WSM 22” Best Overall Charcoal Smoker Under $500

[Chris Allingham]

Cook’s Country magazine August/September 2022 says the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 22” is the Best Overall Charcoal Smoker and is highly recommended at $459.

 

[Mark Foreman]

But what if it’s $549? Is it still the best?

 

[RichPB (richlife)]

Somehow I think most of us knew this.

@Mark Foreman , there's still the 18" and 14.5".

 

[Mark Foreman]

Somehow I think most of us knew this.

@Mark Foreman , there's still the 18" and 14.5".

And we like them too. When I bought the WSK, I held on to my 14. Still use it.

 

[Bob H.]

I like my 14.5 the best Just right for me. But everyone is not alike
so we get the choice of 3 sizes......

 

[Chris Allingham]

But what if it’s $549? Is it still the best?

I hadn't noticed that discrepancy. I guess they wrote the article long before the price increase.

 

[Mark Foreman]

I hadn't noticed that discrepancy. I guess they wrote the article long before the price increase.

I still think the WSM (14, 18, 22) is the bomb. Even with the WSK, I still use mine.

 

[Chris W.]

I still think the WSM (14, 18, 22) is the bomb. Even with the WSK, I still use mine.

I love all my WSMs, but I think I'm a little behind the times; what is a WSK?

 

[Chris Allingham]

what is a WSK?

Weber Summit Kamado charcoal grill.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M47RF7J/?tag=tvwb-20

 

[Davo]

I wish I could buy a 22.5 WSM in Australia for that price, down here, they now retail in Weber shops for AU$1,049

Buy Smokey Mountain Cooker 57cm for AUD 1049.00 | AU

Slow down the pace and let the smell of barbecue fill the air. As friends start to trickle in, watch the anticipation of the crowd grow, as pulled pork and ribs smoke to perfection under the lid of the Smokey Mountain Cooker.If you want to get serious about smoking, you’ll love the Weber 57cm...

www.weber.com

 

[Steve in CO]

Wow. Current exchange rate puts it at US$710.00. Are there comparable (price/specs) smokers in the BBQ world over there; or is Weber considered more of a premium brand? - or is most of that cost difference because of distance from manufacturer (shipping), import tax, etc?

 

[timothy]

They did charcoal, gas and electric. Surprised on no pellet smokers.( or do they consider pellet as an electric?)

 

[Zach Brevis]

But what if it’s $549? Is it still the best?

Well, at that price it risks becoming an "honorable mention"