22.5 or 18.5? and a few other questions

[lucky413]

Can't decide whish one would be best. I only smoke a couple racks of ribs or two butts at most at a time. And a brisket that's not too big either (one I get at publix). My question is could I get what I need on the 18 without rolling ribs or being crowded? I smoke spare and baby backs.

Also is there a difference between the two as far as holding temp? Does the 22.5 hold 225-250 well?  lump or briquette? Seems pretty split crowd wise.When yall put the charcoal in do yall fill the grate up then place a chimney in there? Last question is i plan on putting another grate on the bottom grate for the cross pattern. Which grate do I use to do this with?

[addicted-to-smoke]

You're describing larger meats; go for the 22.

Welcome to WKC

[Edit: Scratch that, an 18 will do that easily. You can hang ribs with a rack from Gateway ... ]

[addicted-to-smoke]

Re: Gateway

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/weber-hanging-rack-v-gateway-drum-smokers-rack/msg380778/#new

[HoosierKettle]

I cook decent size briskets and full racks on the 18. It is a little crowded length wise but always seems to cook what I ask of it. I'm only guessing but I would imagine the 18 is more fuel efficient. I cook a lot of food at a time and the 18 has been sufficient.


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[kettlebb]

I'll vote 22 because you'll always find a way to use more space.


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[julweidn]

I would go with the 18.5 based on what you have described.


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[Mike in Roseville]

Your situation is pretty much the same as mine. I rarely do more than 2 butts, 2 racks of ribs, an entire packer at one time.

Which is why I have, and would recommend, an 18WSM. I even bought another 18WSM used in case I needed more room.

It is very fuel efficient (I have never had to add fuel...mid cook...ever) and is easier to move around.

If I find a decent price on a used 22WSM I may pick one up and try it for competition purposes, but with my current setup of WSMs and kettles in the backyard, there really isn't a need to have one.




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[wessonjb]

I have both and rarely use my 18 . The extra room with the 22 is a huge upside ! I also use my 18 charcoal ring in my 22 so it doesn't use that much charcoal , unless I'm doing a brisket. This method gives me the best of both worlds with grilling room  and charcoal consumption!


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[mtneer]

I was leaning toward the 18 when I was thinking of getting a WSM but just got an awesome deal on a NIB 22. I like the idea of using a charcoal ring from an 18 to cut down on fuel consumption since I currently don't smoke a lot at one time.

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[Jan M.]

Based on what you described I would recommend a 18.5".
I have a 22.5" and I am going to buy an 18.5" too.
The 22.5" is very fuel consuming if you just want to make what you described above.

The idea with a smaller charcoal basket in the 22.5" could help but I guess due to the much bigger surface of the 22.5 the heat loss is how it is :-)

Best approach is to buy both sizes :-) :-)

[michaelmilitello]

I'll throw in a wildcard.   

Get a 26 kettle.  Huge grilling capability and long LnS cooks with the snake method.  Lots of versatility.  Similarly priced to the 18.5. 

My 26 may put my 18.5 out of business. 


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[rotagilla]

A good article about the differences.  http://virtualweberbullet.com/which-size-weber-smokey-mountain-cooker-buy.html