Weber® Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker, 18" Charcoal Smoker
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-inch, often called the 18-inch WSM, is a traditional charcoal “bullet” smoker designed for long, steady, low-temperature cooking. It is particularly good for brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey and smoked chicken.
Its two stacked cooking grates provide 481 square inches of total cooking space, enough for approximately four racks of ribs. The 18-inch model occupies the sweet spot in the Smokey Mountain range: it offers considerably more capacity than the portable 14-inch smoker while using less charcoal and taking up less space than the 22-inch version.
How it works: Charcoal burns in a ring at the bottom of the smoker. A water pan sits above the charcoal, helping shield food from direct heat, stabilize cooking temperatures and create a moist cooking environment. Smoke and heat rise through both cooking levels before exiting through the adjustable top vent.
Temperature is controlled by adjusting three lower intake dampers and the lid’s exhaust damper. Once properly adjusted, the smoker can maintain low cooking temperatures for many hours with minimal attention.
Weber® Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker, 18"
Advantages
Excellent charcoal and wood-smoke flavor
Holds steady low temperatures once properly adjusted
Enough capacity for most families
Can run for many hours on one charcoal load
Simple construction with no electronics to fail
Easier on fuel than the 22-inch WSM
Strong warranty and readily available replacement parts
Limitations
Temperature control requires practice
Adding charcoal through the side door can be awkward
The built-in lid thermometer does not measure grate-level temperature
Two large briskets may be a tight fit
The water pan and cooking grates require regular cleaning
It is primarily a smoker, not a convenient everyday grilling platform
Key Features:
Two plated-steel cooking grates
481 square inches of total cooking space
Capacity for approximately four racks of ribs
Porcelain-enameled lid, center section and charcoal bowl
Built-in lid thermometer
Large porcelain-enameled water pan
Four rust-resistant aluminum dampers
Side fuel-access door
Removable charcoal chamber
Heat-resistant nylon handle
Protective cover included
Key Specifications:
Smoker diameter 18 inches
Total cooking area 481 sq. in.
Dimensions 41"H × 19"W × 21"D
Cooking levels 2
Cooking grates Plated steel
Fuel Charcoal and smoking wood
Approximate weight 52 pounds
Rib capacity Approximately 4 racks
Warranty
Bowl, lid and center section: 10 years against rust-through or burn-through
Plastic components: 5 years, excluding fading or discoloration
All remaining parts: 2 years
Rapidfire Compact Chimney Starter, is the fastest and easiest way to get grilling and start eating.
Overall Verdict:
The 18-inch Weber Smokey Mountain is the best all-around WSM size for most backyard cooks. It has enough room for family gatherings and serious barbecue projects without the greater charcoal consumption and bulk of the 22-inch model.
Choose the 14-inch version if portability and fuel efficiency matter most. Choose the 22-inch model if you regularly cook several briskets or large quantities of ribs. For most families, however, the 18-inch WSM provides the best balance of capacity, temperature stability and operating cost. Weber currently lists it at $419, although retailer prices can change