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WSM 22.5

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smokinscott09

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 After reading a bunch of posts I see that a lot of folks are using the WSM for personal use and for comps. I'm sure this has be hashed over and over, but this is one of the smokers I am thinking of upgrading to. I'm sure there are a bunch of folks who can throw me some pros and cons on this unit. In reading some of the reviews a common thread seems to be with the poorly built door, and a mis reading thermometer.(off by 15 degrees by many accounts. I would like to hear some thoughts. I am going to have to save my butt off for the $399 price considering I am moving up from a ECB which cost me $50 but does smoke like a champ! And I am hoping to someday do a little competition with this.
#1 - January 01, 2010, 04:59:13 pm

Crash

  • Karma: 20
Built in thermos tend to be somewhat sketchy regarding accuracy.  I'd suggest temping at grate level with a good temperature gauge for consistent accuracy. 

WSM's are great products and we use them to compete.  If the $399 WSM price tag is a bit steep, consider the Pro Q products.  There are a few left here in AZ at a great price.  The comparable Pro Q model to the WSM 22.5 is the Excel20.  Look on Craigslist or in the BBQ classified section here at AZBarbeque. 

There are a lot of Pro Q user's here on the forum, and there is even a separate discussion category just for the Pro Q product.
#2 - January 01, 2010, 05:12:19 pm
I love animals.  They're delicious!
VRM Pit Crew

glenntm

We picked up our WSM 22.5 in December.  Love it.  Easy to control temp and can get a 10 hour burn on one load of charcoal.  We have found the temp to be pretty accurate.  The door is a little flimsy, but no problems so far.  I highly recommend it.

Purchased it at BBQ Island and received a 50.00 discount because of the club sponsorship.  They even assembled it for us.
#3 - January 01, 2010, 05:40:43 pm

jmcrig

If you're going with the WSM, go to BBQ Island and get a $50.00 discount for being a member here. I have one of the original 18" WSM's that I bought in the 80's. The door works just fine, 20 years old and all original. As far as the temp Gage on my WSM 22.5, I don't depend on any thermometer that is supplied with a unit. I use a ET-73, gives me meat temp and smoker temp. Hope this helps, it's my two cents. ;D ;D
#4 - January 01, 2010, 06:18:49 pm

smokinscott09

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Thanks for the responses! It is something I am definitely looking into!
#5 - January 01, 2010, 06:44:10 pm

Crash

  • Karma: 20
+1 on the ET-73.  Great unit and we use it at home and at comps.
#6 - January 01, 2010, 07:30:57 pm
I love animals.  They're delicious!
VRM Pit Crew

AzJohnnyC

  • Karma: 2
I agree about the Maverick. And the Pro Q rivals the Weber, for sure.
#7 - January 01, 2010, 09:47:43 pm
Whiskey Business BBQ
WWW.Facebook.com/whiskeybusinessbbq

Weber 22-1/2 Silver
Twin Pro Q Excel 20s
Lang 84 Deluxe

glenntm

You may want to private message Tracy at BBQPHX.  They have a ProQ and WSM 22.5, and they have some opinions on how they cook.  They feel one has an advantage over the other.
#8 - January 02, 2010, 06:10:26 am

c5rulz

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+1 on the ET-73.  Great unit and we use it at home and at comps.

+2 on the ET-73. ^-^
#9 - January 11, 2010, 12:26:15 pm

Waltersc

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Just bought one of the new 22 1/2 WSMS for competition , I like it because can do  8 butts ( which comes out to 1 case) and have everythuing in one place. I plan to buy 2 more along and along. I like them because they hold more product , here in South Carolina most comps have you do a case of butts , 6 racks spare ribs , and chicken thighs ( for those I go to Sams an get a 24 pack that way I can have a good pick of what to turn in. We have gotten into briskets here but I am going to practice up , ya never can tell. 
#10 - April 04, 2010, 05:40:52 am
Walter Brooker
Pit Master Team Squeel Appeal
Master Judge South Carolina BBQ Association

2- 22 1/2 INCH WSMS

bbqphx.com

  • Karma: 9
You may want to private message Tracy at BBQPHX.  They have a ProQ and WSM 22.5, and they have some opinions on how they cook.  They feel one has an advantage over the other.
Yes, I can say that we are an all Weber team now as I picked up a second 22.5" WSM after the legs on our ProQ completely collapsed at the Chandler event (only our third competition).  In my experience I was never able to get the ProQ up to temp no matter how much charcoal I fed it.  Two of those comps were in pretty cold weather though.  Crash's team has done very well with the ProQ's so perhaps I just got a lemon, but I personally would save up just a little bit longer and go with the WSM.  As the saying goes 'buy the best and only cry once'.
#11 - April 04, 2010, 07:48:29 am
Tracy-Head Chef and Mad Scientist
Weber Ranch Kettle
Two Weber Smokey Mountain 22.5"
Old School Weber Performer circa 1998
FEC100
http://www.bbqphx.com
Find BBQPHX sauce at Hobe Meats, Bull Market and Brooksie's

AzJohnnyC

  • Karma: 2
So, what's going to happen to the Pro Q Tracy? Did you pitch it, or is it in the yard sale bin?
#12 - April 04, 2010, 08:58:16 am
Whiskey Business BBQ
WWW.Facebook.com/whiskeybusinessbbq

Weber 22-1/2 Silver
Twin Pro Q Excel 20s
Lang 84 Deluxe

bbqphx.com

  • Karma: 9
No, it's already found a loving home in the parts bin of Bark-n-Chickens
#13 - April 04, 2010, 06:30:08 pm
Tracy-Head Chef and Mad Scientist
Weber Ranch Kettle
Two Weber Smokey Mountain 22.5"
Old School Weber Performer circa 1998
FEC100
http://www.bbqphx.com
Find BBQPHX sauce at Hobe Meats, Bull Market and Brooksie's

force

  • Karma: 1
Just bought a weber 22 bullet last night....... broke it in.... doing 8 pb this friday night for butcher bob's event on Sat....  brings me up to 12 smokers/grills/ plus one great italian brick oven..... eventually will catch jaybird.. in smokers that is......
#14 - April 15, 2010, 05:31:12 pm
Huge Fan of Mike (AZBarbeque)... He's My Hero..

bbqphx.com

  • Karma: 9
Just bought a weber 22 bullet last night....... broke it in.... doing 8 pb this friday night for butcher bob's event on Sat....  brings me up to 12 smokers/grills/ plus one great italian brick oven..... eventually will catch jaybird.. in smokers that is......
I need a bigger yard and no stinkin' HOA  ;)
#15 - April 15, 2010, 06:43:15 pm
Tracy-Head Chef and Mad Scientist
Weber Ranch Kettle
Two Weber Smokey Mountain 22.5"
Old School Weber Performer circa 1998
FEC100
http://www.bbqphx.com
Find BBQPHX sauce at Hobe Meats, Bull Market and Brooksie's

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