Why Does Water Collect In The Bottom Of Weber Smokers? - Chris Allingham - The Virtual Weber Bullet

[@CoolJay77]

That's an interesting story behind the WSM. Thanks for sharing.

[@chuckd8961]

As a newbie to the WSM smoker, this is a good topic to learn about and consider. Thank you.

[@tugboat8475]

Such a great full of information video. I sold my original Weber Smoky Mountain around 8 years ago and have just purchased another brand new one. I was expecting to do the same modifications once again but was surprised all 3 modifications don't need to be done now as is part of the Weber manufacturing. Mesh on the charcoal grate to stop the smaller parts falling through, handles on the bottom cooking. Great, and cutting the dreaded hole for the probe.

[@beverlyc.8175]

I'm so grateful for Chris Allingham and all that he does to impart knowledge about the WSM.

[@tomworkman3219]

I have the 18.5 WSM. I have used a plastic lawn bag under the Weber cover and have never again had the issue of water in the bowl. A cheap, effective solution!

[@michaelharman886]

Mine sets outside year-round, and I have no issues with water in the base. When not in use I keep the Weber cover on it and I also keep the top vent closed and the vents in the base open for airflow, that way, if any water would happen to get in, it can easily evaporate.

[@mikemockus3240]

Very complete and fascinating history on a super niche topic, thanks for posting this! I started my smoking journey with an ECB, "El Cheapo Brinkmann" and did some sweet mods and got almost 20 years of amazing meals out it! A few years ago I upgraded to an 18 in. WSM, and of course had to do some mods to make it my own including handles on the middle section, and attaching the charcoal ring to the charcoal grate with stainless wire) and I love it. I just ordered some seal sealer with your link - thanks again!

[@MikeVandenberg-j6j]

Just yesterday as I was cleaning up after a cook from the day before, I daw water in the charcoal bowl … now I know how it got there. Thanks Chris!

[@tonyurquhart7130]

Thanks. Look forward to your next vid.

[@roger80465]

Thank you Chris for addressing this issue. I agree that it's best to keep it under a cover but there have been many times where I will be doing a cook in the afternoon and it begins to rain while I'm waiting for the WSM to cool down enough to pack it away. I really don't have a place to put it under cover. Turning the center section over when cooling is a great idea. I will try that.

[@patm95]

I have mine outside with a cover and don’t have this issue at all.

[@johnlemay5037]

My WSM has lived on my uncovered patio since 2008 or so. I recall the covers that leaked water - I think those were the ones with the elastic around the bottom. I recall having a large trash bag that went on the smoker first followed by the cover. That worked. The covers with the Velcro strap for tethering to the leg, at least the last one I bought, was made of a different material that does not leak. I am one of those who drilled a hole in the bottom of the smoker to allow it to drain. This turned out to be very messy. As Chris points out, moisture runs down the inside of the cooker while in use. This resulted in the cooker always leaking when I used it. I’ve since filled the hole with a bolt, washer, and nut. After a few cooks this sealed up as good as new.

[@WiscTJK]

My worst cook in a WSM was during a pop up snow storm on New Years Eve. I couldn't keep heat in the cooker and the melting snow made it the worst cleanup of hard as stone ash in the bottom. Still is the best for low and slow, but after that experience, I started saving my pennies for the WSK Summit Kamado which resolves both issues. WSK isn't as good of a low and slow cooker, but it sure is versatile.

[@millenialbroadcast]

Great tips

[@brianlanius6263]

Flipping the midsection when storing, as noted in the closing credits, is the simplest solution.

[@Chadzilla333]

I have complained to Weber about this design, and being here in the Arizona desert where monsoon storms can take you by surprise (it can go from full sunshine to torrential downpour in a matter of minutes), you can’t really put a cover over a hot smoker, and "patio umbrellas" are very hazardous in the high gusting winds of a monsoon or a sand storm. Its a very poor design and needs to be changed. I would gladly buy a whole new SMC if they fix that lid lip. Cleaning it out and replacing rusted out grates is not fun at all.

[@douggrow3264]

Have never had this problem bc always clean smoker and store in garage after each use,. But am curious if just drilling a hole thru the base section would solve pronb for one kept outside?

[@TheVirtualWeberBullet]

Drilling a hole would let water out, but doesn't stop water from coming in, and a wet interior promotes rusty grates and mold/mildew. Better solutions are discussed starting at timestamp 6:00.

[@SLYFishing]

I use one of the black Contractor Garbage Bags under a cover on mine.

[@TheVirtualWeberBullet]

I did the same for many years. It works great!

[@notar2540]

Mine is always covered, except of course during cooking. Never cooked under rain. And I have water accumulating at the bottom…

[@greggalgano6036]

The backstory is interesting, but if all it would need is a flared edge I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want to improve upon a proven successful product.

[@TheVirtualWeberBullet]

As mentioned in the video, a flared edge would allow grease to drip down the outside of the cooker, especially when using water in the water pan.

[@greggalgano6036]

@@TheVirtualWeberBullet Fair enough… then the Weber brand cover should be designed to be completely water proof