I just recently bought a 22 inch kettle which leaves me with my old grill, the 18.5 inch kettle. I know guys have made the mini WSM with the smoky joes, but I was curious if there was any way you could do the same with the 18.5 kettle. If any one has any ideas let me know!
Here is a good thread showing how it could be done for a 18" Outrider (SJP, or JJ).
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/project-wapiti/
I don't know how familiar you are with ways to smoke in your Weber. You really don't have to buy anything or make any mods to smoke great food in a kettle. Do a search for the snake method. It works fantastic.
Cajun Bandit 18" Weber kettle.
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/CajunBandit/IMG_1297.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/CajunBandit/IMG_1298.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/CajunBandit/IMG_1299.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/CajunBandit/IMG_1324.jpg)
I have smoked in it before, that is actually why I bought the 22, little more room. I was tempted to buy a smoker but I grill more than I smoke so I went the kettle route. I was just looking for a reason tinker with something instead of selling it on Craigslist. Thank you guys for the reply!
You can definitely make one into a smoker, but I always felt it was cost prohibitive. I think the stainless pot you would need costs around $80. Plus any hardware. I have bought three 18.5 WSM for under $85 each so I would keep an eye on CL.