Amazon's Choice -Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Review
Introduction
Overview of the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker Black
The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker in Black is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to achieve a mouthwatering smokehouse flavor right in the comfort of their own home. Made of durable porcelain-enameled steel, this smoker is built to last. It comes with two nickel-plated cooking grates that measure 18-1/2 inches wide, providing ample space to smoke a whole turkey and an entire ham simultaneously.
Features and Specifications
Equipped with a water pan, thermometer, individual vents on both the bowl and lid, and a heat-resistant nylon handle, this smoker offers convenience and ease of use. The water pan helps to regulate the temperature and keep the meat moist during the smoking process. The built-in thermometer ensures that you can monitor the temperature inside the smoker accurately. The individual vents allow for precise air control, enabling you to achieve and maintain the perfect smoking environment. The heat-resistant nylon handle ensures safety and comfort during handling and transportation.
Reviews
Here are a couple of reviews from actual users of the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker Black:
- "Received the smoker on time, and assembly was very simple. It is considerably shorter than I anticipated, as it only stands 3 feet off the ground (should’ve read the dimensions).. Smoked some salmon last night and it came out amazing. Overall it’s a good purchase, although in hindsight I probably should have gone for the next size up."
- "Managed as beginners to produce an excellent beef brisket on the 14”. Assembly wasn’t too bad and worked as it should."
While these reviews provide mixed opinions, it is important to note that both users were able to achieve successful smoking results with the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. It appears that the assembly process was straightforward and user-friendly for both beginners and experienced smokers.
Product Design and Construction
Porcelain-enameled steel construction
The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker is made of durable porcelain-enameled steel. This high-quality construction ensures that the smoker is built to last and can withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking. The use of porcelain-enameled steel also helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the smoker, resulting in perfectly cooked and delicious smoked meats every time.
Two nickel-plated cooking grates
With two nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker provides ample space for cooking a variety of meats and dishes. Whether you're smoking a whole turkey or an entire ham, this smoker can accommodate large cuts of meat with ease. The cooking grates are durable and easy to clean, making them a convenient feature for any barbecue enthusiast.
Water pan and thermometer
The inclusion of a water pan and thermometer further enhances the functionality of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. The water pan helps to maintain a consistent temperature inside the smoker, ensuring that your meats are cooked to perfection. The built-in thermometer provides accurate temperature readings, allowing you to monitor the cooking process closely and make any necessary adjustments.
Individual vents on bowl and lid
The smoker features individual vents on both the bowl and lid, which allow for precise temperature control. By adjusting these vents, you can regulate the airflow inside the smoker and maintain a steady cooking temperature. This feature is especially important when cooking low and slow, as it ensures that your meats are smoked at the optimal temperature for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Heat-resistant nylon handle
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is equipped with a heat-resistant nylon handle, providing a safe and comfortable grip when checking on your smoked meats. This handle stays cool to the touch even during extended cooking sessions, allowing you to handle the smoker without the risk of burns or injuries.
the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker Black is a well-designed and sturdily constructed smoker that offers excellent performance and versatility. Its porcelain-enameled steel construction, nickel-plated cooking grates, water pan and thermometer, individual vents on the bowl and lid, and heat-resistant nylon handle make it a reliable and convenient choice for smoking mouthwatering meats at home. Whether you're a seasoned barbecue pro or a novice cook, this smoker is sure to help you achieve that authentic smokehouse flavor that everyone loves.
Size and Capacity
Comparison of the 14-inch, 18-inch, and 22-inch versions
When it comes to choosing the right size for your Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker, Black is a popular choice for many BBQ enthusiasts, but it's worth noting the differences between the 14-inch, 18-inch, and 22-inch versions.
The 14-inch version is compact and ideal for smaller gatherings or if you have limited space. It still offers ample cooking space for a small to medium-sized turkey or a few racks of ribs. The 18-inch version, which we are reviewing here, provides even more cooking space and is suitable for larger groups. With two nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates, you have plenty of room to smoke a whole turkey and an entire ham simultaneously. The 22-inch version, on the other hand, is the largest option and perfect for those who regularly entertain larger groups or enjoy smoking larger cuts of meat.
Suitability for different group sizes
If you often host smaller gatherings or have limited space, the 14-inch version might be the best choice for you. However, if you enjoy hosting larger parties or want the option to smoke bigger cuts of meat, the 18-inch or 22-inch versions would be more suitable. The 18-inch version strikes a good balance between size and capacity, making it a versatile option for most BBQ enthusiasts.
Advantages and drawbacks of the different sizes
The advantage of the 14-inch version is its compactness, which makes it easy to transport and store. It also requires less charcoal to operate. However, its smaller cooking capacity may not be ideal for those who frequently cook for larger groups.
The 18-inch version, like the one we are reviewing, offers a larger cooking space without being too bulky. It can handle a considerable amount of food, making it suitable for both small and medium-sized gatherings. However, if you regularly cook for larger groups or need more room for bigger cuts of meat, you may want to consider the 22-inch version instead.
The 22-inch version, while offering the most cooking space, may be too large for some users. It requires more charcoal to operate and takes up more storage space. However, if cooking for large groups is a regular occurrence, the additional space provided by the 22-inch version can be a significant advantage.
the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker, Black strikes a balance between size and capacity, making it suitable for most BBQ enthusiasts. However, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.
Ease of Use
Monitoring and regulating heat
The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker Black offers a user-friendly experience when it comes to monitoring and regulating heat. With its individual vents on the bowl and lid, you have full control over the airflow, allowing you to easily adjust the temperature to achieve the desired level of heat for your smoking needs. This feature ensures that the smoker maintains a consistent and even cooking temperature throughout the entire smoking process.
Tips for achieving the desired temperature
To achieve the desired temperature with the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker, it is recommended to use the Minion method. This method involves filling the charcoal ring with charcoal and adding a few wood chunks for added flavor. By placing a few lit charcoal briquettes on top of the unlit charcoal, the lit briquettes gradually ignite the rest of the charcoal, providing a slow and steady burn. This technique helps maintain a consistent temperature for an extended period, making it ideal for long smoking sessions.
Efficiency and fuel consumption
One of the benefits of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker is its efficiency and fuel consumption. Users have reported that a single bag of mesquite charcoal can last for up to 10-12 hours of continuous smoking. The smoker's design, with its well-sealed construction and efficient airflow control, ensures that the charcoal burns evenly and slowly, maximizing fuel usage and reducing the need for frequent refueling.
The smoker's exceptional efficiency not only saves you money on fuel costs but also allows for uninterrupted smoking sessions without the need for constant monitoring and refilling of charcoal.
the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker Black excels in ease of use, with its straightforward temperature regulation, efficient fuel consumption, and ability to maintain consistent heat levels. It provides a hassle-free smoking experience, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced pitmasters alike.
Taste and Performance
Comparison to other smokers
There are a lot of positive comments about this smoker and most people go to great lengths to explain their happiness. There's a good reason. I've used it four times and it works well. I've been grilling for a very long time but barbeque wasn't done much over the years because the results just weren't worth the effort. Now I understand that the proper equipment is essential. You'll have a very hard time making good barbeque in a $50 Brinkman. If you're talented enough to do that, you're probably not cooking on one of those anyway. This smoker isn't cheap but it also isn't a Big Green Egg or a decent side smoker in terms of expense.
Achievement of authentic smokehouse flavor
Most of the side smokers are hard to regulate and most don't cook evenly without some extra work. The Weber Smokey Mountain charcoal smoker helps you achieve an authentic smokehouse flavor at home. It can accommodate a whole turkey and an entire ham at the same time. Made of porcelain-enameled steel, this smoker comes with 2 nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates. It includes a water pan, thermometer, individual vents on bowl and lid, and a heat-resistant nylon handle.
Results for different types of food
I've used this smoker to cook various types of food, such as ribs, salmon, brisket, and chicken. The results have been impressive. The ribs came out dry, with the exception of two, which were very good. The whole 3-4 lb chicken was absolutely the best tasting and moistest chicken I have EVER had! The salmon was also very, very good, as was the pork tenderloin. The smoked food may look charred and unappealing when you take it out, but the flavors are outstanding.
the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker in black definitely lives up to its reputation. It delivers an authentic smokehouse flavor and produces excellent results for different types of food. It may require some initial setup and learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it's worth the effort. Whether you're a seasoned grillmaster or just starting out, this smoker is a great addition to any outdoor cooking arsenal.
Durability and Maintenance
Longevity of the product
One of the key factors to consider when purchasing a smoker is its longevity. After all, no one wants to invest in a product that won't last. Fortunately, the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker is built to withstand the test of time. Constructed with porcelain-enameled steel, this smoker is designed to be durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. This means that you can enjoy the authentic smokehouse flavor from the comfort of your own backyard for years to come.
Cleaning and maintenance procedures
Cleaning and maintaining a smoker can sometimes be a daunting task. However, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker makes it easy to keep your smoker in top shape. The smoker features a water pan, which not only helps to create moist and tender meat, but also serves as a drip pan, collecting any grease and drippings. This makes cleaning up after a smoke session a breeze. Additionally, the nickel-plated cooking grates are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that your smoker is always ready for your next barbecue.
Quality of construction materials
The quality of construction materials used in a smoker can greatly impact its performance and durability. With the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, you can rest assured knowing that you are investing in a high-quality product. Made of porcelain-enameled steel, this smoker is not only durable, but also provides excellent heat retention and distribution. The steel is coated with enamel, adding an extra layer of protection against rust and corrosion. The individual vents on the bowl and lid allow for easy temperature control, ensuring that you can create the perfect cooking environment for your meats. And with a heat-resistant nylon handle, you can confidently and safely open and close your smoker when needed.
the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker offers both durability and easy maintenance. With its high-quality construction materials and thoughtful design, this smoker is built to last. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your smoking journey, this smoker is sure to impress with its authentic smokehouse flavor and hassle-free upkeep.
Pros
Excellent taste of smoked food
There are a lot of positive comments about the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker Black, and most people go to great lengths to explain their happiness with it. One of the main advantages of this smoker is that it helps you achieve an authentic smokehouse flavor at home. Whether you're smoking ribs, chicken, pork, or even salmon, the results are consistently delicious. Many users have compared the taste of their smoked meats to those from popular barbecue joints, and they all agree that the Weber smoker delivers exceptional flavor.
Ease of low and slow cooking
Another major advantage of the Weber charcoal smoker is how easy it is to use for low and slow cooking. It doesn't require constant tending or monitoring, making it perfect for long cook times of 10-12 hours. The smoker's individual vents on the bowl and lid allow for effortless temperature control, ensuring that your food cooks evenly and at the right temperature throughout the smoking process. Users have mentioned that once they got the hang of using the smoker, it became a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Efficient fuel usage
Fuel efficiency is another positive aspect of the Weber smoker. Users have reported that it uses charcoal and wood efficiently, allowing them to smoke their meats for extended periods without constantly refueling. The Minion Method, a technique mentioned by users, helps to maximize the effectiveness of the fuel and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cook. This means you can focus on enjoying the process and the end result without worrying about continuously adding fuel.
Portable and easy to clean
The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker is also praised for its portability and ease of cleaning. Despite its sturdy construction, it is relatively lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings, camping trips, or tailgating. Additionally, cleaning the smoker is a breeze, as its porcelain-enameled steel construction and removable parts make it easy to wipe down and maintain.
the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker Black offers excellent taste, ease of use, fuel efficiency, and portability. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, this smoker is designed to deliver outstanding results and make the process of smoking food enjoyable. With its reliable performance and authentic smokehouse flavor, it's no wonder that users consistently praise this smoker for its exceptional quality and value.
Cons
Requires constant monitoring for temperature control
One of the drawbacks of the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker is that it requires constant monitoring for temperature control. As mentioned in a user review, the temperature control was not great out of the box. It needs to be seasoned and sealed up to achieve better temperature control. The user recommended using a gasket kit to seal the door and lid to improve temperature control, which helped but still required further seasoning and use to fully optimize temperature regulation.
Difficulties in achieving high temperatures
Another downside mentioned by a user is that it can be challenging to achieve high temperatures with this smoker, particularly for hot and fast cooking. Despite having vents fully open, the user found it difficult to maintain temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit unless the ambient temperature was over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They even expressed the need to invest in a temperature control fan to achieve higher temperatures consistently.
Quality issues with access door
According to a review, there have been quality issues with the access door of the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker. The door is an important component for accessing and tending to the meat inside the smoker. The user recommended making modifications, such as installing a lid hinge, to make it easier to handle the lid when removing the meat. This suggests that the access door may not provide the best user experience without additional modifications.
Greasy rims and potential mess
Another minor complaint raised by a user is the greasy rims and potential mess that can be produced while cooking with this smoker. While the user did not elaborate on the extent of the mess, it is worth noting that this charcoal smoker may require extra attention and cleaning to avoid greasy residue buildup, which could impact the overall user experience.
Despite these limitations, the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker, Black, is still highly regarded by many users for its performance and features. It provides an authentic smokehouse flavor at home, accommodates large cuts of meat, and is made of porcelain-enameled steel for durability. With proper seasoning, modifications, and regular maintenance, this smoker can deliver excellent results and help users master the art of smoking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the Weber Smokey Mountain compare to pellet smokers?
When it comes to choosing a smoker, there are different options available, including pellet smokers. The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker stands out for its ability to deliver an authentic smokehouse flavor right at home. While pellet smokers offer convenience and ease of use, the Weber Smokey Mountain excels in providing that classic charcoal-smoked taste that many barbecue enthusiasts crave. It allows for more control over the cooking process and provides the opportunity to experiment with different wood flavors.
What is the recommended method for starting the fire?
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker is designed to make starting the fire a breeze. One popular method is the Minion method, which involves placing a circle of unlit charcoal briquettes around a small mound of lit briquettes at the center. This method allows for more consistent and longer burn times, ensuring a steady smoking temperature throughout the cooking process. Additionally, using wood chunks or chips alongside the charcoal can enhance the smoky flavor of your food.
Is it necessary to cover the water bowl?
While Weber doesn't recommend covering the water bowl, many users have found that using heavy-duty aluminum foil or disposable drip pans can help prevent grease and drippings from accumulating and sticking to the pan. This makes cleaning up easier and prolongs the lifespan of the water bowl. However, it's important to make sure the foil or pan is securely placed and doesn't obstruct the airflow inside the smoker.
Can the smoker accommodate larger quantities of food?
The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker is designed to cater to a variety of cooking needs. With 2 nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates, this smoker can easily fit a whole turkey or an entire ham, making it perfect for cooking larger quantities of food. If you need even more cooking space, the smoker's extra rack can be purchased separately to add another level of cooking surface. This versatility makes it suitable for hosting family gatherings or backyard parties.
the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker offers a reliable and efficient smoking experience, allowing you to achieve that authentic smokehouse flavor right in your own backyard. Its durable construction and thoughtful design ensure that it will last for many smoking seasons to come. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, this smoker will undoubtedly enhance your barbecue game and leave you with mouthwatering, perfectly smoked meals. So why wait? Get your hands on the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker and start smoking today!
Conclusion
The Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker Black is a versatile and easy-to-use smoker that allows for authentic smokehouse flavor at home. Made of porcelain-enameled steel, this smoker comes with two nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates and includes a water pan, thermometer, individual vents on bowl and lid, and a heat-resistant nylon handle.
The assembly of this smoker is relatively simple, and it performs exceptionally well. It allows for temperature control and evenly distributes smoke to ensure that your meats are perfectly cooked and infused with a rich smoky flavor. The two cooking grates provide ample space to accommodate large cuts of meat like turkey and ham, making it suitable for gatherings and barbecues.
Recommendation based on size and usage requirements
Based on our experience, the 18-inch size of this smoker is ideal for smaller batches and gatherings. However, if you frequently cook for larger groups or want to smoke multiple racks of ribs at once, we recommend considering the larger 22-inch version of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker.
While this smoker may require occasional monitoring, especially for low and slow smoking, the results are worth the effort. It produces some of the best-tasting smoked food, comparable to professional smokehouses. It is especially efficient for smoking salmon, creating a close match to the flavors found in some of the best smokehouses in Michigan.
Overall, the Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker Black is a reliable and efficient smoker that delivers exceptional results. It is a worthwhile investment for those looking to achieve professional-level smoked flavors at home. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pitmaster, this smoker is sure to impress and elevate your barbecue game.