re: Buying my first smoker... need advice **UPDATED 1st smoke w/ pics

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Go ahead and get the 22.5 WSM then. It is huge. You can easily fit a brisket and three pork shoulders on it and it holds a full rack of ribs without cutting them in half.

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ok. that's good to know. I will look into it. also I saw Franklin using one of these Old Country pits and am thinking of this as well. Has solid reviews.

What are advantages/disads of offset to WSM?

Bamboo skewered ribs for 18 1/2" WSM

Neauxla,

Scroll up for pictures of the way I fit 6 rib racks on my WSM.

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How bout a little credit??

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Sorry

FYI that's jmon's back yard and ribs.

LINK

those look like baby backs

They are baby backs. I have not tried this method with spare ribs.

For spare's I have used a rack holder and snaked them through where they extend past the ends. Looks like an "S" pattern. You just start each spare where each rib ends. Give it a try as the racks can be picked up for less than $10.

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I have an electric Masterbuilt and absolutely love it after being a charcoal guy forever.

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Same here. I recently made the switch myself and could not be happier. I still have an offset for the days when the weather is perfect for smoking.

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The WSM has two shelves for meat.

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yes I am seeing this as I research. I am now leaning towards the WSM. I think the ease of use for my lack of skill is desirable at this time. Any heat control issues between the two sizes? Any mods I should consider?


Also, do you guys use briquettes or lump? I have always used lump for my direct heat grilling, but I am wondering if briquettes are better for slow/low due to longer burn time. On the other hand, do they burn hot enough to maintain proper heat?

I've used both, I like briquettes better for smoking. The lump burns a little too hot sometimes.

Get the thermometer Kingwood linked. It is worth every penny.

I own an 18-1/2" WSM and it is perfect for smoke flavor with little hassle. The website mentined by Kingwood has so much info, and the forum on there offers so many mods it'll make your head spin. I have done the eyelet mod for food and temp probes, pottery plate as a heat sink in the water bowl, and have the door and lid seal kit but have not installed it as of yet. I also own the BBQ Guru auto control system for the long, overnight smokes, but I'm a techie so it may not be worth the investment for many. You will find that your comfort level with the WASM increases the more you use it, and smoking ribs and butts becomes secondary thought. Not many other mods were needed for my use.

nm