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Well I assembled my 22.5" today and I cannot believe how bad this stock door fit! I hope my stainless door fits way better than this when it arrives..(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180428/b0317407b86c6ea9593a9718da2cb632.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180428/52e4e2ab697d56a0172894e611150b73.jpg)

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It's thin aluminum ... it can easily be bent back.

But yeah I know what you mean. I just now caved and ordered one for my 18.5. Mine is the older style WSM with not only the door that never seals, but the round knob for the latch that's a joke. Saw nothing in the scratch 'n dent section of the store, so I'm getting the door + SouthCo latch kit.

I haven't used my WSM in 2-3 years! Today I've spent $100 on it (Gateway hanger kit also ...)

Well after several bends I think I have it good enough for a cook.. shouldn't have to do that though but whatever..(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180429/c74759cc35a1a4499dab08633dbcc4b5.jpg)

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Looks much better. I bent and re-bent and massaged and talked sweetly to mine but it never seals worth a crap.

Kind of what I'm afraid of. Hopefully my new for gets here soon...

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I think you guys will both really like the cb door and latch. The latch does get hot and a glove or hot pad is helpful when opening while cooking, but that is a small price to pay for such a solid door and solid locking latch.

In my case, I couldn't shut the cooker down and had some trouble with temps using my stock door. The new door solved that completely.

Also, mine did have a couple wisps of smoke coming out of the corners for awhile. Don't let that worry you if it happens. It's not enough to affect cooking and it will be a huge improvement over stock.

Just my opinion. Have fun and looking forward to your cooks.


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The Cajun Bandit door sure looks pretty. I still have the stock door. Sure I see a little smoke escaping when first firing it up, but temp control is easy and it shuts down fast when I close all the vents with the stock door.

Is getting the door with latch included for $47.99 the same as buying the door and latch separately for $31.99 and $25.00?

https://www.cajunbandit.com/Stainless-Steel-Smoker-Door-With-Latch-Fits-18-5-p/18dlb08.htm

Decent amount cheaper to go the first route, but want to make sure I'm not missing something here.


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Quote from: julweidn on April 29, 2018, 09:01:50 AM
Is getting the door with latch included for $47.99 the same as buying the door and latch separately for $31.99 and $25.00? ...

Yes, in both cases it's a latch made by someone else (SouthCo). (Cajun Bandit, like some other companies, resells some things made by other people.)

My understanding is that CB offers the door alone (with either round or square latch hole) for people who want to use their existing latch and save money ... but I can't imagine why anyone would want to drill out the rivet and rejigger the older round knob latch, which sucks.

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 29, 2018, 09:22:31 AM

Quote from: julweidn on April 29, 2018, 09:01:50 AM
Is getting the door with latch included for $47.99 the same as buying the door and latch separately for $31.99 and $25.00? ...

Yes, in both cases it's a latch made by someone else (SouthCo). (Cajun Bandit, like some other companies, resells some things made by other people.)

My understanding is that CB offers the door alone (with either round or square latch hole) for people who want to use their existing latch and save money ... but I can't imagine why anyone would want to drill out the rivet and rejigger the older round knob latch, which sucks.

Awesome - thanks for confirming.

My WSM wont shut down so hopefully this will help. It is also out of round, so it leaks at the lid too.


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Quote from: julweidn on April 29, 2018, 09:44:33 AM

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 29, 2018, 09:22:31 AM

Quote from: julweidn on April 29, 2018, 09:01:50 AM
Is getting the door with latch included for $47.99 the same as buying the door and latch separately for $31.99 and $25.00? ...

Yes, in both cases it's a latch made by someone else (SouthCo). (Cajun Bandit, like some other companies, resells some things made by other people.)

My understanding is that CB offers the door alone (with either round or square latch hole) for people who want to use their existing latch and save money ... but I can't imagine why anyone would want to drill out the rivet and rejigger the older round knob latch, which sucks.

Awesome - thanks for confirming.

My WSM wont shut down so hopefully this will help. It is also out of round, so it leaks at the lid too.


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It will definitely help but alternatively you can remove the mid section and place a 18 kettle lid on the wsm bowl. That will shut it down faster than anything.


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Quote from: HoosierKettle on April 29, 2018, 09:50:22 AM

Quote from: julweidn on April 29, 2018, 09:44:33 AM

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 29, 2018, 09:22:31 AM

Quote from: julweidn on April 29, 2018, 09:01:50 AM
Is getting the door with latch included for $47.99 the same as buying the door and latch separately for $31.99 and $25.00? ...

Yes, in both cases it's a latch made by someone else (SouthCo). (Cajun Bandit, like some other companies, resells some things made by other people.)

My understanding is that CB offers the door alone (with either round or square latch hole) for people who want to use their existing latch and save money ... but I can't imagine why anyone would want to drill out the rivet and rejigger the older round knob latch, which sucks.

Awesome - thanks for confirming.

My WSM wont shut down so hopefully this will help. It is also out of round, so it leaks at the lid too.


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It will definitely help but alternatively you can remove the mid section and place a 18 kettle lid on the wsm bowl. That will shut it down faster than anything.


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I actually dont own a Weber Kettle *ducks*

Only have the WSM and Q1200


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Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 28, 2018, 01:56:16 PM
It's thin aluminum ... it can easily be bent back.

But yeah I know what you mean. I just now caved and ordered one for my 18.5. Mine is the older style WSM with not only the door that never seals, but the round knob for the latch that's a joke. Saw nothing in the scratch 'n dent section of the store, so I'm getting the door + SouthCo latch kit.

I haven't used my WSM in 2-3 years! Today I've spent $100 on it (Gateway hanger kit also ...)

Two excellent purchases. I have 2 CB doors/SC Latches (one for each 18WSM). You will still get some wisps of smoke, but it is a drastic improvement. I am considering picking up one for my newly acquired 14WSM as well.

I don't have a Gateway, but I do have a Weber rack. Both have their advantages/disadvantages. That said, I will probably purchase a Gateway Hanger down the road to add to the arsenal.

It looks very nice, will it make your food taste better, No. If you got money to burn go for it, otherwise the original door will work fine

Well it could your food taste better if it fits better and let's less smoke out I suppose.

Also could help in using less fuel if again fits better.

But I get what your saying and appreciate the input for sure.

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Very impressed with the quality of both the SouthCo latch and with the SS door. Gonna crank up my WSM today and learn how to use it again with the new pieces in place.

Mine should be here tomorrow.

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Mine is coming today. Hopefully I can throw it on mid smoke - i put a butt on about 3 hours ago (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180504/e7bffc1078c63d4fe9af1316a0fbe61b.jpg)


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Mine came, I installed it. There was no leakage at all. Cooker maintained a temp of 235 degrees for 5 1/2 hours on a half bag of kbb and there are still some left, not much but some. Also I shut all vents and 35 min later it was cool enough to take it all apart. Completely satisfied..

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Nice! I have my new tight, but not super tight and there's a wisp from the upper left and a visible gap. Not sure if I want to tighten it any more?

On my second cook today. 4 leg quarters direct on the upper grate, with hickory lump fired by some KBB. No clue about temp. Hot but not very hot.

I'm tempted to get some nomex for the leaky lid and drill holes for a second lid vent for some of these higher-heat experiments.

Got mine in and im pretty disappointed- pretty large gap on the right side. Haven't used it yet, but I think it will leak quite a bit.

Cant decide if my WSM shape or the door is the issue.


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That's odd. Maybe your opening got pushed in somehow. That SS door is kinda hard to bend. Put it on a flat surface and take a look.

Take a picture when you get a chance. Mine had small gaps at both upper corners and I was disappointed as well until I used it the first time. Just a couple wisps of smoke but it resolves all the issues I was having with maintaining temp and shutting down.  So in the end, it did exactly what I bought it for and I'm very happy with it. One of the few worthwhile gadgets I've bought.

Try it out and take some pictures and report back when you can.


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Quote from: bkeaver on May 06, 2018, 01:33:32 PM
Mine came, I installed it. There was no leakage at all. Cooker maintained a temp of 235 degrees for 5 1/2 hours on a half bag of kbb and there are still some left, not much but some. Also I shut all vents and 35 min later it was cool enough to take it all apart. Completely satisfied..

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Quote from: HoosierKettle on May 07, 2018, 03:28:11 AM
Take a picture when you get a chance. Mine had small gaps at both upper corners and I was disappointed as well until I used it the first time. Just a couple wisps of smoke but it resolves all the issues I was having with maintaining temp and shutting down.  So in the end, it did exactly what I bought it for and I'm very happy with it. One of the few worthwhile gadgets I've bought.

Try it out and take some pictures and report back when you can.


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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180507/f94ca61dc9d697bb99bd05e7735e6bab.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180507/7303cda6760198079b2606d9c0beeb51.jpg)


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Hmm, more gap than mine has for sure. Can the door be bent in more?

I'm not engineer but is seems to me one possible reason for this is that the bottom and top of the opening isn't on the same plane somehow, like one is squished in (technical term.)

In other words if the latch has to pull the center of the door in a lot, its sides could bow out?

Perhaps a ruler or straight edge could answer that.

Here is mine for comparisons sake.




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.


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As you can see. Grease will build up and seal the door. The very outside corners will leak a little for awhile. I can't tell if yours is the same as mine or not.


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I've had the door a year I think.


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Thanks for the pics - mine definitely has a larger gap, but good to see yours also had a gap.

I tried to bend it and it seemed to always bounce right back to its original shape. I will give it a try and if it leaks like crazy I will give CB a call and see what they say.


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Quote from: julweidn on May 07, 2018, 04:46:12 PM
Thanks for the pics - mine definitely has a larger gap, but good to see yours also had a gap.

I tried to bend it and it seemed to always bounce right back to its original shape. I will give it a try and if it leaks like crazy I will give CB a call and see what they say.


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Sounds like a good plan. I wouldn't mess with trying to bend it. I briefly tried and it's beyond my capability. It's very stout.


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One of my 18 CB doors had a little bit of gap on the corners. I was able to contour it into the correct shape with a little persuasion. Also make sure that SouthCo latch is tightened down fairly tight.

Fired up the WSM with the new door and it leaks like crazy. Much worse than the stock door. I sent CB and email. So disappointed

The left side also leaks, but is an acceptable amount

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180511/8dda754d38c7d58d3acf6d3042e30ea3.jpg)


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That bites. Mine doesn't leak at all. You have the latch tight ?

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Another option for tightening up an 18WSM is to install the stock door upside down.
The only down side is that it will take two hands to open/close the door so wear gloves!

Quote from: bkeaver on May 11, 2018, 07:08:29 AM
That bites. Mine doesn't leak at all. You have the latch tight ?

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Yeah its really tight. Either the door is defective or my wsm is out of round.


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Quote from: julweidn on May 11, 2018, 07:31:42 AM
Yeah its really tight. Either the door is defective or my wsm is out of round.

Right, and tightening it won't help if the issue is that the curve is too relaxed.

Install your lower cook grate, get it decently centered in the support tabs, and observe the surrounding gap. This will give you (and Cajun Bandit) some idea of the roundness of the center section just above the door.

I just made my own homemade latch
Cost me about $3 and works a lot better than the one they are selling

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I emailed Cajun Bandit last Friday and this Tuesday about my poor fitting WSM door and I have yet to receive any type of response. I even shared my phone number. 

I am really shocked at the extremely poor customer service. I know many have had great experiences with Cajun Bandit, but they will never get another cent from me.


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Sorry to hear about your experience.

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Try also FB, https://www.facebook.com/CajunBandit/

I remember someone awhile back saying they weren't able to reach him via email. I don't remember the reason, (seems like it was a website issue or something along those lines). Anyways, he did get the message and took care of that customer. I don't remember what the issue was. Hopefully they will take care of you soon.


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I sent a message to the CB Facebook yesterday and after initially receiving an automated response saying they dont monitor it, I got a response today.

They asked me to try and reshape the door and if that doesnt work or I dont feel like I should have to do that, they will issue me a refund.

I plan to try again to reshape it again this weekend with hopes of keeping it.


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Check with swamprb. I'm sure he would know the best way to reshape. Did they offer any ideas on the best way to bend it?


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If I were to attempt to reshape it, I think I would cut a curve in a 2x and take a c clamp to force the door into the tighter curve (just the one end) Maybe two pieces of wood? To prevent creasing. Not sure but that's what I would try with my limited knowledge.


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Quote from: HoosierKettle on May 18, 2018, 04:14:29 AM
Check with swamprb. I'm sure he would know the best way to reshape. Did they offer any ideas on the best way to bend it?


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They said to use a gallon paint can (or something similar) and try to bend around it


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Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 28, 2018, 01:56:16 PM
It's thin aluminum ... it can easily be bent back.

But yeah I know what you mean. I just now caved and ordered one for my 18.5. Mine is the older style WSM with not only the door that never seals, but the round knob for the latch that's a joke. Saw nothing in the scratch 'n dent section of the store, so I'm getting the door + SouthCo latch kit.

I haven't used my WSM in 2-3 years! Today I've spent $100 on it (Gateway hanger kit also ...)

Please give link to Gateway for the hanger.


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Quote from: abett on May 19, 2018, 05:28:12 AM
Please give link to Gateway for the hanger.

@abett, here ya go! https://www.gatewaydrumsmokers.com/Rib-Hanger-Kit-p/10630.htm

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on May 19, 2018, 05:50:34 AM

Quote from: abett on May 19, 2018, 05:28:12 AM
Please give link to Gateway for the hanger.

@abett, here ya go! https://www.gatewaydrumsmokers.com/Rib-Hanger-Kit-p/10630.htm

Thank you. Is the 18.5 a 30 gallon or is that the 22.55?

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A 30 gallon drum cooker uses grates like a 18.5" kettle or 18.5" WSM: 17.5" diameter.

If you had a 22.5" WSM you'd be looking for grates or accessories for a 55 gallon drum smoker, except Weber offers a readily available hanger for their 22.5" WSM already (minus the hooks; Gateway or someone else for those.) What I linked to works for what we were discussing, the 18.5" WSM.

Used the paint can as suggested and got it to fit nicely after some persuasion! Now to try it out.

Does the WSM typically run cooler (start with more lit coals) with the CB door?

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180524/be7ececbc8dbacbc1fc3db37ab7d18d5.jpg)


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Quote from: julweidn on May 24, 2018, 01:53:27 PM
Does the WSM typically run cooler (start with more lit coals) with the CB door?

It'll run cooler if it was running hot with the stock door due to air leakage.

Dang!  Yours fits better than mine now. Nice.

I'm glad to know about the paint can trick

In my case my old door had a bad latch and leaked bad so mine did run cooler and more controllable with the new door. Like ats said, it just depends how loose it ran before compared to now. If you are shooting for 275-325 range than definitely start with more lit.


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