My first WSM, giving it a dry run.

[avega2792]

So I just acquired a 14.5" WSM and I'm giving it a dry run to see how it handles. I'm checking the thermometer against my instant read, which is spot on. At 250 they were dead even, but above that the lid thermometer reads about 50 below my digital. The WSM reads around 300 while my digital reads around 350. Is there that big of a heat zone difference on the WSMs or does anybody have any other ideas for the discrepancy?

[MINIgrillin]

It is what it is bro. Use your grate therm until you get a feel for what the lid therm is doing.
Dont worry about it.

[Kneab]

Congrats on the Wsm Alfredo.
I love using my 14 when its just a butt or two. Runs forever on a ring of Weber charcoal. Super efficient.
Works great for beef ribs too.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[avega2792]

Thanks Karl, more often than not I smoke butts but I'm going to start venturing into chuck roast before I try my hand at brisket. It's not like I need another cooker, but for what I paid I couldn't pass it up. I'm going home for a visit and I plan on taking my WSM and making bbq for my family because they've never had the honor and pleasure of sampling my famous pulled pork. I'm stoked to give it a good cook but I'll have to wait until I go home!

[Walchit]

Just keep that lid thermometer at 250 and you should be good then right? Lol. I just cleaned up an 18 for my buddy's dad. Took me 2 hours but I made 50 bucks! Now I'm gonna spend it on another grill lol

[avega2792]

Just keep that lid thermometer at 250 and you should be good then right? Lol. I just cleaned up an 18 for my buddy's dad. Took me 2 hours but I made 50 bucks! Now I'm gonna spend it on another grill lol

That is my defacto target temp for low and slow, so I guess I really don't have much to worry about I guess  Hey $50 will get you another toy to play with!