wsm vs 26"

[Chesterkettle]

I've been looking to get something with more grill space than my 22" kettle, and thought the 26 was the next logical step. But then I started looking at these WSMs and thinking that THIS is the way to go. I don't do a lot of smoking, but instead do a lot of indirect cooking. On a kettle, you only get a portion of the grate, but on a WSM, wouldn't the ENTIRE grate be "indirect" since its so far from the coals and separated by the water pan? Plus, the WSM has 2 cooking levels, so not only would I be able to use the entire surface area for indirect, I'd get TWO! That's WAY more real estate than the 26" kettle, no?

Can someone offer some advice on this? I know that it would be a little more cumbersome to sear on the WSM, but I've seen online where folks put a grate directly on top of the coals.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[HoosierKettle]

I have a 26 kettle and a 18 wsm. I would advise getting a 26 all day long. Wsm is designed to catch water. The 26 will cook right through the rain. A 26" is just all around more convenient to use imo. And I really like the wsm but if I had to choose....


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[HoosierKettle]

Or I would get an extender ring for the 22 like Jules before a wsm.


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[DynaGlide]

I just debated this myself. Picked up a 26. Time will tell if I made the right call.

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[PotsieWeber]

When cooking in the rain, or leaving outside between cooks, flip the center section upside-down in the assembly & you won't get the water collection (the lid & base will both still fit on a center section that is flipped upside down).  The bowl you save from rusting out, may be your own.

I have a 26 kettle and a 18 wsm. I would advise getting a 26 all day long. Wsm is designed to catch water. The 26 will cook right through the rain. A 26" is just all around more convenient to use imo. And I really like the wsm but if I had to choose....


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[HoosierKettle]

I just debated this myself. Picked up a 26. Time will tell if I made the right call.

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Curiosity will kill you and you will have both soon. The wsm is a solid choice and a miracle worker for unattended long low and slow. It's also great for hanging.


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[Jules V.]

I'm a minority here since i have almost zero interest in a 22 wsm or 26 kettle.  Had both but got rid of them in favor of stackers.  I use a stacker for almost any type of cooks which includes vortex chicken, steaks  etc. Haven't used my kettle without a stacker for more than 3 months. 


Covers all of my cooking needs. 

A properly implemented stacker gets you consistent and stable temperatures from top to bottom.

No problem getting past 600F at the  cooking grate perimeter.

[Mike in Roseville]

Jules goes a different path. That's cool. That's what makes this a great place.

I'd probably do stacker's like that if I could. I have a 22WSM and multiple 26'ers.

Day in, day out cooking...26'er no doubt about it get's the nod.  I've done ribs and a small packer brisket with it. The only Weber I'd pay full retail for if I had to. If I could have one cooker...it would be a 26'er. On the other hand...I LOVE my 22WSM. Those two get used the most. I use my 22WSM much like how @Jules V. uses his stackers. The food just isn't exceptional...it's award winning. I rock it hot and fast and the food is incredible. Maybe I didn't make it easier for you. Sorry!

[ReanimatedRobot]

Jules goes a different path. That's cool. That's what makes this a great place.

I'd probably do stacker's like that if I could. I have a 22WSM and multiple 26'ers.

Day in, day out cooking...26'er no doubt about it get's the nod.  I've done ribs and a small packer brisket with it. The only Weber I'd pay full retail for if I had to. If I could have one cooker...it would be a 26'er. On the other hand...I LOVE my 22WSM. Those two get used the most. I use my 22WSM much like how @Jules V. uses his stackers. The food just isn't exceptional...it's award winning. I rock it hot and fast and the food is incredible. Maybe I didn't make it easier for you. Sorry!

I think what Mike is saying is just buy both. lol  I see benefits to the WSM and the stackers depending on your situation.  Personally, if it were up to me I would buy the 26er and keep an eye out for a good deal on s 22 WSM if I had the space for one.  With limited space I might look into the stackers like Jules V as it takes up less floor space and looks pretty cool. 

If you are patient there are plenty of WSM that hit marketplace in the $200 to $300 range (maybe cheaper if you are lucky) that have absolutely nothing wrong with them.  Much better than paying $400 plus tax. 

[michaelmilitello]

26 for the versatility and easy of use relative to wsm. 


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