WSM (Weber Smokey Mountain Water Smoker)
by Dan Cannon

  

The following are some tips I have found for getting the WSM to function well. Thought I would share them with everybody.
  
-- I used to use a chimney starter to start the first load. Lately I have started to just fill the ring with Oak / Hickory lump to a heaping stack above the ring, about 1 - 2 inches above the ring. I stick a wax type starter (I got from Home Depot) on each side, light, and in 25 minutes my lump is ready to go.
  

-- For the temperature control I like (maintaining 235 - 245)  I usually leave all three vents on the bottom wide open for the first 2 hours.  Then shut one if necessary. I always leave the top vent wide open.  I rarely have to mess with the bottom vents any further, but have in some cases.

  
-- For a second load, on a real long burn as in a brisket, I will then use the chimney. Prior to pouring it in I shake the base, of course I pulled the top section off off, and get the ashes to drop below the grate. Then I dump the stack in and any more if necessary.  I wear my heat-proof rubber gloves while lifting the top section.
  
-- I then put the water bowl in and fill it with water (hot if convenient) till it goes through that little hole on the rim and hisses.

-- Then I take the side door off and put a small chunk of hardwood (oak)  on the stack of lump, usually a larger piece of oak and a hickory chunk.  Smoke penetrates best between 40 and 140 degrees.

-- I find the wood will run unattended for 7 - 8 hours consistently. I can then go to sleep. The water will last 7 hours. Water might go longer but it is risky.

-- If you want the unit to go slightly higher then just offset the lid ever so slightly so it is not a tight seal, maybe 1/4 inch opening. It will raise 10 degrees in 5 - 10 minutes. I often forget and find it at way too high. 

-- If you want the unit to slightly lower, then just lift the lid, swish it back and forth a time or two, then put back. I call this  burping the unit.

-- When done I shut all vents. Then lots of pieces of lump and wood are left. I reuse it to start fires or add when needed. However, beware, it is such small pieces you must be careful where you use it as it can smother your fire.

-- I might be weird, but I clean my grates and bowl every time I use my unit. NOT that clean, just take the big chunks off with a metal brush and then rinse off with the hose.  Or, I just use a large plastic garbage can lid to put the grates in and fill with water to let them soak. I don't get carried away, just get the big stuff off.

-- I clean the bowl and grates with the green scouring pad type stuff. Comes off pretty easy.  Some coat the bowl with tin-foil prior to use to make it easier to clean.  I never have.  

-- If you use a polder temperature probe you can use the top cover adjustable vent hole, or the side door for entry of the cable.

-- I drilled a hole on the opposite side of the top cover vent and put a large temperature gauge in that I remove when not in use. The hole is just large enough to screw it in and out. This is not necessary. You could just use the vent hole in top. I chose not to. 

-- I actually find that I usually just have two or three vents open on the bottom as a rule.  If I go to bed it will usually be two lower vents open.  Of course you have to judge each burn independently and adjust from there.

-- I find I can really pick up the unit off the base and work with the hot areas easily by using the heavy duty black rubber gloves that they sell at Home Depot.

I now think everybody knows all my secrets. Hope it helps. 

Dan