Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker?

S

Sid Post

Joined
Oct 14, 1998
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I have been looking at Smokers for a long time and keep seeing references to the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. Do people on this forum use them? Do they work well? Are they fuel efficient?

I'm thinking I will get the 18.5 inch model. If I smoke just a few pounds of meat at a time, will I be able to use less fuel and wood for smoke or do I need to plan on smoking two large pieces of meat at time? Should I get the 22.5 inch model for "once or twice a year" Turkey's or Ham's?

TIA,
Sid
 
I have one, and love it. Weber's are quite fuel efficient, you will need to do some experimenting to see how much fuel to use. get a couple of digital thermoters, one for the internal temp, one for the meat, it makes life easier.
 
I have one too. The older 18.5 model. Saw the 22.5 today and they have made alot of nice upgrades. I personally don't think the bigger one is worth the extra cash.
 
I bought one of the Char-Griller Smokin' Pro's last year and it is the best grill I have owned for smoking. Unlike the Weber the fire box is not located under the meat which allows for a nice long (5 hours+ for a brisket) smoke without drying out the meat. The grates are cast iron and the body is heavy gauge steel. Of course it can be uses as a regular grill as well as a smoker and if you want to just cook for two you can cook in the firebox and save charcoal, it has cast iron grates as well.

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Here are some slow smoked ribs I did a few nights ago...

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and a brisket from a few weeks ago...

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The indirect heat just lets me smoke meats without burning and for long periods which results in a great deep smoky taste. I can hold at 250-275 for 6-7 hours easily.
 
I have smoked on both and no doubt about it, side box smokers are very good.

The thing about the Weber is it has a water pan between the heat and the meat that allows it to be a little more forgiving when trying to regulate the temperature. Typically for any smoking 225 with a flux either way of 25 degrees keeps you in the zone.

The Virtual Bullet site posted earlier is an excellent source for recipes and how to set up your smoker, your fire and anythting you want to cook.
 
I had a Weber and gave it away...the side firebox spoiled me...lol...so easy to add fuel and the huge cooking area is so nice for parties!
 
I was just the opposite, gave away my side box for the weber and have never looked back. Too much adding fuel and temp fluctuations. Cooked a 16lb brisket on the weber july 4th. Cooked for 14hrs at a steady temp of 230 to 240 with only 1 fuel add. It holds temp so well you can sleep through the night without worry.
Plenty of competition Barbaque folks use the weber just for this reason.


Although the old side box I had was not as nice or well built as yours, probably why I had so many issues with it.
 
I wouldn't trade my Weber Smokey Mountain Bullet for any other grill/smoker out there. I love it.
 
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