Hello I’m a brand new member outside of Houston Texas...very first post. Just wanted some opinions on which WSM to buy... 18.5 or 22 inch? I know this isn’t an easy question to answer without adequate detail so here you go.

I have a family of 4 with the occasional hungry friends or neighbors.
Money or space is not an issue.
I want to be able to cook two full sized briskets at a time.
Maybe 4 to 6 racks of babyback ribs.
A larger turkey during Thanksgiving.



I currently cook four to five days per weeks on either my Member's Mark gas grill or my Weber performer.

I just don’t want to purchase the smaller unit and wish I had more room. I also don’t want to buy the larger unit and regrets using the additional fuel needed and having wasted space.

In short, for someone that doesn’t know what they want, how do you know what you need?

Thank you,

Mark

Mark,

Based on what you want to do, the 18.5 inch will be perfect.

Ray

You should be thinking 22.5 or 26.75. I have the 22.5 and a lot of times I am using every square inch of that grill when cooking indirect. Most of my cooks I use about 3/4 of a chimney and when I am done I close all the vents and just add about 1/2 to 1/4 chimney of fresh charcoal the next time I use it. There seems to be more accessories for the 22.5 too so that might be something to look into.

Welcome aboard Mark!
As Ray stated, an 18 WSM is ideal.
Use the extra cash you'd spend on the 22"er and buy some meat.

Either size, you will not regret your purchase.
Enjoy

Thank you for the advice guys. I'm leaning towards the smaller one. It's good to be on this forum.

Welcome Mark,
I had the same problem, family of 5, which one do I get? I then went to the WSM 18 or 22 portion of this forum and decided on the 18 2009 version and then down the road will purchase a used 18. The 2009 has some sweet improvements and remember to use the link of this web site to Amazon for a smokin deal of $239. Amazon gives a portion of the sale to TVWB which helps support this web site. Good luck and smoke on.

I bought the 22.5 like 2 months ago and i love it, the room is great, i can do 12 racks standing up, pork butts is not a problem, abt's on the top while i do 6racks on the bottom is sweet, especially if you cook like 30-50 abt's like i do! I just did some butts(25lbs butt) the other day and use one bag of 21.lbs kingsford and it cook around 16hrs easy without even touching it! But the butts where done about the 12-13hr mark. I love the room and i cook for my church even tho i'm a single guy, i buy bulk and smoke in bulk, everyone love's smoke food and i just like to share the goodness with my brothers. Best part bout smoking is watching other people enjoy it! I would buy a 22 again knowing what i know now, either way you can't go wrong.

C'mon! You're a Texan, right! You gotta go with the 22!

Welcome Marc, If money & space is not an issue, I would recommend the 22.5. I'm glad I went with the 22.5 because of all the extra room. I recently smoke a 11lb brisket, 6 racks of baby backs and a couple of chickens with room to spare.

Well based on all the feedback received, I opted for the 22.5 unit. But I really don’t think I could have gone wrong by choosing either unit. It’s good to be part of such an enthusiastic community. Thank you all for the info.

quote:

Originally posted by Mark Lund:
Well based on all the feedback received, I opted for the 22.5 unit. But I really don’t think I could have gone wrong by choosing either unit. It’s good to be part of such an enthusiastic community. Thank you all for the info.

You'll be able to feed a lot of hungry friends with that Have fun with your new toy. Have you decided what you're going to do for it's inaugural smoke?

-Mark.

Tough decision! You will love either one. I bought a 22.5. Its just the wife and I and friends sometimes but I like the fact I can lay out my baby backs or spares flat. Also holds whole packer briskets no problem.
I have 2 beer can chickens and a fatty on it right now. Looks a bit empty but tomorrow it will have much more!
I went with the bigger one and I use the space alot. I use in some comps also.
Good Luck with your decision. Either one is a great smoking machine!

22.5 WSM FTW!