Weber Smokey Mountain Mods, tips, and tricks 2024 | Part 1

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks for watching, guys!

[@TROYCOOKS]

I always love watching your videos and I"m honored to be included in one. The WSM is probably the best bang for your buck when it comes to smokers and I highly recommend getting the largest WSM you can afford. I was having dejavu during this video, like I'd seen it before? LOL Hope to see you again real soon Justin! Love ya buddy!!!!! Cheers!!!!!!

[@BabyBackManiac]

I know, right! I told you it was going to seem almost like a collaboration. Great minds think alike! Miss you buddy.

[@adiliosamuels253]

Couldn’t agree with you more on getting the largest size in your budget. I went with 18in instead of 22in since it’s only two of us but now I wish I had purchased 22in. The extra space comes in handy for multiple racks of ribs and brisket.

[@timcapell]

Hey my two favorite bbq peeps! Love both yours guys content. I have to admit, I bought a rectec 700 pellet smoker and to be honest I miss the flavor from my WSM. Some say its just in my head (family members) but I’m thinking of just buying another one. My question is, would getting an offset give the same taste and bark as a WSM? Or is it better on an offset like a Yoder or LSG?

[@nicksanchez6667]

So happy to see you talking BBQ in your own backyard again!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Nick! I really appreciate that!

[@mamba24kc]

Me too man I miss those videos of urs

[@orion9147]

Thank god you and T-Roy are back. We have so missed you guys. Thanks for the vid and hope the health is getting better.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Orion. Took a while, but I'm doing a lot better. Thanks.

[@mdboatbum]

After 10ish years with a homemade tamale pot/smokey Joe smoker, my wife surprised me with an 18" WSM in the summer of '22. I actually got those same casters for it. Being me, I somehow managed to drill the holes in the legs at a wonky angle, so it sits at about a 12 degree angle. I was totally bummed, then I wheeled it out to the driveway. Guess what, our driveway is at exactly a 12 degree angle! It now sits perfectly level on a sloped driveway. 57 years bungling my way through life, and any win is appreciated, and this was a HUGE win!

[@mikebowerstv]

Man I miss Phi and his videos. Glad he got a mention.

[@BabyBackManiac]

He was such a good guy. Thanks for stopping by, Mike, I'll butt dial you later. lol

[@jcbever1511]

I bought the stainless steel door for my 22" WSM from Cajun Bandit probably around 5 years ago and decided not to use it. It turned out that I really liked the stock door (especially the knob) on my WSM. On the stainless door, the knob is just funky to use (you have to flip it up to loosen, then turn to open) - it also comes loose and I can't seem to keep the bolt/nut used to attach it to the door tightened just right. Also, while I was able to bend the stainless door to the shape of my WSM, I never got it to fit as well as the stock door. Overall I just didn't care for it and went back to the stock door. I did put a heat gasket strip around the stock door to seal it from smoke leakage and it's worked great. So really, the only modification I needed (or maybe just wanted) was the self-adhesive gasket strip. I might try to use the stainless door again, but it's sitting in the shed for now and I'm not in any hurry to change anything.

[@DeadBrokeBBQ]

One of these days, I will own a Weber Smoky Mountain 22”. Every time I think about pulling the trigger, I click the safety back on. Ha ha Great video Justin and when I finally do get one, I am buying galvanized brackets for some casters and a couple garage door handles.

[@BabyBackManiac]

You are going to have to build a bigger garage...and figure out how to manufacture more free time before that happens. lol. Thanks for watching, buddy.

[@chris.fitzgerald]

Great to see a bbq video from you. Missed seeing you. Glad to see T-Roy doing some videos again. Hope you are feeling well and look forward to seeing more bbq videos from you soon. Cheers from the Jersey Shore 🌴 🏖️

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks 👍 I really appreciate it, Chris.

[@PeterGregg]

LOL - I found the comfort food of the BBQ video world right HERE!!! Best life advice you'll ever get DON'T EAT THE HANDLES!! Thank you for an amazing video, I gained weight just watching it heh heh, world class, big thumbs up 👍👍👍

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Buddy. lol

[@markburchell8869]

I have missed your videos. I'm glad to see you again. Your videos have always made me smile and got me into BBQ.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you, Mark. I really appreciate that. Justin

[@thezach3100]

Awesome video, I’m looking forward to the sequel. I have the 18, I’m always looking for tips.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@triaxe-mmb]

He's back! Well with BBQ content that is. The travel vlogs were entertaining too

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed them.

[@tmo7734]

Welcome back, Justin. Keep your wonderful videos coming.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thank you. Will do.

[@gnnadi1]

No way, Phil passed 😢. Oh men, I sent a message on his channel asking why no more videos a few weeks ago. Love his videos, nothing technical, just cool and eat. Watching you guys helped push me through the pandemic, had to find something to do with the extra time, followed y’all s videos to cook and enjoy with my family. Please keep the videos coming. Hope you are doing much better too.

[@paulh6517]

He was always happy, trying mods on the wsm and kettle and an infectious smile. One of my favorites.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yeah, he passed away several years ago. My understanding was he was in the process of stepping out to grill dinner and had a cardiac event. He was a wonderful guy and a good husband, father, grandfather, and friend and it's kinda cool that his online legacy lives on years later and helped you get through the pandemic. He would have loved hearing that.

[@VJ-Syd]

Finally the BBQ gang is back on YT .. Happy to see you & T-Roy back. Feel nostalgic to the glimpse when alll of u met back then. ❤

[@Paparoach-hc6il]

The water pan, the bane of my existence. Love the video, you and T-Roy are the reason I settled on the WSM when shopping for my smoker. Looking forward to part 2.

[@mikeoreilly4020]

I've missed you guys. For a long time you were so much a part of my KZbin experience. I'm out of the country, returning in mid-March and I've ordered a KBQ-60 which I'll use to curb my LSG offset envy. Hope you're all doing well.

[@Mark.A.Waller]

I like most, have missed you and your cooks, Great to see you back and look forward to many more videos ♥

[@BabyBackManiac]

Appreciate it, Mark!

[@volvo09]

Yeah! Grill mods! Love to see what people do to their grills.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Me too! lol. Thanks for watching

[@SmokeyGoodness]

Just like ol' Elmer Fudd, I can safely say; Awww I don't have a buuwet, hahahahaha. Wish I did, but I'd be the world's biggest newb trying to use it. Welcome back, Justin.

[@BallisticBBQ]

Great video, Justin. The only problem I had... Now this is me... Was your reference to Tears For Fears. WSM came out in 1981, so for me it was Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath back then. Other than that, fantastic video! I have never owned a WSM, but I have cooked on them. I always enjoyed watching you, Troy and JB cooking on them back in the day. Nice seeing you back on the saddle brother!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Shout, shout, let it all out…

[@SmokedReb]

I love the back to basics approach. Thanks for sharing!!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks man! Just trying to get my new groove back...like Stella...or the Emperor depending on your tastes in movies

[@otiskeithwatkins1679]

Used an 18 for years that I paid 110 for but have really wanted a 22. I found one a couple of years ago for 125 but when I got there the guy told me the thermometer broke and he hadn't noticed and he'd take 100. Been used 3 times. I wasted no time loading it up. But I did go with the big thermometer because I had to do something and I like it fine but there's a little slot showing. The door leaks less after a season of using it. It's gumming up nicely. I really like these things. Set and forget....for at least 6 hours and no 'lectricity involved.

[@eltonsbbq-pit]

Thanks for sharing your experience with tweaks for the WSM.. Nice to se blast´s from the past with bbq friends.. Cheers from Norway 😊

[@BabyBackManiac]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@rossstevenson6206]

Sorry to hear Phil passed. I loved checking out his videos u could tell he was a genuine man

[@mikesobieck6462]

I really enjoy your bbq videos welcome back I can not wait for part 2

[@brentbutterfield279]

Good to see you're back "on the air"!! Instead of tape, I used 3/4" metal hole plugs from Lowe's. Nice clean look to plug the holes on unused vents. Perfect fit too. Another good tip I got from a good friend of mine is to have a cheap thin metal pizza pan nearby. I use it when disassembling the WSM to put the upper section onto. This prevents unwanted black rings on the concrete floor.

[@robertrodriguez1557]

You’re back!!!!! 😊 I have 3 wsm’s and are always looking for tips to make my bbq better. Thank you.

[@BabyBackManiac]

They are fantastic little cookers, aren't they? Thanks for watching, Robert!

[@Rbouch]

Glad to see you back….you and TRoy……keep them coming please!

[@NS_1903]

I been using the water pan (lined with tin foil) for about 30 years . Have custom base with wheels. Just love that thing....Jeff.

[@EverydayBBQ]

So good to see you back on camera buddy!! Awesome!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks, Mike. Love you buddy.

[@davidzindler5858]

So glad I found your channel. There's so many low effort BBQ channels on KZbin so it's nice to find someone with knowledge who puts in the effort.

[@JamesCAsphalt8]

I really appreciate your honest assessment of the mods that people do that aren't absolutely necessary. This is particularly important for people who live on a budget.

[@theqshedbackyardbbq]

Well look who's cookin' again! I've gone nuts with my WSM mods...hard to beat them! Good to see you back at it with a smile on your face brother!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks buddy. Good to be back.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

This is one smoker that I have always wanted but I have yet to get one. Thanks for reminding me I need to get one haha! Great review Justin!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Oh buddy, you need to someday. They are a lot of fun. Of course, probably not much different than your Gateway.

[@RollinIsbell]

Great mod tips. Thank you. I "just" have a 18" WSM ... and I'm perfectly okay with that because I'm "just" an occasional smoker of meats. The tips I've picked up from you and T-Roy have made my family and neighbors very happy.

[@Zachsmoparandmashedpotatos]

I modded out my 18” wsm then I found a gently used 22” from an old highschool friend for 150 bucks with casters and a dead thermostat lol sadly I haven’t used the 18” in a while 😬. I love these smokers ! Super consistent! If you want a great hanger rack Gateway smokers has them they fit the wsm! !

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yeah, I started off with an 18 too...this was before the 22's came out. Once I switched it was hard to go back. Thanks for watching!

[@RebeccaCampbell1969]

Grates… ours came with stainless steel, opposite to the kettle’s (round variable insert in the middle) which are chrome steel or something… which we hate, but the cast iron round insert for searing is awesome… The SM’s grates are definitely stainless steel… every time I clean them with abrasive cleaners they end up better and brighter than new

[@bobwhisenhunt7085]

Great to have you and T-Roy back. Missed you guys.

[@jamespitts7156]

Welcome back Justin! You were totally missed!

[@troyv8302]

So you're saying to get a couple spare water pans because they are just that good? LOL Nice tips and good to see you again Justin!

[@BabyBackManiac]

lololol. Exactly!

[@jmleon92]

Seeing this video come up right before the start of spring is a beautiful thing. I'll be BBQing alongside you over the coming months :)

[@EDB75]

Cruises are fun, but BBQ is better :D Glad to have you back on my screen.

[@BackyardSmokeMasterBBQ]

I just got a WSM and started making mods. I wish I had seen your video before I started. Great tips!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks for watching!

[@adammoore2226]

Loved to hear your credits at the end! We all stand on the shoulders of giants. It doesn’t matter what industry or hobby. Especially rockets that go to Space.

[@warrenwillcox3309]

Don't ever stop making these videos, Justin!!! You the Man!

[@blackshirt5530]

Yes sir- got my wsm 22” after first watching T Roy and have loved its versatility!!! Got the wheels, changed the front door, and got the hanging rack for ribs, Well done and RIP Phil n Florence

[@BabyBackManiac]

I love it!

[@jorgeandrade6483]

It is good to see new content. Quit slacking off…lol. I’ve always enjoyed your videos and sense of humor. Really hope to see more.

[@BarrettDavidson]

So happy to see new bbq videos from you! Hope you're doing well!

[@BrianMiller1973]

I am strongly considering selling my Pit Barrell Cooker and finally getting a WSM. Thanks Justin!

[@BabyBackManiac]

They are both good at their craft. Thanks for stopping by!

[@waynethompson4315]

Glad to see you back in the BBQ world! Love your videos.

[@MrT6bill]

Alright! You and T-Roy are back with those WSMs! Love you guys' WSM vids!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Thanks Mr T

[@garryhammond3117]

Thanks Justin - You all (you know the group I'm referring to) are a closely knit team of friends. - I'm looking forward to the rib cook! - Cheers!

[@TheMilksGoneBad]

Nice to see you Justin! Glad to see the gang back!

[@vonwalter8727]

Good to see you making some BBQ videos again. I hope you are getting back to good health. Looking forward to seeing some videos from you this year.

[@redsnowplow7985]

Hey Justin...so good to see another video from you. It's been a hot minute! Looking forward to your next video friend. God Bless!!!

[@bajaco18]

Recently got the hanging apparatus that Pit Barrel Cooker now puts out for the WSM 18. So much fun. Feel like I have a new cooker! Your older videos on hanging in the WSM are helpful.

[@mvanschilt]

Found you via T-Roy. Love my OG 18 WSM, but can't wait to upgrade to the 22 boss, and eventually an off-set. Keep rolling the smoke.

[@alfulton3035]

Hey Baby Back! I agree Great to see u making videos in your own back yard. I have not used the water pan in my WSM in years. I have a fire dial I been using and it works great. Can’t wait for part 2 no water pan and see how you do it. Thanks for all you do.

[@celtjim994]

My first smoker was a DIY Smokey Mountain(before they were invented) in the mid 80s. A steel garbage can that I modified to give me a fire pan and racks for the meat. Worked well but of course I've upgraded many times since then.

[@keithgaffney5466]

Great to see you back, Love that your doing basics again,

[@chriscline4292]

I just came across your video today and found it very informative and enjoyable to watch. I’ve had my 18 inch smoky mountain for at least six years and I’m definitely going to be making a few of these mods. Appreciate the video.

[@PutnamBrew]

Sooo looking forward to this series. Mines getting to 12-13 years old and need a spruce up. Use it all the time though!

[@BabyBackManiac]

It's a classic. It only gets better with age. lol

[@purleybaker]

Hunsaker makes a meat hanger for the 22. I like to cook overnight with my 22 and the door leaks made it difficult to hold temps down in the summer so I duct taped it closed. Years later I decided it would be nice to have access so finally put a Lavalock door on mine earlier this month. Putting duct tape on a cooker isn't a great idea, by the way. It was a bit tricky to remove. I completely agree with your assessment of the various hinged lids for the same reason-a tipped smoker during a cook would be a disaster. Thanks for the video as always. I'm looking forward to part 2.

[@BabyBackManiac]

That's great feedback all the way around. Thank you!

[@jayt825]

I had the stainless steel door on mine, that was a great upgrade. I also installed a gasket around the top lid. I would line the water pan with Al foil and use it as a drip tray. I never liked using water in it, was always a pain to clean. Love your videos, keep up the great work.

[@Rigdawg]

Hey buddy. It is refreshing to see a post from you. I We enjoyed watching from Hot Springs, Ar. Ouachita mountains.

[@BabyBackManiac]

i know the area well. some buddies and i rented a place off Lake Hamilton a few months ago! thx for watching

[@btdragisic]

I stopped using the water pan switched to Fire Dial; it truly is a game changer for me and makes it more fun to cook since I don’t have to clean the water pan.

[@lkapigian]

As always, great to see you posting

[@BabyBackManiac]

Much appreciated, Larry!

[@jeffb4612]

Another great episode of Pimp My BBQ.

[@BabyBackManiac]

lol. If I had been thinking ahead I would have called it that. lol

[@BlakeGo7]

I’ve been using my old 18” WSM as a direct heat cooker. No water pan. The top grates sit 18” above the coals. This makes a perfect “Chudbox” type cooker for those that have a WSM. I made some pork steaks that came out insanely good.

[@razorpit]

Good to see a new video. I don’t understand the hate for the water pan. What does everyone else knows that Weber doesn’t? I have the Hunsaker hanging rack that I’ve used a few times, but after dropping the ribs in to the charcoal more than once, I’m reminded why I have grates and don’t need to go all caveman, like another drum smoker company likes to advertise. Did double up on the charcoal grates, and I run a ThermoWorks fan controller. That added bit of confidence on overnight brisket cooks makes it well worth the money. Pellet smoker level temperature control, with real smoker taste. Win-win. Look forward to another video soon.

[@banjobbqllc]

Excellent. Video. I love my 22.5 wsm. I’ve added to the family Weber smokie mountain 22.5 Weber smoky mountain 18.5 Pit barrel cooker 22.5 Pit barrel cooker 18.5 Rect teq rt 700

[@BabyBackManiac]

That’s quite a crew you got there

[@banjobbqllc]

They are great

[@jmu4508]

Glad to see you back and heck yeah I absolutely love both my 18 and 22 WSMs and shockingly quite content with them! I chose not to mod the cookers that involve any drilling but did get the Cajun Bandit door for the 22. That stock door was hell-bent on wanting to flatten out straight so these stock doors are definitely YMMV w/luck. I also find the CB door really helps with the ability to reuse unspent charcoal on the next cook. On the 18in WSM my stock door was perfect. Here I got the 18in PBC hinged top grate along with a Gateway hanging kit and these make that 18in WSM incredibly versatile. These are just fantastic smokers produces incredible food and are such a joy to use. Cheers from the Tri-State area New York City

[@fedi2847]

yeah! good old times. greetings from switzerland

[@SJCOOKS]

Loved watching wsm content from you, t roy and phil back into the day! I did the milk jug scooper. Works really well. I have replaced the door, the stock one is terrible. I have a side table for the wsm and made a really dumb video on it 😂 but I kinda want a 2nd side table on it(if it’s ever restocked) I really want to get the casters from Cajun bandit but not sure what is going on with them, most stuff has been sold out for a while and hasn’t been restocked. The lid hanger is another mod I want. I don’t have issues with the water bowl but I will say for ribs, I love the flavor you get when you hang them on the wsm. So the hanger accessory has to be my all time favorite add-on

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yeah, once you hang ribs, it's hard to go back. Thanks for watching.

[@theqshedbackyardbbq]

I love my Cajun Bandit lid hinge! Probably my best mod besides the aluminum disc that I mounted the feet and then casters to. May be less windy in Western Oregon than Dallas though. Did the garage door handles, too. Also did the Cajun Bandit folding side table, but not as useful as some other mods. Great video!

[@BabyBackManiac]

Not enough space on the side table?

[@theqshedbackyardbbq]

@@BabyBackManiac I just don't find myself using it that often....maybe because I have other options for setting down trays, etc. near the cooker? Just not sure "the juice was worth the squeeze" in my case. YMMV though.

[@karlitos7529]

Thanks for this video. I've been wanting to add some things to my 18"er, primarily casters. And, good to see you doing videos!!! 🙂

[@Freabyrd]

Great to see ya' ! Phil was one of the great ones, RIP.

[@lost6872]

Man, I sure do love seeing a new video from you! I hope you're doing well brother!

[@Matt_Bykowski]

Nice video, thanks for sharing. I'm really looking forward to the next one. I just de-gunked my water pan. A total PYA! and a mess. I'm looking forward to tossing it for life after water pan. Ok, I"m not sure I've got it in me to actually toss the water pan. LOL. Keep up the great work!

[@theqshedbackyardbbq]

A 19" aluminum pizza pan acts as a great heat diverter/drip pan combo! Just set in same clips that the dreaded water pan uses. I cover mine with foil. It warps a little at first but I have dozens of cooks with mine.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Totally agree. Flower pot bases work well too...they are just more likely to crack.

[@daddydutchbbq]

Is this a true BBM video? I didn't see or hear a truck drive by...... Troy and Phil, 2 legends ! Nice tips on the mods !

[@BabyBackManiac]

thanks buddy. I put up a roadblock on both sides of the street. Lol just kidding

[@RebeccaCampbell1969]

12:45 “wood chucks” recommendation… hell yeah! 😂 That’s our plan every time, but we always forget and organize the briquets first… That ends up using more wood chucks, waste more of our time better spent cooking… But which time of charcoal array depending on what we are smoking is paramount, and the chucks always are left behind

[@BonesBrewsBBQ]

We love cooking on our WSM smokers.

[@BabyBackManiac]

They are a lot of fun!

[@BluePiggy97]

Hey Justin, have definitely been your traditional cooking videos.....let's get back to that. The old collabs with T-Roy were the best

[@DioGlenn]

Arbor Fabricating makes a basket for the WSM and I have had one since I saw TRoy used it. absolutely best mod u can make to a WSM smaller holes so less waste on charcoal and so so so nice to keep clean and reload the basket. GREAT VIDEO BTW awesome tips!

[@bigvisk1125]

good to see you back. so you know, its partially your fault im spending all my weekends cooking on my lone star santa maria :).

[@jbroadnax723]

Good to see the Maniac back baby!

[@q2-d247]

Back like he never left!

[@homegrilladvantage]

Yeah I bought my WSM second hand and my first order of business was to throw that water pan away LOL. I bought a deflector plate for the lower grate and I use a disposable pan for a water pan.

[@josephcampbell007]

Justin!!!!! Welcome back.. Thank you for putting out another video..

[@crazymonkey9611]

Always enjoy your videos Justin and appreciate the time you take to make them. It’s neat what a small world bbq is and love the shout outs u did. I also think it’s cool all the bbq KZbinrs that engage in the chat. Bbq is a great community of folks isn’t it?

[@BabyBackManiac]

It really is...and that's the way bbq should be, don't you think?

[@crazymonkey9611]

I very much agree. But I also think that KZbinrs like you that engage at such a personal level really help foster that closeness. So kudos to u and keep up the great work!

[@azcrush07]

Thank you. You saved me a couple hundred $$$ on mods I don’t need. Lol

[@johnknapp6328]

Good to see you back. Im sure the Summit is around somewhere. I picked one up I like it. I have a clone to Phils Baby I never have used, It seemed Like I could do same thing on kettle just a little more babysitting. I didnt like the cleanup for a wsm. I did get a water pan lid so dripping fall in that and make it easier to clean. I also got the firedial, which Once you know how to maintain temps probably better option. Good to see some wsm action. Phil and Greg Slowhand at the Woodshed Bbq. Have Great content. It seems like pellet smokers are quite popular. Im not sure if I would like technical problems while cooking.

[@BabyBackManiac]

Yeah, that makes sense. I gravitated to kettles early on for the same reason...but NOT using a water pan cut the clean time down a lot. Appreciate you watching!

[@jefflink4671]

Guess we think a lot a like, right down to the rebar wire. I like the fact that weber hanger fold up for storage, did not know they even made, guessing discontinued. I have both the Hunsaker hanger offering's and I much prefer the versa hanger version. I will add vent handles eventually, but right now I use my tongs to tap adjust, much like Dorothy tapping her heals together, its jusy magical 😂.

[@stephenranti173]

I used the charcoal grate from a 22" Weber Kettle grill. It fits perfectly inside the stock charcoal basket to create smaller openings. The best part they are less money than the grate for the WSM.

[@narbekalantarians6269]

Love my WSM 22. The mods I've done to mine are replace the ring with a Lavalock Basket, Firedial baffle in place of waterpan, and hinge. It's also a great direct heat cooker (thanks to Racevise) when I take out the Firedial.

[@Bigtymer781]

One mod I did, I installed metal tabs so I could have an extra (3rd) grate between the two stock ones. It comes in handy if you need more space for like salmon or beef jerky (anything that isnt too tall) will fit easily, even ribs.

[@BabyBackManiac]

That's a great idea! Any issues getting the grates on with the support tabs closer together?

[@Bigtymer781]

@@BabyBackManiacThere's no issues, the bottom grate is slightly smaller, so that's the one you want to buy (for the 3rd).

[@philwu271]

Thanks for the updated video! I have watched your previous ones and made some mods. Still learning and trying to master my briskets! Challenge is heat comes up so bottom of my briskets gets tough over/under cooked. Ugh. But yeah, it is still fun! =)