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Smokers, Grills, Pitts & More => Weber Smokers & Grills => Topic started by: bearbonez on March 22, 2008, 07:46:12 am

Title: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: bearbonez on March 22, 2008, 07:46:12 am
 There are frequent inquiries as to how to use a WSM. It also seems to be about the most popular bbq tool out there. Please post your how to's and what for's on the WSM here.
 Things such as how much charcoal in the pan, what types, what type of grate or air ventilation for under the charcoal, using chips or chunks, charcoal rings, minion method, drip pan fillers, any modifications made, etc, etc, etc.
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: Mike (AZBarbeque) on March 22, 2008, 08:50:27 am
Great topic Bear, I'm sure this will be a great tool for new and experienced users.. 
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: Jaybird on March 22, 2008, 09:16:57 am
After assembling, throw the book that came with it away. It will teach you to use it the wrong way..trust me.
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: VisionQuest220 on March 22, 2008, 11:35:51 am
Practice, take notes, adjust. 

Practice again, take more notes, adjust again.

Practice some more, take even more notes, make more adjustments.

You will be rewarded for you efforts.

Jay might even tell you about his magic potato trick!
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: jim on April 14, 2008, 11:19:59 am
potato trick --- I'm all ears or should I say all eyes ----
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: Quiggs on April 28, 2008, 08:13:32 pm
Found this online, http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/index.html
I am sure the regulars have seen it but to the newbies' enjoy.
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: jim on April 29, 2008, 08:47:16 am
Finished up installing the "ACE" hardware handles -- $4.99 and they are a perfect fit at 6"
Also modified the lower rack raising it about 1 3/4 " above the water pan --- I think this will get the meats closer to the temp area
jim -- potato trick?
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: Jaybird on April 29, 2008, 09:18:09 am
I already told you the 'potato trick'!!
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: jim on May 02, 2008, 03:10:33 pm
were firing it up this weekend to practice on pork butt. those pesty butts have been killing me. i'll let everyone know monday how bad they come out ----
pratice -- pratice -- practice -- please dad no more pork butt -- get it right
jim
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: jim on May 05, 2008, 11:12:34 am
I have a question -- 10 lbs of Dura flame charcoal -- I got a 9 hour burn -- is this normal? The pork butts came out great, a 7 lb butt came out in 9 hours pulled great and good taste.
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: Jaybird on May 05, 2008, 11:40:06 am
Well Jim, if it came out great, then I would say....try it again....if that comes out great...try it one more time....if that's great then I would say that would be normal for you. ;)
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: jim on May 05, 2008, 12:12:24 pm
Jay -- were going on a road trip this weekend --  WSM's in tow. I was amazed at the lengh of time that it burned, is this why you get so much sleep? --
PS - nice job last weekend --
jim
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: Jaybird on May 05, 2008, 12:24:45 pm
Jim, my coals last for about 27 hours on one load here in Az.  At Rio Rancho they lasted about 15 hours and I had to add a little more...of course it was cold and real windy on that Friday night. Makes a difference.
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: jim on May 05, 2008, 01:46:47 pm
I had the bottom vents almost completly closed and the top vent wide open. Is there enough air coming in to close all the vents? Thanks -- jim
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: VisionQuest220 on May 05, 2008, 03:34:51 pm
Hi Jim,  I've had similar results to those Jay posted and I have had all the bottom vents closed all the way many times.  At your home elevation that may be a problem but the WSM is leaky enough to run all closed below with top wide open here in Phoenix.
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: jim on May 05, 2008, 03:48:39 pm
Your running a Guru -- right -- are you closing the top vent also?
thanks -- ask me a question about a large reverse flow, I am there for you --
jim
Title: Re: WSM (weber smokey mountain) 101
Post by: VisionQuest220 on May 05, 2008, 04:32:01 pm
I was speaking about my experience in using my WSMs without any forced draft stuff.  I cooked all last season without the Stoker.

I'm not a fan of closing the top vent at all except as a last resort for bringing down the temerpature.