WSM Questions and Advice

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hurriken

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Apr 23, 2011
118
15
Chicagoland
I did receive an 18" WSM for Christmas. I rubbed it down with oil and ran a load of charcoal and apple chips wor 4 hours at 300+ degrees. I wasn't sure what to do so I out water in the pan.

1) Do you always use the water pan? Do you ever leave it out or leave it empty of water? Is it more to add moisture or to control the temperature? I have read both.

2) Which grate it hotter, top or bottom? Is there a guide for placement of different cuts of meat?

3) not really a WSM question but I also received one of those coal starter cans. I started it by balling up newspaper and stuffing it underneath. Any other ideas? I have an electric starter but the instructions on the can say not to use it.
 
I did receive an 18" WSM for Christmas. I rubbed it down with oil and ran a load of charcoal and apple chips wor 4 hours at 300+ degrees. I wasn't sure what to do so I out water in the pan.  Perfect.

1) Do you always use the water pan? Do you ever leave it out or leave it empty of water? Is it more to add moisture or to control the temperature? I have read both.  Both.  You can leave it out, but why would you?  IMHO, it makes for a better and easier smoke.

2) Which grate it hotter, top or bottom? Is there a guide for placement of different cuts of meat?  With the water pan in and filled, the top is hotter (hot air rises).  I rotate foods around 1/2 way thru the smoke..

3) not really a WSM question but I also received one of those coal starter cans. I started it by balling up newspaper and stuffing it underneath. Any other ideas? I have an electric starter but the instructions on the can say not to use it.  You can set it on a propane burner; I have used the side burner on the gas grill -- works like a charm.  You can also spritz a little cooking oil onto the paper which makes it act like a wick (oil burns before the paper) so you can get a good start with just one wad of paper.
 
I did receive an 18" WSM for Christmas. I rubbed it down with oil and ran a load of charcoal and apple chips wor 4 hours at 300+ degrees. I wasn't sure what to do so I out water in the pan. Excellent I use spray can of oil, just easier

1) Do you always use the water pan? No 

Do you ever leave it out or leave it empty of water? Both If left in empty it is foiled. I have also run it with water pan filled with sand, and covered with foil. 

Is it more to add moisture or to control the temperature? I have read both. Both

2) Which grate it hotter, top or bottom? I have 2 thermometers installed in mine, and I only see a slight difference in temp between the 2. Temps will run hotter with no water pan. 

Is there a guide for placement of different cuts of meat? None that I am aware of.

3) not really a WSM question but I also received one of those coal starter cans. I started it by balling up newspaper and stuffing it underneath. Any other ideas? I have an electric starter but the instructions on the can say not to use it. DO NOT USE THAT ELECTRIC STARTER IN THE CHIMNEY. I use several methods. 1. a gas burner on a camp stove. 2. mixture of news paper and lint from dryer. 3. paper towels sprayed with non stick cooking spray 4. news paper and paper towels dipped in paraffin wax 5. 2 egg carton fire starters. Take an egg carton fill the voids with dryer lint or saw dust about 1/2 - 2/3 full, fill with paraffin wax to 3/4, let set up and cut into single cups.  light the edges of egg carton cup works wonderfully. 
 
Hey Hurriken,

Congrats on the new smoker, I have a WSM and love it, looks like the others have answered your questions, the only thing I will add is I leave the water pan out when cooking chicken, it's a lot easier to reach 300°-350° dome temp without the pan to crisp up the skin.

Happy Holidays,

Gene
 
Grats on the WSM! They got you covered on some of the basics.
biggrin.gif
 
WSM is a great smoker.  You will love it.

You might also want to take a peek at the Virtual Weber Bullet Bulletin Board site as it's original purpose was for the WSM owners.  There is a ton of info there targeted at the WSM.  You will see a lot of us there also, but I spend 99% of my time in the SMF forum!!!!!

http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/
 
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