It might even mitigate the hot zone around the outside diameter of the Kamado because the charcoal is completely contained under the solid part of the diffuser plate.

I have been grilling on my Weber kettles for years, but i am just getting into smoking meat. I wanted to share this to see what the folks who really know what they are doing thought of it.

You’re spot on in that the E/S6 cook better when the fuel is more densely packed than just on the coal grates. And your solution is a solid fix too.

Welcome to the ‘hood. There’s a bunch of us Summit Charcoal/Kamado owners here.

 

[RLittle]

Gary.....I've used the 18" WSM ring on my last few smokes on the Kamado as well. Seems like it was made for it . I light it using Minion method just like lighting the WSM.
I did see some things about the Kamado burning in one direction but I understood it to be the cookers with the snap-jet gas lighter. I have that feature but really haven't noticed any directional patterns.

 

[Grant Cunningham]

I did see some things about the Kamado burning in one direction but I understood it to be the cookers with the snap-jet gas lighter. I have that feature but really haven't noticed any directional patterns.

I have the E6, which doesn't have an igniter, and it definitely burns in one direction — toward the 4-o'clock area.

 

[Mike - Mikeyboyeee]

I have a WSM 22 so that won't fit.

Anyone know if the Cajun Bandit 18 ring fits?

 

[Gary Spencer]

Thank you for your replies. It worked fine for me and I’m glad to hear it worked for another member as well.

 

[Mark Foreman]

I have the E6, which doesn't have an igniter, and it definitely burns in one direction — toward the 4-o'clock area.

Yep… my E6 does the same.

 

[Yair Halamish]

I have the E6, which doesn't have an igniter, and it definitely burns in one direction — toward the 4-o'clock area.

Could this be air leaking from the probe port cover? It does not have a gasket, and fits quite loose.

 

[Mike - Mikeyboyeee]

Did my 1st low n slow yesterday and did not notice this burn pattern. Mine was more front to back.

 

[Andy Erickson]

I've used the 18 inch ring for a while now for low and slow on the summit and it is perfect. Mine burns from 9'oclock to 3'oclock.

 

[Mike A.]

I just took delivery of a new WSK. Haven't done a thing with it yet but make a couple measurements. It looks like it's about 4.625" from the bottom charcoal grate to where the deflector mounts. I liked the idea of using the 18" WSM charcoal ring but that's 4.75" high - how are you guys making it fit?
Thanks.

 

[Andy Erickson]

I just took delivery of a new WSK. Haven't done a thing with it yet but make a couple measurements. It looks like it's about 4.625" from the bottom charcoal grate to where the deflector mounts. I liked the idea of using the 18" WSM charcoal ring but that's 4.75" high - how are you guys making it fit?
Thanks.

The deflector plate will sit on the charcoal chamber instead. Works great.

 

[Mike A.]

Thanks! And if I measured correctly it looks like the ring will fit between the middle shelf and top grate for grilling, can you confirm?

 

[Gary Spencer]

Hopefully these pictures will answer some of the questions posted previously.

 

[Gary Spencer]

My previous post shows the adjustable fuel grate in the lower position. These pics show the adjustable fuel grate in the middle position.

With the adjustable fuel grate right side up the WSM charcoal chamber will hold the top grate about 1/4 inch above the ledge where it is supposed to rest. Reference the two pics on the right..

With the adjustable fuel grate upside town and WSM Charcoal chamber correctly positioned the top grate site just sits the ledge where it is supposed to rest. Reference the two pics on the left.

 

[Mike A.]

Perfect explanation, thank you very much. Just did the initial burn-in tonight and liked the way it responds to vent changes. Need to get some ribs on this weekend!

 

[Gary Spencer]

You’re welcome and l’m glad I was able to help.