Weber Smokey Mountain 18"
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First Published
The Weber Smokey Mountain has won more barbecue competitions than any other smoker at any price point. That alone should tell you everything, but let me explain why it's also perfect for your backyard.
What We Love
- +Holds temperature for 8-12 hours unattended
- +Two cooking grates for dual-level smoking
- +Built-in water pan moderates temperature
- +Incredibly fuel-efficient
- +Compact footprint
- +Proven competition pedigree
Watch Out For
- −No easy access to charcoal or water pan
- −Door is small and leaky
- −Thermometer is inaccurate
- −Limited to smoking — can't grill
Specifications
Cooking Area
481 sq in (2 grates)
Diameter
18.5 inches
Material
Porcelain-enameled steel
Water Pan
Built-in
Weight
41 lbs
Warranty
10 years
The Full Review
The WSM is the smoker that proves you don't need to spend thousands to produce world-class barbecue. I've produced competition-worthy brisket, ribs, and pulled pork on this $399 unit.
The secret is the water pan. It acts as a heat sink, moderating temperature swings and adding humidity to the cooking chamber. Fill it up, set your vents, and the WSM will hold 225°F for 8+ hours without intervention. In a Minnesota winter, I add a little more charcoal upfront, but the principle works the same.
Two cooking grates give you 481 square inches across two levels. That's two full packer briskets or six racks of ribs. For a smoker this compact, the capacity is impressive.
The "Minion Method" — filling the charcoal chamber with unlit briquettes and adding a small amount of lit charcoal on top — is the key technique. The lit coals slowly ignite the unlit ones, giving you 12+ hours of steady heat from a single load.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest vertical smoker rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Smokey Mountain 18" (this) | 4.8 | $399 | The competition-winning vertical smoker that punches way above its price. |
| Pit Barrel Cooker 18.5" | 4.7 | $399 | The hook-and-hang drum smoker that makes incredible BBQ with zero skill required. |
| Oklahoma Joe's Highland Offset | 4.4 | $349 | The entry point into real stick-burning. |
Who Is It For?
Anyone who wants to start smoking meat seriously without a huge investment. Competition barbecue enthusiasts on a budget. Cold-climate grillers who need reliable low-and-slow performance year-round.
Final Verdict
The WSM 18" is the best smoker value in existence. Period. $399 gets you a competition-proven cooker that produces results rivaling smokers five times its price. Every backyard should have one.
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