Where can I find...


 
T

tjkoko

TVWBB All-Star
...the performance comparison between the 18 inch WSM and it's larger brother, the 22 incher and I'll bet that this question has been asked dozens of time. I need THE url, please.

Best and TIA,

TK
 
I'm looking for a comparison on (EDIT) meat capacities and charcoal usage for a full ring. Someone I know want's to purchase the 22 incher but base on reviews I read for it, it seems to be a charcoal hog and so for the time being I'm recommending him away from the 22 incher and toward the 18 incher.
 
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I have both, an 18 (well 2 of those) and a 22, I don't consider the 22 a "charcoal hog." Will it use more charcoal, YES, it's bigger. Does it use an inordinate amount of charcoal, NO. I did 4 butts on my 22 last week, with a full charcoal chamber and the Minion method, I got a 15 1/2 hour burn (the butts were done in 12, it went 15 1/2 hours until I would say the fire was done. The biggest issue between the two, IMHO, is capacity. How many people is your friend cooking for? Does he anticipate needing more cooking capacity? Would he like to be able to lay 3 racks of ribs down on the grate at the same time? Budget...can he afford a 22" WSM? The cost of charcoal is so not an issue, there are so many sales on charcoal throughout the year, he could stock up at one of them and have enough for a whole season. I was always taught, you find the cooker you think is right for your situation and then, buy the next bigger size. I have NEVER been disappointed with my 22" purchase.
 
I'm looking to smoke around 60 - 80 pounds of bacon n a short afternoon on two smokers. Comments, anyone? I make the best smoked bacon on this planet to this day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I agree with Bruce.
I have the 18, and while it suits my needs (single family, usually only 1 meat type), there are times when I wish I had bigger grates for ribs, briskets, etc. But there are several successful, easy ways around those limitations.
That being said, I can only testify to the charcoal consumption differences as per what I've read here.
 
It's all relative.
Let's say for example, I can cook 4 butts, each weighing 8 pounds on my 18" and use 5# of coal. That equals 6.4 pounds of meat per pound of charcoal used.
I can cook 8 butts on my 22" and will use about 9 pounds of coal, for 7.1 pounds of meat per pound of charcaol used.
My Good-One Rodeo will do 16 butts but will burn 40 pounds of coal, or 3.2 pounds of meat per pound of charcoal.
As has been said, charcoal is cheap so it boils down to what you, or your friend, really need for room.
*all figures above are approximate, I've never weighed my charcoal
 
i agree with Bruce too. i just got my 22 a few weeks ago, and was going back and forth on the same issue. in the end the idea of having one just bigger then what you need made since to me. rather have the room and not need it then need the room and not have it. plus charcoal hasn't been that big of a deal. i've done one long low and slow cook two butts and three racks of ribs, one full load of charcoal (18 pounds) and it lasted me around 14 hours or more. at $7 a bag i don't think that's too bad. i've also done some hot and fast cooks, chicken at 325-350* range with only 3 chimneys of charcoal the temp on those cooks lasted around 5-7 hours with all the vents open the whole time. good luck on your choice! these are great cookers you won't regret it
 
The 18.5 is awesome. I have done a 8.5lb brisket flat a 9lb pork butt, and 3 racks of BB ribs. on my 18.5. You have to time everything right but it works great!! I only picked up the 22.5 so I had more rib capacity so I could do 12 racks on the 22.5 and 2-3 butts and a full brisket on the 18.5. That's a lot of "Q". I have both only because it was such a deal. I only paid $172 for but my 18.5 and 22.5.
 
My guess would be that about every three weeks or so this question come up. I think we just need to call it "The Great Debate"
You will find strong recommendations for both sizes. At the end of the day 22 uses more fuel and cooks more food. It's all about capacity.

I'm sure there are lots of threads if you search.
 
Bryon Piequet said:
The 18.5 is awesome. I have done a 8.5lb brisket flat a 9lb pork butt, and 3 racks of BB ribs. on my 18.5. You have to time everything right but it works great!! I only picked up the 22.5 so I had more rib capacity so I could do 12 racks on the 22.5 and 2-3 butts and a full brisket on the 18.5. That's a lot of "Q". I have both only because it was such a deal. I only paid $172 for but my 18.5 and 22.5.
Click to expand...

i've done 6 racks of ribs on my 18.5 and probably could do more and plan on doing 6 pork butts on it in a month (have previously done 4). you can fit plenty in it, but it is a bit of a pain to contort things to get them to fit. personally i'd rather have the bigger one. mine was a gift so i can't ***** too much!
 
Mate, i live in London and have a small garden and deck and already a performer and spirit but i went 22.5 as its always nice to have the room when friends need...as they will for sure once u cook! Fuel here costs more than usa but such is life..always enough left for the next.cook if you shut down straight away
 
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