New to WSM. What mods are a must?

[toolhead]

I would start and you may end with a cb door...

Let the door and wsm season togethernand it will naturally seal itself up...

I tend to use stuff in stock form before starting any mods...

Ie..inwas gona add lift handles for the wsm body but found that grabbing it by the rim top is easiest for me.....

Using something stock first for a while tells me which mods would actually add the most value.

The only mods ive done to my wsm are the cb door.

If storing outdoors id think 2x aboit adding caster wheelsnwhich will rust and need replacing

[toolhead]

I upgraded all the hardware on all my kettles and wsms to 316 ss hardware...hex head bolts...id highly recommend doing..hopefully the current hardware isnt rust frozen ...if som.just cut them out with a dremel and fiberglass cutting wheels

[jeffrackmo]

I'd like to "poke a hole" for a grommet to pass my probes thru.  Probes are working, just getting a little smushed between the Lid and Center drum.

The 18 works fine, very minimal leakage.  I just picked up a WSM 14 it has the pass through...   Going to do a chicken and see how it does on leakage.

[Mike in Roseville]

I'd like to "poke a hole" for a grommet to pass my probes thru.  Probes are working, just getting a little smushed between the Lid and Center drum.

https://bbqguru.com/StoreNav?CategoryId=3&ProductId=51

This might be what you're looking for.

Cheers!

[SteveMBH]

None are a must. 

Only thing I would do is work the door a bit if it leaks.  Other than that you are good to go.


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[90b4032]

I picked up my WSM Friday and so far, have just cleaned it up and replaced the nuts and bolts with stainless hardware. I am going to try  some ribs on it and see how it goes. It is a 2015 model and has a grommet for a temp probe. I will see how well it runs without a gasket kit but will definitely be ordering one if needed.

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[Mkrause]

I'd like to "poke a hole" for a grommet to pass my probes thru.  Probes are working, just getting a little smushed between the Lid and Center drum.

The 18 works fine, very minimal leakage.  I just picked up a WSM 14 it has the pass through...   Going to do a chicken and see how it does on leakage.

i was going to poke a hole but I'm happy i did this instead

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[bear]

I added a 3rd food grate by taking off the grate straps, countersink stainless steel screws, re-attach the straps with screws in place, added acorn nuts and purchased a new food grate.

Fantastic for ribs and chicken wings. Fits lots more food.

[jcnaz]

I added a 3rd food grate by taking off the grate straps, countersink stainless steel screws, re-attach the straps with screws in place, added acorn nuts and purchased a new food grate.

Fantastic for ribs and chicken wings. Fits lots more food.

@bear , that is a terrific mod!

@90b4032
On the 18 and 14 WSMs the stock doors seal better if you install them upside-down.

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[Mike in Roseville]

I added a 3rd food grate by taking off the grate straps, countersink stainless steel screws, re-attach the straps with screws in place, added acorn nuts and purchased a new food grate.

Fantastic for ribs and chicken wings. Fits lots more food.

@bear,

That is one of the best mods I have seen for a WSM. One of these days, I am going to do this to mine. Love it!

Thanks for sharing!

[Al b que]

What size screws and how long were they thanks great idea?

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[Big Dawg]

Most definitely, @bear !!!  That's one I've thinking of for years.  I figure I could do 9 racks at a time.

I was thinking that I had to go through the drum, thanks for this tip ! ! !





BD

[bear]

Thanks for the kind words, I can't take any credit for this. The idea came from tvwbb.

I modified mine some years ago, and haven't looked back. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I can't remember what hardware was used, details could be found here:

https://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?6641-Adding-a-Third-Grate