how many ppl have used WSMs?

[sparky]

my daughter wants to get into smoking.  i told her to use any of mine whenever she wants.  she still wants her own and brand new one.  girls.  she has been seeing the WSMs and thinks it would work for her.  i've never owned one so i don't know about them.  isn't a WSM and a drum the same thing more or less?  what size should she get?  thanks for the input.  jennifer-lynn thanks you. 

[squirtthecat]

I'd give her Ursula!

[smokeasaurus]

WSM's are easier to clean than UDS type smokers.. I used to hate lugging mine over to the grass and scraping all the sludge and ash out of it mine was a 27" diameter drum and it got heavy.....don't overlook that Cajun Injector Chicken Cooker...it is a darn fine smoker and easy to clean and use...........

[LostArrow]

In a moderate price range their is no easier cooker for a beginner. It easy to turn out great product on your first cook, & it's a great "Set it & Forget it " cooker.
The 18 WSM will cook enough for a small army 5 butts or 7 birds.
The only reason to get the 22 WSM is if cooking whole briskets or racks of ribs it's easier.
They aren't cheap (18 /$300, 22/$400) but with minimal care last for 10-20 years

[smokeasaurus]

didn't think of asking:  does she want to use charcoal as her heat source or is she open to using gas or electricity??

[nepas]

When i had my UDS i used plain old clay (non additive) cat litter at the bottom. Absorbs all the grease and oils then just turn over and dump.

[sparky]

squirt:  she wants a new smoker.

smoke:  i will look into the cajun chicken for her.

lostarrow:  she wants to cook ribs and butts.  she said she could make hers taste better than mine.  good for her.  i like it.

smoke:  she doesn't want electric.  she a charcoal/lump girl.

nepas:  thanks for the tip rick.  i'll use that w/ Bo and Ursula.

i think she wants one because she has watch videos and it easy for her to set up.  not heavy either.  she could adjust the smoke on the amount of wood or pellets she uses.  she doesn't like heavy smoke taste on food. 

[drholly]

I had an 18" WSM for many years. It was very easy to use - kept a steady temp with little effort. I just didn't use it enough and gave it to my little brother. He still uses it 10 years later. I've switched to a 30" electric Char Broil cabinet. Not as "flexible" but for the times I use it, perfect. I guess if I were starting over, I'd still consider the WSM for the easiest to use charcoal smoker and the Char Broil for an inexpensive easy to use electric. Both turn out really good eats - not the comp winning stuff - but wonderful for a family meal.

Cheers,

David

[smokeasaurus]

I rather have the family happy than some judges D-Holly!!  You are spot on the the CB electric smoker, it is one fine unit. Sparkys daughter wants to go with charcoal and that is where she will learn fire management and all the fun and work that comes with charcoal cooking. She can always go electric down the road like a bunch of us did!!

[smokeasaurus]

I have been thinking and I have to agree with D-Holly and LA....an 18" WSM will give her the most bang for the buck in a smoker. Weber quality. Set it and forget it and excellent consistent results. Easy to clean.  You can cook with or without water in the water pan  (go dry..trust me!!)!!

So I say    18" WSM!!!!!!!!

[drholly]

I have a 1969 Austin Healy Sprite set aside for my oldest daughter when the time comes - she wants to drive. I will have a WSM set aside for my youngest - when the time comes - she wants to cook. Both will take a fair amount of understanding to get the best out of them, but both can be a blast when you know how to use them...

David

[Wingman]

Both turn out really good eats - not the comp winning stuff - but wonderful for a family meal.

I'm thinking Harry Soo would disagree with this.   

[smokeasaurus]

Oh Yeah, Slap Your Daddy is one of the top teams in the country these days and all he uses is WSM's!!

[LostArrow]

Another advantage for the WSM is the resource of the Virtual Weber Bullet.