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Round Charcoal BBQ Grill – Weber 18″ Smokey Mountain Cooker

Authentic BBQ with all its depth and smoky flavor? Check out this charcoal grill that makes the meals a true joy to savor!

The history of Weber grills is a story of backyard innovation that turned into a grilling phenomenon. It all began in 1952 with a man named George Stephen.

George, frustrated with the uncontrollable heat of his damaligen ( damaligen means “back then” in German) grill, decided to take matters into his own hands. He was working at Weber Brothers Metal Works, a metal shop that made buoys. Seeing the potential in the buoys’ shape, George cut a buoy in half, added a lid and legs, and voila – the iconic Weber kettle grill was born.

The grill’s success was immediate. People loved the control the lid offered over the cooking temperature. By the late 1950s, the grill’s popularity was such that George bought out Weber Brothers and renamed it Weber-Stephen Products Co.

Weber grills continued to evolve throughout the years. They introduced features like angled metal bars for even heat distribution and channels to collect drippings and reduce flare-ups. In the 1970s and 80s, Weber brought their kettle design to the gas grill market, forever changing the way people grilled with gas.

Today, Weber offers a wide variety of charcoal, gas, and electric grills, along with smokers and accessories. But it all started with that one man’s desire for a better grilling experience, and the iconic Weber kettle grill that continues to be a backyard favorite.

What to Watch Out for When Shopping for Outdoor Smoker

  • Fuel type
    There are three main types of smokers: charcoal, electric, and gas. Charcoal smokers are the most traditional and require the most babysitting, but they also produce the most flavorful smoke. Electric smokers are the easiest to use and maintain, but they don’t produce as much smoke flavor. Gas smokers are a good compromise between charcoal and electric smokers, but they can be more expensive.
  • Size
    Smokers come in a variety of sizes, from portable models that are perfect for tailgating to large models that can smoke multiple turkeys at once. Consider how much food we plan to smoke and how much storage space we have when choosing a size.
  • Material
    Smokers are typically made from steel, stainless steel, or porcelain. Steel smokers are the most affordable, but they can rust over time. Stainless steel smokers are more durable and rust-resistant, but they are also more expensive. Porcelain smokers are easy to clean, but they can be fragile.
  • Temperature control
    Smokers need to be able to maintain a consistent low temperature for long periods of time. Look for a smoker with a good temperature control system, such as a damper or a thermostat.
  • Water pan
    A water pan helps to regulate the temperature inside the smoker and adds moisture to the smoke, which helps to keep food moist. Look for a smoker with a water pan that is easy to remove and clean.
  • Warranty
    Make sure to choose a smoker with a good warranty. This will protect us in case of any manufacturing defects.
  • Consider the budget
    Smokers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Decide how much we’re willing to spend before we start shopping.
  • Think about usage
    How often will the smoker be used? What types of food do we plan to smoke? Once we know how we’ll be using the smoker, we can narrow down our choices.

Disadvantages of Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker

  • Temperature control can be tricky
    Unlike electric or pellet smokers, which use electricity to maintain a consistent temperature, the Smokey Mountain Cooker relies on charcoal and damper adjustments to control the heat. This can be a challenge for beginners, as it takes practice to learn how to keep the temperature steady.
  • Long cooks require monitoring
    If we’re planning on smoking food for a long time, we’ll need to check on the smoker and add more charcoal as needed. This can be inconvenient, especially overnight cooks.
  • Can be bulky
    The 18-inch model is the larger option, and while it offers more cooking space, it can also be bulky and difficult to move around. There’s also a 14.5-inch model available that may be a better choice for some people.
  • Not ideal for searing
    While we can smoke and grill on the Smokey Mountain Cooker, it’s not the best option for searing meat at high temperatures. This is because it takes time to get the smoker up to high heat, and by the time it’s hot enough, our food may already be starting to cook.
  • Lacks some features of higher-end smokers
    Some higher-end smokers come with features like water smokers or digital thermometers, which can make temperature control easier. The Smokey Mountain Cooker is a more basic smoker.
  • Learning curve
    There is a bit of a learning curve to using a charcoal smoker like the Smokey Mountain Cooker. It takes practice to perfect our fire management skills.
  • Not ideal for beginners
    If we’re a complete beginner to smoking, we might find a smoker with easier temperature control to be a better option.

Benefits of Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker

  • Excellent Smoke Flavor
    The WSM excels at producing consistent, true smoke flavor for our food. The water pan helps regulate temperature and prevents the charcoal from burning too hot, creating clean smoke for perfectly flavored meats and vegetables.
  • Superior Temperature Control
    While it requires some practice, the WSM’s dampers offer very good temperature control once we get the hang of it. The near air-tight design allows us to maintain a steady temperature between 225-275°F (107-135°C) for long periods, which is ideal for low-and-slow smoking.
  • Great Value
    The WSM is known for its durability and relatively affordable price compared to some other smokers. It’s a solid investment that can produce restaurant-quality smoked food for years to come.
  • Versatility
    The WSM offers good cooking space with two grates, allowing us to smoke a variety of foods at once. We can also use it for indirect grilling or even cold smoking cheese or fish with some modifications.
  • Large Online Community
    The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker has a large and dedicated online community. This means we’ll find a wealth of resources, recipes, tips, and troubleshooting guides to help us master our smoker.
  • Easy to Use
    Despite the need to manage temperature, the WSM is a user-friendly smoker. The simple design makes it easy to set up, operate, and clean.
  • Durable Construction
    The WSM is built from heavy-gauge porcelain-enameled steel, making it a long-lasting smoker that can withstand the elements and years of use.
  • Portable (Relatively)
    While not the most compact option, the 18-inch WSM is still relatively portable compared to larger smokers. It has a sturdy stand and can be moved around our yard or patio for use.

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Why Buy Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker

For barbecue enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like the allure of smoky, fall-off-the-bone perfection. And achieving that coveted smokehouse flavor in our own backyard is easier than we might think. Enter the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, a charcoal smoker built for both ease of use and exceptional results.

Constructed from durable porcelain-enameled steel, the Smokey Mountain Cooker isn’t just built to last, it’s built to handle big jobs. With ample cooking space provided by two wide nickel-plated grates, this smoker isn’t afraid to tackle a feast. Imagine a juicy turkey nestled comfortably next to a honey-glazed ham – all smoking to smoky perfection at the same time.

But the Smokey Mountain Cooker’s true magic lies in its ability to transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals. The secret lies in the controlled, low-and-slow cooking process fueled by charcoal. This method infuses our food with a deep, rich smoke flavor that simply can’t be replicated with a gas grill.

Now, some might argue that charcoal smokers require constant monitoring. While it’s true that maintaining a consistent temperature takes a little practice, the Smokey Mountain Cooker makes it easy. The built-in water pan not only helps regulate temperature but also adds moisture, preventing our food from drying out. Plus, the individual vents on the bowl and lid allow for precise airflow control, a key factor in achieving that perfect smoky kiss.

Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly complex world of smoking. The Smokey Mountain Cooker’s user-friendly design makes it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned grill masters alike. The included thermometer provides a clear picture of internal temperature, while the heat-resistant nylon handle ensures safe handling.

So, if we’re looking to elevate the backyard grilling experience and impress our guests with restaurant-quality smoked meats, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is the perfect solution. It’s an investment in deliciousness, built to deliver years of smoky satisfaction.

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Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker in Three Sizes

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Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker for Low and Slow Charcoal Smoking

Wake up and light the smoker, because succulent pulled pork and fall-off-the-bone ribs come to those who wait. The Smokey Mountain Cooker smoker has two cooking grates for smoking multiple items at once, with a removable door and dampers that adjust easily so that we’re always in control of the heat—and our feast.

Get the Perfect Fit

3 sizes available: 14″, 18″, and 22″ (or 2, 4, or 6 racks of ribs!)

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Silicone Grommet

Silicone Grommet

Silicone temperature grommet allows us to conveniently check the internal temperature of the grill and of the meat.

Works perfectly with the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub that connects to our phone via Bluetooth and lets us monitor our cook all the way through.

Quality

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker

Capacity

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Capacity

Control

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker

Connect

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Silicone Grommet

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