Jump to:
- WSM Operating Tips
- WSM Modifications
- Reference Topics
- Videos: Operating Tips & Modifications On YouTube
Introduction
This department of TVWB represents all the knowledge I have accumulated from early 1997 to date about the operation, care, and maintenance of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. I want to thank all of the WSM enthusiasts out there who have freely shared their knowledge of the WSM with me through personal conversations, e-mail messages, and Internet discussions. Much of the credit for the information in this department goes to them.
New owners should pay special attention to the articles in the WSM Operating Tips section below.
WSM Operating Tips
Usage Tips: How to prepare and operate your Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions: You have questions? We have answers covering everything from pricing and warranty to construction and troubleshooting.
Firing Up Your Weber Bullet: Sure-fire methods for firing up the WSM, including “The Minion Method” for extended cooking sessions.
How To Use A Chimney Starter: A companion to Firing Up Your Weber Bullet. Includes alternatives to newspaper for starting the fire.
- Seasoning Your New Weber Bullet
- Measuring Temperature In The Weber Bullet
- Temperature Control Problems: Too Hot, Too Cool
- WSM Temperature Tests
- Using A Water Pan In Weber Smokers
- Cooking In The Wind, Rain & Cold
- Avoid The Weber Smoker “Burn Zone”
- Adding Charcoal Mid-Cook To The WSM: Chutes & Hot Squat
- Cleanup, Maintenance & Storage
- Protecting Patios & Wooden Decks
- Common Operating Mistakes
WSM Modifications
Introduction To WSM Modifications: Just a few thoughts I’d like to share before you dive into modifying your Weber Bullet.
- Installing A Thermometer
- More Thermometer Installations
- Cutting A Probe Thermometer Slot
- Increasing Cooking Capacity
- Lid Holders, Hangers & Hinges
- Replacement WSM Wooden Lid Handles
- Vent Damper Modifications
- Access Door Modifications
- Adding Handles To The Cooking Section
- Adding A Grommet To The Cooking Section
- Adding Latches To The Cooking Section & Charcoal Bowl
- Adding Handles To The Bottom Cooking Grate
- Alternative Water Pans & Diffusers For Weber Smokers
- Extending Water Pan Support Flanges
- The Piedmont Pan
- Charcoal Grate Modifications
- Rotisseries For Weber Smokers
- Work Tables
- Gas & Electric Conversions
- Grilling On The Weber Bullet
- Cold Smoker Conversion
- WSM On Wheels
- Triangle Rolling Platform For Weber Smokers
- Porcelain Repair
- The Little Red Bullet Project
- The Two-Tone Blue Bullet Project
- The Glen Blue Bullet Project
- Smokey Joe Mini WSM Project
Reference Topics
All About Charcoal: Learn all about charcoal—how it’s made, what’s in it, and how to choose the right one for your Weber Bullet.
All About Smoke Woods: This topic introduces the various smoke woods and helps you decide which woods to use with different barbecue meats.
- Barbecue Accessories & Supplies
- Testing Thermometers For Accuracy: Ice Bath Test & Boiling Water Test
- Boiling Point Calculator
- Make Your Own Ash Shovel
- Burn Test 2022: Kingsford Original vs Franklin Barbecue vs B&B Competition Oak Charcoal Briquets
- Burn Test: 1984 Kingsford vs 2020 Kingsford
- Kingsford Long-Burning Charcoal Briquets & Weber 100% All Natural Hardwood Charcoal Briquettes Burn Test 2017
- Kingsford Professional Briquets Replace Competition Briquets
- New Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquets Formula For 2015
- Kingsford Charcoal Briquets – Minor Changes for 2010
- Kingsford Competition Briquets – New For 2009
- Kingsford Charcoal Briquets – New Design, New Formula For 2006
- Kingsford R&D Lab Trip Report
Videos: Operating Tips & Modifications On YouTube
- Introduction to WSM Modifications
- Don’t Season Your New Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
- Avoid The Weber Smokey Mountain “Burn Zone”
- Adding Charcoal Mid-Cook To The WSM
- Water Pan Safety
- How To Foil A Water Pan
- Lid Thermometer vs Grate Thermometer in the Weber Smokey Mountain
- Replacing The Stock Thermometer In The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
- Adding Latches To Weber Smokers
- Extending Water Pan Support Flanges
- Alternative Replacement Water Pan For 18.5″ WSM
- Alternative Replacement Water Pans For 18.5″ WSM – Part 2
- Using Disposable Dutch Oven Liners In Weber Smoker Water Pans
- Bonus: Disposable Dutch Oven Liner in Pre-2009 Weber Smoker Water Pan
- Separating Leftover Charcoal From Ashes
- Quick Tip: Using Leftover Charcoal In The Weber Smokey Mountain
- Disposing Of Ashes & Water Pan Contents
- Increasing Cooking Capacity Of Weber Smokers
- Triangle Rolling Platform For Weber Smokers
- Update: Triangle Rolling Platform For Weber Smokers
- Cleaning Cooking Grates In Your Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
- That’s Not Rust In Your Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
- Why Does Water Collect In The Bottom Of Weber Smokers?
- How To Fix A Sticking Lid
- How To Clean Access Door
- Steam Cleaning Lid & Middle Cooking Section
- 1981 Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Restoration
- Q&A About Smoke Wood
- Should You Soak Wood Chunks?
- Split Log Smoke Wood In The Weber Smoker
- Running Thermometer Probe Wires Under The Lid Of The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
- Testing Thermometers For Accuracy: Ice Bath Test
- Adjusting Lid Thermometer To Show Top Grate Temperature? Don’t!
- Make Your Own Ash Shovel
- Burn Test: 1984 Kingsford vs 2020 Kingsford
- WSM Stacker Review
- Review: GreenFlame Natural Charcoal Lighter Fluid
- Review: Weber 7648 Stainless Steel Rib Rack
- Review: Rib Rings By BBQ Guru
- Review: ThermoWorks BlueDOT Probe Thermometer
- Thermapen ONE: Is it the ONE for you?
- Review: ThermoPro Lightning vs Thermapen ONE
- Review: WSM Insulated Smoker Jacket From Heatshield Products
- Review: Weber Grate Grill Cleaner
- Review: Kingsford Garlic, Onion, Paprika & Hickory Flavored Charcoal Briquets
