I have 2 Weber Kettles, 22", and a Smoky Joe, 18".
Will the Weber Smoky Mountain do a better job with Pork Shoulders, Briskets, and Ribs than the Kettle?
A friend just got a WSM and loves it!
I've never used a Smokey mountain but I highly recommend the onlyfire ceramic kettle insert. Obviously you don't have an access door to add coals but you can set up a snake or minion easily in it and keep temps very stable. Comes with grate risers too
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I've got a 22" and 18" WSM and they make some crazy good BBQ - superior to a kettle IMO for food quality and ease of use. My only issue with using them more is the cleanup. I have to take it apart and dump the water (if used) and find a place for the ashes. BUT the work is worth the results! One other issue is that if you leave it out in the rain uncovered it will fill the bottom bowl with water - due to the design. I make sure mine are totally dry and cover with a heavy duty lawn bag and then the Weber cover to ensure no water and possibility of mold.
Last pulled pork I made was on the 18" WSM and the family all said it was the best I've ever made. Hard to argue with that! I recommend finding a used one and try it out. If you were closer I'd give you one. Found an 18" a couple years back for $30 that's in my storage unit. This time of year people are usually ready to move things off the deck.
Cheers and good to hear from you again! Still making your Wicked Good Beans as often as I can.
Wow, those look really nice! Is it possible to buy the WSM center insert? I could convert my 18" Smokey Joe into a WSM.
Yes, those beans are fantastic! Everyone loves them!
Quote from: TXFlyGuy on November 16, 2025, 12:13:46 PMWow, those look really nice! Is it possible to buy the WSM center insert? I could convert my 18" Smokey Joe into a WSM.
Yes, those beans are fantastic! Everyone loves them!
Thanks! Thinking not available or would fit. Take my word, look for used, they are on FBM all the time around here.
Yes, while a kettle can be used to smoke these items, the WSM is a purpose-built smoker with a larger capacity.
How many people are you cooking for and how often?
How much room do you have to store another cooker?
The center section of a WSM will sit on a kettle bowl, but the kettle lid will not fit on the center section.
This may be an option for you:
https://www.onlyfire.com/collections/kettle-grill-accessories/products/onlyfire-grill-cooking-smoking-attachment?variant=44338481430766