WSM + Hunsaker

[ClubChapin]

I just ordered a 22" WSM. Thinking about some Hunsaker accessories.


What is the difference between these?  It looks like one fits a 55gal drum + 22"WSM and the other fits 22"WSM + 18"WSM.


Do either of these fit a 22" Performer bowl?


https://www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/vortex-charcoal-baskets/products/vortex-fire-basket


https://www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/vortex-charcoal-baskets/products/vortex-charcoal-basket-for-22-kettle-smoker


How is this hinge?  How does it compare to the unknown bbq and other hinges?  Does it work as smoothly or effortlessly?  Is it as secure?


https://www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/weber-modifications/products/stainless-steel-wsm-hinge-clip


http://unknownbbq.com/custom-wsm-hinge/


Does this clip work with the Cajun Bandit door?  Does it work with a kettle bowl and 22" mid section?


https://www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/weber-modifications/products/retainer-clip-for-18-5-22-5-wsm


Thanks.

[foshizzle]

Was also looking into the Hunsaker Vortex to use with the Gateway Rib hanger kit. Gateway also makes a diffuser too. Have both the 22 and 18 WSM and wasn't sure which one should get the upgrade.
https://www.gatewaydrumsmokers.com/Accessories-s/106.htm

You can also buy just the Hunsaker Vortex plate for $55 without the basket to save some money.
https://www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/weber-modifications/products/wsm-vortex-plate-plate-only

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[Bob BQ]

@swamprb ... care to offer some insight here?

[ClubChapin]

Gateway also makes a diffuser too. Have both the 22 and 18 WSM and wasn't sure which one should get the upgrade.
https://www.gatewaydrumsmokers.com/Accessories-s/106.htm

You can also buy just the Hunsaker Vortex plate for $55 without the basket to save some money.
https://www.hunsakersmokers.com/collections/weber-modifications/products/wsm-vortex-plate-plate-only

Thanks. It seems to me, and by reputation, that the Hunsaker is going to hotspot less than the Gateway. That may not be true.


Interesting idea on the vortex plate. That might work with the kettle bowl better. I do like the idea of being able to lift the whole assembly out as one, charcoal ring, grate, and ash catcher. Not as important on a WSM or one touch kettle as on a drum.

[FTTH]

I have this combination and it works great. The second basket for the WSM has curved legs to fit the bowl rather than the upper basket for the flat drum bottom. The heavy metal basket hold a ton of coal and is a great heat sink. The diffuser plate works as advertised. Temps can get real high with this.


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[swamprb]

Left Hand Smoke competes with Hunsaker Smokers and I've built three straight up Hunsaker clones with parts from Mark along with a Gateway clone with parts from udsparts.com. I'm using a modified Firebasket with the Vortex deflector in my 85 gallon drum.

Been playing around with the Hunsaker Vortex Firebasket for a few years in some of my other drums as well as the 22" WSM's and 22" Cajun Bandit conversion and in my current SSP/WSM setup.

I prefer the Drums over the WSM's any day because I feel they cook moister, seal tighter and aren't as drafty as the bullets. That said I still have a soft spot for WSM's.

If you're new to the WSM's, I'd really recommend you familiarize yourself with it before jumping on the Vortex Firebasket. They are designed for Hot & Fast cooking and require very little air intake. The Hunsaker drums have one intake on the bottom- 1.5" diameter and they cruise along at 275-300* at 50% intake. A WSM with a out of round door or loose vents will be hard to maintain. Hint hint. Seal it up!

Done many BBQ GURU assisted Low & Slow cooks in the 225-275* range in the bullet and BPS Drum with the Vortex Firebasket and average @11+ hours on a 3/4 full basket of lump.

It's been a few years but I had Mark build a Vortex without the ash pan holders so it would set on the kettle charcoal grate tabs. It was something that I felt strongly about because I didn't feel the need for his ash system for my setup. I use a Happy Cooker ash pan in the SSP/WSM. His design may have changed since then?

I don't have the Hunsaker hinge but it's similar in design to the floating hinge/exhaust

@Club Chapin you're more than welcome to come by and see them in action or give me a call if you're still on the fence.




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[swamprb]

FYI -

You'll find way more info and a lot of free advice on the Friends of Hunsaker Smokers facebook page. A lot of very good and experienced cooks post there and its way more open to other cookers and DIY guys.

If hanging meat is your thing - you owe it to yourself to check their page out!

My Left Hand Smoke fbook page has a lot of WSM/Hunsaker related builds, mods and cooks in the Albums.

 

[Jules V.]

@ClubChapin

Just stop by Brian's place to make some measurements and build your own.

[HoosierKettle]

I would stop by for dinner anyhow.


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[ClubChapin]

FYI -

You'll find way more info and a lot of free advice on the Friends of Hunsaker Smokers facebook page. A lot of very good and experienced cooks post there and its way more open to other cookers and DIY guys.

If hanging meat is your thing - you owe it to yourself to check their page out!

My Left Hand Smoke fbook page has a lot of WSM/Hunsaker related builds, mods and cooks in the Albums.

Thanks. Will check out the FB page.


A buddy just picked up a WSM 22 for me. I have a 18 WSM I've been using for a couple years.


I already have the 22" WSM hanging kit and gateway hooks.


Looking fwd to hanging and hot n fast.


You've really made me interested in the Hunsaker Vortex.


Can it also be used in place of the water pan for normal LnS?

[Bubblehead]

The Hunsucker Vortex is the read deal.  There's a bit of a learning curve and like Swamprb said, they like to run hot.  You CAN run them down low but it's not the sweet spot for that setup.  I have one in my 85 gallon drum and love it.  I typically run that cooker around the 275-325 range.