So, thanks to some encouragement from WKC, I went and ahead and purchased a 22.5" WSM from CL. The guy wanted $200 but I got him down to $125. It is a 2012 kettle. The seller said he had only used it four times and decided he liked his electric smoker better. I wasn't going to argue with him since he was selling me his WSM.
Overall the WSM is in great condition. The charcoal grate is pretty rusty, and the grill grates had some rust on them. I was able to clean up the grill grates pretty well. The charcoal grate is going to be more difficult. Any problem with a rusty charcoal grate? Any health concerns? Also, some daddy long leg spiders had made the WSM a home but I got rid of them.
I washed it up and then did a test run. At first the smoke smelled a little funky, but it was better once after awhile. I think the smell may have been from leaving some water in the bowl, but who knows.
Here she is:
And here she is with the family:
I know there isn't anything particularly special with all the kettles, but I got them all off CL and saved a pretty penny doing so. Here is what I got and paid:
SJ Silver - $15
SJ Gold - $10 - NIB
Weber Kettle Silver 22.5" - $20
WSM 18.5" - $75
WSM 22.5" - $125
My wife isn't happy with all the grills, but she isn't griping as much as she used to.