Let's Talk BBQ

Outdoor Cooking Equipment => Grills & Smokers => Charcoal Smokers => Topic started by: squirtthecat on April 12, 2015, 09:31:45 PM

Title: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: squirtthecat on April 12, 2015, 09:31:45 PM

Anybody got one?   We are thinking of getting one as a dedicated wing/chicken cooker at our BBQ shop..

Couple of questions:

How hot can it run?
Can wheels be mounted to it - or is there an easy way to roll it it out of of a garage?   (drum dolly, etc.)

Thanks everyone!

Title: Re: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: 1Bigg_ER on April 12, 2015, 09:40:36 PM

You won't be disappointed. And yes wheels can be easily installed.
I've gotten it as hot as 425 using lump charcoal With the water pan completely removed.
I've cooked a mess of chicken for backyard shinanigans plenty of times.

Title: Re: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: smokeasaurus on April 12, 2015, 10:32:13 PM

I think Sparky added some wheels to his.

Title: Re: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: Scallywag on April 13, 2015, 07:52:37 AM

I have an 18.5 at the trailer, I love it.. only regret I have is that I didn't buy a 22.5

Title: Re: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: sparky on April 13, 2015, 11:02:30 AM

I got all three sizes.  Wheels on all of them.  425 without water pan is the same temp I have gotten.  Love my wsm's.  I carry the 14" wsm in the back seat of my truck. 

Title: Re: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: squirtthecat on April 13, 2015, 11:13:20 AM

Cool.   Thanks guys!

Going to look at one over lunch.

Title: Re: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: squirtthecat on April 13, 2015, 06:47:53 PM

Pulled the trigger on one after lunch.   Got an extra cooking grate - we'll "engineer" something to add a 3rd rack in there.

Any tips/tricks/gotchas?  We primarily use Royal Oak (foodservice) lump charcoal.    Hot and fast..


Might try a load of butts in it overnight - if I'm feeling daring.    ;)

Title: Re: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: Big Dawg on April 13, 2015, 06:49:37 PM

Sorry I didn't see this sooner, but, I was cooking on Fat Boy (posting oics tomorrow).

Yes, wheels are a snap.  And, yes, a little over four is about the best your going to get out of it.

I've done the third grate, just get some right angle brackets at Home Depot or Lowes.  Also added some handles to the barrel,and took one of the tool hooks and mounted into the side of the barrel.  If I'm real careful, I can still get the con*** - oops, I meant tight fitting cover - onto it.

Overall, though, it has got to be one of the most versatile cookers out there . . . . . second only the the Kettle ! ! !





BD

Title: Re: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: squirtthecat on April 14, 2015, 08:00:45 AM

Awesome!

No need for the cover...   We have a 2000 sq foot warehouse that we roll our equipment in and out of.

It should arrive tomorrow.  Looking forward to firing it up!

Title: Re: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: 1Bigg_ER on April 14, 2015, 09:47:48 AM

Quote from: Big Dawg on April 13, 2015, 06:49:37 PM

If I'm real careful, I can still get the con*** - oops, I meant tight fitting cover - onto it.


BD

HAHA!
Just FYI, I bought a cover the 26 kettle and it fits on the wsm 22.5 with hinge mod. It might work for your mods.

Title: Re: Looking at a 22.5" WSM
Post by: smokeasaurus on April 14, 2015, 10:04:24 AM

I have been told that  WSM users are getting the Hunsaker Vortex charcoal insert. Their WSM's are getting up to temp faster and can cook at high temps without burning their meat.

http://www.hunsakersmokers.com/products/vortex-fire-basket