Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Cooker/Smoker review and price compare 2025
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you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you
Product overview
Brand | Weber |
Power Source | Charcoal |
Color | Black |
Item Weight | 43 Pounds |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 18.88 x 18.88 x 41 inches |
Fuel Type | Charcoal |
product features
- by entering your model number.
- Charcoal smoker for authentic smokehouse flavor at home
- The bowl and lid are made of premium-grade steel coated with porcelain enamel that won't rust or fade
- Made of porcelain-enameled steel; 2 nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates
- Can accommodate a whole turkey and an entire ham at the same time
- Measures 41 by 19 by 19 inches; 10-year limited warranty
product description
Product Description
When there is no denying your hunger for slow-cooked barbecue, the Smokey Mountain Cooker can handle your craving. With two 18-1/2-inch cooking grates, the Smokey Mountain Cooker can smoke a turkey and a ham at the same time. With it's porcelain-on-steel coating, rust-resistant aluminum fuel door, solid wood handle, it's designed to last for years to come.
Amazon.com
There's nothing better than slow-cooked barbecue. And, there's no better way to get authentic smokehouse flavor at home than with the Smokey Mountain Cooker/Smoker. Perfect for large gatherings, it's easy to cook a whole turkey and an entire ham at the same time in this roomy charcoal smoker. So there's no need to plunge straight into ham prep when you still haven't recovered from baking the turkey. Made of premium-grade steel, the smoker has two, triple-nickel-plated cooking grates measuring 18-1/2 inches in diameter-plenty of room for larger birds. Individual vents on the bowl and lid offer optimal air-flow control for tender meats and longer-burning charcoal. Rust-resistant aluminum vents and an aluminum fuel door ensure years of clean use. The bowl and lid are coated with porcelain enamel for optimal corrosion resistance. And, a porcelain-enameled water pan adds steam to the cooking process, so meats stay moist and juicy. Maintenance-free, glass-reinforced, nylon handles withstand the elements for the life of this innovative charcoal grill. The Smoky Mountain measures 41 by 19 by 19 inches, and rests easily on a park bench or patio. The purchase includes a Weber cookbook, a heavy-duty vinyl cover, and is covered by a 10-year limited warranty. --Brian Olson
From the Manufacturer
- Charcoal fueled
- Rust-resistant fuel door
- Two triple nickel-plated cooking grates
- The cooking grate surface area is 18-1/2 inches in diameter
- The bowl and lid are constructed of premium-grade steel coated with porcelain enamel for years of rust-free, dependable service.
- Includes Weber cookbook
- Heavy-duty vinyl cover keeps your grill protected from the elements.
- Maintenance-free handles withstand the elements for the life of the grill.
- Individual vents on bowl and lid control air flow, affecting cooking heat and charcoal life.
- Porcelain-enameled water pan adds steam to the cooking process, so meats stay juicy.
- Made in the USA.
product details
important information
you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you
Questions about Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Cooker/Smoker
Q:
SO... Anyone selling their used one?
Answer: I am selling my brand new, unassembled in box at $100 off this listed price.and no sales tax. Comes with cover. But I am in northeastern PA and would need you to pick it up - too much to ship
Answer: Check your local CL, or TVWBB
Q:
Can you use wood chips with this smoker?
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: Can use chunks and chips, soak them first :)
Answer: If you wrap them in foil packets, they can be OK, but bigger (tennis ball / fist size) CHUNKS work better.
Q:
Does it come with the Cover?
Answer: Hello! Yes, all of our Smokey Mountain Cooker smokers include covers. Thanks!
Answer: When I bought mine 10 years ago it did.
Q:
Is there a replacement charcoal grate ?
Answer: Hello! The replacement charcoal grate is part # 63013. We have it available through our call center at 1-800-446-1071. Thanks!
Answer: I believe that it uses the same charcoal grate as the 18-inch kettle grill.
Answer: Yes, I think I've seen them at Home Depot and Lowes.
Q:
how are the 2820 and 72001 different?
Answer: Different sizes - big works better for ribs and large batches to feed more people, but also uses more charcoal. If this will be your FIRST, I’d start with the medium size.
Q:
Is it possible to use this for grilling as well as smoking? Can the charcoal pan be raised closer to the top grill plate?
Answer: Hello, we can't recommend using this model for standard grilling, as the distance between the cooking grates and charcoal is greater than what would be needed for good results, and the grates are not adjustable. Thanks.
Answer: The charcoal cannot be raised a and this is a smoker, not a grill. It's a great smoker and I love mine.
Answer: Not really. The Smoky Mountain Series is really intended for “low and slow” cooking. You CAN crank-up the heat by opening the bottom vents and omitting the Water Pan, (supposed to work great for Prime Rib, gets it off the flames). For Grilling, I’d pick up a used Weber Kettle to go with it.
Q:
can it be used indoors?
Answer: No, I hope that this question is a joke, but using ANYTHING that burns charcoal indoors is a recipe for Carbon Monoxide poisoning. So, not just no, but NO WAY!
Answer: No, it uses charcoal, must be used outdoors only.
Answer: Since it burns off charcoal and emits smoke it can only be used outdoors.
Answer: Absolutely not! This cooks using actual charcoal and under no circumstances should this ever be used indoors.
Answer: Never use a charcoal inside
Q:
Area of grate?
Answer: Hi! The upper cooking grate measures 17.5" and the lower cooking grate measures 17." Thanks!
Answer: The grate is a circle 18 1/2 inches in diameter.
Q:
Can the smoker also be used to grill? Steaks, burgers? Sorry for the naive question.
Answer: Hello, our smokers are best suited strictly for smoking food using the "low and slow" cooking method. Grilling foods that require high, direct heat, such as steaks or burgers, would best be grilled on one of our Charcoal Kettles, gas, or electric grills. Thanks.
Answer: It isnt ideal for grilling since the cooking surface is far from the heat source. This is designed for primarily cooking at low temperatures. That being said you can finish steaks though.
Answer: Yes, just use the bottom section and the cooking grate from the top. Small, but can be done.
Q:
Can you use it for fish and chees smoking?
Answer: For fish like Salmon or Trout, with a LOW fire and the right wood / brined fish, but some pros recommend not mixing use for meats and fish, due to "cross-contamination of flavors.
Q:
does anyone know if any of the vendors can ship to Australia ( Melbourne)
Q:
Why can't I find a replacement charcoal grill for this product?
Answer: Hi Debbie. Are you looking for a specific part for your grill?
Answer: Try this site http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/partschematic.html
Q:
Can/should you leave this smoker unattended?
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: Sure you can-that's the beauty of that smoker- I smoke my briskets 12 to 14 hours-usually all night-just make sure it is stabilized before you go to bed.
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: It is made to be used unattended, just use common sense. Use outdoors only, away from anything that can catch fire. I've used mine overnight and while I ran errands during the day.
Answer: Yes, once you have used it a few times you can let it go with only an occasional check every few hours.
Product reviews of Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Cooker/Smoker
Jim : Wonderful little smoker, especially for the price!
Today marks my second weekend smoking session with my new Weber Smokey Mountain - what a great little machine!
Last weekend I turned out two racks of babyback pork ribs, mmmmmmmmmm.... Today I'm almost finished with a 6-hour cook of a rack of big ol' beef ribs, and they look great so far! This smoker holds temperature extremely well, is efficient with fuel use and does a fine job.
But, and this is significant, it really needs a thermometer - don't smoke without one if you want to do this right! Get a decent ($20-30) permanent-mount BBQ thermometer, with at least a 2" (preferably 3") dial so you can read it from inside the house or 15-20 feet away. Take a deep breath, bore a hole in the lid, and install one of these! In addition, if you do roasts, briskets, pork butts and other large cuts, you should get a remote-reading probe thermometer so you can accurately read the inside-the-meat temp, which is critical to getting it cooked properly without overcooking.
Knowing and holding your temp where it should be makes all the difference, and you'll be able to dial in the various vents to do it perfectly (I keep top vent wide open and just mess with the lower vents to do a fine job; the lower vents are never open more than 50%, and often fully closed, to keep the smoker at 225-250F).
Make sure to check in at virtualwebberbullet dot com - you can purchase from Amazon via their link, giving the site a little commission, and everything you want/need to know about this smoker is there.
Off to baste and taste . . . . . . .
Mark Borders : Outstanding Smoker
This smoker is head and shoulders above the less expensive smokers you can buy--yes a little bit pricey but worth it. I purchased a Brinkman smoker 2 month's prior to buying the Weber, used it 3 times with poor results, then I purchased the WSM. Smoking already requires some work and the WSM simplified this process. It is very well constructed and holds temperature over the entire cook time. I have used it a half dozen times with outstanding results. My only knock is that it does not have a thermometer, you will need to mount one.
Roosterq : The best smoker for the money hands down.
I have used 3 of these to compete with some of the best BBQ pit masters in the world, and won several awards. Of course it's not just the pit, but these are the best smoker you can buy for lest than $300.
Leland L. Bahr : Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker
This is my second Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker. I purchased the first one around 5 years ago and entertain so much at my lake house that I needed a second unit for more smoking capacity. (The old one is still going strong). If you can afford this smoker, there is no other bullet type smoker to buy.
I do own one of those cheap Bxxxkmxn Smokers but never use it anymore. I find the Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker to be easier to control temperature and the diameter of the Weber unit is larger in diameter so you can get more meat on it to smoke and the meat does not have to touch the sides like it does on the cheaper unit. (I don't like my meat touching the sides of the smoker). Also, the thickness of the steel is heavier on the Weber unit thus lasting longer and the thicker metal helps control the heat better. I believe the controllable air vents on the Weber also contribute to its ease of use.
I feel the superior Weber product is worth the difference in price compaired to the cheap competitor model. All my neighbors rave about my smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs done on my Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker. I entertain close to once per month for crowds up to 15 or 16 people. I also smoke for my home owners association picnics. My Weber 2820 keeps them coming back for more each and every time. (I always smoke enough food so there is never any shortage at my parties). The excess ribs go to work with my wife (RN) and they quickly disappear. She is very popular at work!
You can't go wrong purchasing a Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker.
Lee
Houston, Texas
Douglas Markwardt : Best little smoker in Texas
I am very please with both the performance and durability of the
Smokey Mountain Cooker. It is made of a heavy metal with a very durable finish and will last a lifetime. I have no regrets in purchasing this product and would highly recommend it to anyone that wants to get into smoking fish or meat.
Hakeem Shabazz : Best Smoker Around
Ahhhh. What can I say. Weber has done a great job with this smoker. I did make a couple of modifications to it by getting a larger water pan, putting in another charcoal grid and adding a chamber thermometer. I love this cooker. A great value!!!!!!!
LTHUONK : Exactly what I wanted.... when I wanted it
This smoker was exactly what my husband had been looking for... His original one has lasted over 20 years but he wanted another one to leave at our lake property. He had tried other ones but this one worked and he always got rave reviews when he used it. I couldn't find one locally so I checked online.
I found this one and ordered it. I expected it wouldn't get here until after Christmas but it was perfect - it got here before Christmas and was a big hit and with the waived shipping fee - it was competitively priced.
Thank you!
Tom Bux : Low and Slow made easy!
This is a great product. It lives up to the Weber name. The WSM is well built with tight tolerances so heat does not escape. It is easily possible to get a consistent even burn at 215 degrees for 6 or more hours with a single chimney of charcoal.
The two cooking grates allow you to cook a lot of food at a time, and either grate can easily fit several racks of ribs, a 15 pound brisket, or 2 or 3 pork sholders.
The water/drip pan holds about a gallon of water and allows for warm moist heat, causing a natural convection and ensuring even heating.
It is a breeze to put together and out of the box you will be cooking delicious slow cooked authentic barbeque!
Adriansr : almost perfect smoker can be improved on.
I like the sturdiness of the metal , the size and shape. It needs a temperature gauge on it to help minimize guessing and handles on the mid section for easier removal and adding foods to it while smoking. perhaps designing it so one can have easily base meats on the lower rack will also help. cooks great otherwise.
Overweight : Great Smoker
If you are looking for a smoker, spend the money and buy This One! You will be BBQ ing like a pro in NO TIME. REAL Q, really! At least after checking out the <[...]> sight.
Hakeem Shabazz : Best Smoker Around
Ahhhh. What can I say. Weber has done a great job with this smoker. I did make a couple of modifications to it by getting a larger water pan, putting in another charcoal grid and adding a chamber thermometer. I love this cooker. A great value!!!!!!!
Tom Bux : Low and Slow made easy!
This is a great product. It lives up to the Weber name. The WSM is well built with tight tolerances so heat does not escape. It is easily possible to get a consistent even burn at 215 degrees for 6 or more hours with a single chimney of charcoal.
The two cooking grates allow you to cook a lot of food at a time, and either grate can easily fit several racks of ribs, a 15 pound brisket, or 2 or 3 pork sholders.
The water/drip pan holds about a gallon of water and allows for warm moist heat, causing a natural convection and ensuring even heating.
It is a breeze to put together and out of the box you will be cooking delicious slow cooked authentic barbeque!
T. Villemure : I love my Weber Smokey Mountain!
I was a little skeptical when I read all of the other great reviews for this product. I mean, how good could it be? It seemed kind of gimmicky to me. However, the thought of barbecue and all of the great reviews finally won me over and I took the plunge and bought it. Boy, am I glad that I did!
The Weber Smokey Mountain produces delicious, restaurant quality barbecue! So far I have cooked chicken, turkey, baby back ribs, and spare ribs. All have come out excellent - nice and tender with the right amount of smokey flavor.
The Smokey Mountain is very well made, assembles quickly with minimal tools, and it works great. It has a nice durable finish, and it comes with a nice cover. Plus, there are several websites dedicated to its use. If you like barbecue, you owe it to yourself to get one of these.
Amazon Customer : Use with Caution - Because once you start you CAN'T stop!
I just ate the best chicken I have ever tasted and I currently brine-ing a Boston Butt for the weekend.
It was my first time Smoking. I have been grilling with indirect heat for a while now, and that was sort of my gateway to Smoking!
Browse around virtualweberbullet.com and you will be set. This Smoker holds the heat steadily and is really responsive to adjustments of the vents.
Make sure you get your self a good meat thermometer with a long stem (Weber's dual purpose replacement one is perfect) to measure the cooking temperature and get your self a remote leave-in meat probe thermometer so you can monitor the inside meat temperature during the course of smoking.
Be patient and you will be rewarded. This is a really great product. My only problem is I can't wait to use it. I am addicted to the Smoke!
Leland L. Bahr : Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker
This is my second Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker. I purchased the first one around 5 years ago and entertain so much at my lake house that I needed a second unit for more smoking capacity. (The old one is still going strong). If you can afford this smoker, there is no other bullet type smoker to buy.
I do own one of those cheap Bxxxkmxn Smokers but never use it anymore. I find the Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker to be easier to control temperature and the diameter of the Weber unit is larger in diameter so you can get more meat on it to smoke and the meat does not have to touch the sides like it does on the cheaper unit. (I don't like my meat touching the sides of the smoker). Also, the thickness of the steel is heavier on the Weber unit thus lasting longer and the thicker metal helps control the heat better. I believe the controllable air vents on the Weber also contribute to its ease of use.
I feel the superior Weber product is worth the difference in price compaired to the cheap competitor model. All my neighbors rave about my smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs done on my Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker. I entertain close to once per month for crowds up to 15 or 16 people. I also smoke for my home owners association picnics. My Weber 2820 keeps them coming back for more each and every time. (I always smoke enough food so there is never any shortage at my parties). The excess ribs go to work with my wife (RN) and they quickly disappear. She is very popular at work!
You can't go wrong purchasing a Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker.
Lee
Houston, Texas
BuckeyeGuy : Great Unit
Seems expensive but when compared to others it is a great unit for the money. Does a lot better job than the cheaper brinkman's etc and just as good as the more expensive green egg
Ranger : Best made Bullet Smoker
I checked this smoker against the cheaper ones that Lowes and Home Depot sell. The Weber 2820 is made better and is much sturdier than the other smokers. This smoker should last a long time. Although it is hard to move around, it is very easy to use and works great.
Christine : Recommend
Great smoker with a lot of room.
B. Arickx : The Best.
A little under a year ago I bought this smoker. There has only been a couple weekends pass that I did not have smoke rolling out of the lid. This lil machine has givin me the BBQ bug. A passion. If your even considering buying this unit, do it. NOW! ;) And if your looking for a little advice on what to do with it visit [...]
Brandon
T. Blankenship : Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker
I've only had the chance to use this smoker once since I purchased it. It performed as expected and the ribs were delicious. The smoker seems to be well made and I think it was a good buy. I do wish Weber had put a temperature gauge in the lid. I would have gladly paid a little more for a smoker with the temperature gauge built in instead of having to come up with something myself.
Spyro : An unbelievible product...
Are you a BBQ fan?
Want to amaze your family and friends with "slap yo mamma" good BBQ?
Do you love ribs? BBQ pork sandwiches? beef brisket? chicken? turkey breast? salmon? trout? sausage? hot links? pastrami? cheese? garlic? They are all better when smoked.
Or do you just want to make your dog happy because he'll have rib bones up the wazzu to gnaw on?
Do yourself a favor and get a smoker.
No matter what Bobby Flay says, you can't get real BBQ on a gas grill or at higher temps. You definitely can't get BBQ from a crock pot.
LOW TEMPS and SLOW COOKING is the only way to make BBQ!
Within a couple of hours of getting your smoker from Amazon, you can be turning out baby back ribs that BLOW AWAY the chain restaurants. Seriously, your ribs will be much better and it won't even be close.
For beginning and experienced BBQers, you would be hard pressed to beat the Weber Smokey Mt. It is very efficient in it's fuel use. It is extremely easy to maintain consistent low temps for hours but you are still cooking over a fire. The only REAL smoker that is easier to cook with is the Pellet smokers that cost THOUSANDS of dollars.
By the way, just because a beginner will find the Smokey MT a great unit doesn't mean that it is an "beginner's model" smoker. Many people compete at the largest of BBQ contests using this very smoker.
Do it right the first time, buy a Weber Smokey Mountain. You won't be disappointed.
If you have any questions about the Weber Smokey Mt. or you are one of the lucky people that owns this smoker, go to [...] and visit the discussion board!
Spyro : An unbelievible product...
Are you a BBQ fan?
Want to amaze your family and friends with "slap yo mamma" good BBQ?
Do you love ribs? BBQ pork sandwiches? beef brisket? chicken? turkey breast? salmon? trout? sausage? hot links? pastrami? cheese? garlic? They are all better when smoked.
Or do you just want to make your dog happy because he'll have rib bones up the wazzu to gnaw on?
Do yourself a favor and get a smoker.
No matter what Bobby Flay says, you can't get real BBQ on a gas grill or at higher temps. You definitely can't get BBQ from a crock pot.
LOW TEMPS and SLOW COOKING is the only way to make BBQ!
Within a couple of hours of getting your smoker from Amazon, you can be turning out baby back ribs that BLOW AWAY the chain restaurants. Seriously, your ribs will be much better and it won't even be close.
For beginning and experienced BBQers, you would be hard pressed to beat the Weber Smokey Mt. It is very efficient in it's fuel use. It is extremely easy to maintain consistent low temps for hours but you are still cooking over a fire. The only REAL smoker that is easier to cook with is the Pellet smokers that cost THOUSANDS of dollars.
By the way, just because a beginner will find the Smokey MT a great unit doesn't mean that it is an "beginner's model" smoker. Many people compete at the largest of BBQ contests using this very smoker.
Do it right the first time, buy a Weber Smokey Mountain. You won't be disappointed.
If you have any questions about the Weber Smokey Mt. or you are one of the lucky people that owns this smoker, go to [...] and visit the discussion board!
Chef Leo : Wow! Real barbecue!
I got my Weber Bullet from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. It arrived quickly and in good condition. Tried it out this past weekend; boy, was I impressed! It held the temperature like a champ and produced a gorgeous, brown, smoky, succulent pork butt. I'm looking forward to more adventures in smoking soon, after we gobble up all the pork. I followed the advice I read on Virtual Weber Bullet and got a high-quality thermometer, which I put in a cork in one of the vent holes, so I was able to monitor temperatures easily. Great product!
Thomas W. Vaughan : Great Smoker
I have used this smoker twice and would like to report that my smoked brisket makes my pilgrimages to the Austin area no longer necessary. The online website [...] is very handy for tips and ideas. I have not needed to make modifications and the thermometer I use indicates that the temp is very much steady and correct for optimum performance.
Highly recommended for the smoked brisket and Boston butt in your future plans.
Amazon Customer : Weber WSM, much better than my last smoker
I used to think I got great results from my Char-Broil H2O Smoker, but I constantly had to baby sit it and never got the temperature right. With the WSM, it really is set it and forget it. You may have to play with the vents up front to get the temp right for the first half hour, but it'll hold that temp for hours. You can even use the 'Minion' method to start a smoke before bed and have your pulled pork ready for lunch.
Check out the Virtual Weber Bullet for info, recipes, guidance and ideas on how to 'pimp' your smoker.
Got this less than a month ago, and have done ribs twice, two pork shoulders, a turkey and some chicken.
Tom : tender meats require much tending
the smoked meat product is great, but has to be monitored every 30-40 minutes for 10-12 hours or more.If I knew that before purchacing, I may have bought the electric version,it's thermostatically controlled.
Mark Borders : Outstanding Smoker
This smoker is head and shoulders above the less expensive smokers you can buy--yes a little bit pricey but worth it. I purchased a Brinkman smoker 2 month's prior to buying the Weber, used it 3 times with poor results, then I purchased the WSM. Smoking already requires some work and the WSM simplified this process. It is very well constructed and holds temperature over the entire cook time. I have used it a half dozen times with outstanding results. My only knock is that it does not have a thermometer, you will need to mount one.
William C. Boggs : Outstanding
I bought the Weber Smoky Mountain to augment my other smoker and grills. I chose this model since so many competition and professional smokers speak so highly of them and they are right. This smoker has a surprising capacity; 4 pork butts or 2 full packer beef briskets, for example. This is my smoker of choice for baking pizzas too since the fire is right under the food (I use the water pan filled with sand and covered with foil to keep it clean). This smoker is incredibly fuel efficient too; a full load of charcoal can give you 18 hours of cooking at 225 degrees. For the price, for a backyard smoker or starter smoker you cant beat this one.
T. Blankenship : Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker
I've only had the chance to use this smoker once since I purchased it. It performed as expected and the ribs were delicious. The smoker seems to be well made and I think it was a good buy. I do wish Weber had put a temperature gauge in the lid. I would have gladly paid a little more for a smoker with the temperature gauge built in instead of having to come up with something myself.
Joe Schmo : I really just want one. UPDATE
UPDATE - 8/19/08
Ok, as promised, I am amending my review... Weber did send me the new bottom bowl "hand picked" from the assembly line. Incredibly, the ring has a slight marred mark on it along the same lines as the last three! - not bad enough to be out of round, so it fits snug in the middle cylinder, so I am keeping it and moving on... There is CLEARLY a manufacturing issue here!!
Now to the good part... I put the new smoker to the test yesterday. LOADED it with 4 full racks of baby back ribs and 2 4lb shoulders. Ribs took ~5 hours and shoulders ~7 hours. Very, VERY good. I have been smoking on a traditional charcoal grill previously, which is a pain, and I have to say that the Weber is very easy - basically fool proof. I believe it's the design - the shape and tight airflow enable you to load it up with coal/wood and basically just tweak the vents for a very long time. It basically sits at 225-250 degrees by itself.
Ordered three different types of wood tonight on Amazon to experiment with...
Even with the manufacturing/return issue, I am so immpressed with the usability of this smoker, I'll give it a 4.75 ranking.
ORIGINAL POST:
Well, I really would just actually like to have one of these grills, but I'm on my third try to get one that isn't damaged.
I am a Charcoal Grill Nut and have toyed alot with slow smoking meats on my traditional Brinkmann charcoal grill. I've gotten pretty good at it but it's a pain separating the coal to one side, meat to the other, regulating the heat, etc.
...So I did all the research on smokers and decided the Weber SM smoker was the best choice. I am a big Amazon user and fan. So I ordered a few weeks ago.
The smoker arrived in an undamaged package. Opened it up and both the top bowl and the bottom bowl had a very uniform marred/flattened spot on the ring. The rings were too far out of round to use and didn't fit in the middle cylinder correctly.
I returned to Amazon and they immediately sent a new one. As an aside, I have to say from this and other experiences that Amazon is absolutely fantastic on returns.
The new one came in a few days. Opened it up. Top bowl fine. Bottom bowl - same exact flaw. Box was undamaged.
I did not want to go through this again - I was 80% sure a third one from Amazon would be damaged. This is not an Amazon issue that I can tell. Everything I saw tells me this is a manufacturing issue and there is probably an entire mfg lot of the bowls that are flawed.
I instead called Weber directly. They are "hand picking" one off the assembly line and sending it to me. I am current waiting for it.
Once I receive it in good condition and try the smoker I'll revisit my rating on this....
S. R. Smith : Great smoker for the money
I have a couple of these smokers and they work great. I have big and small offsets, trailer smokers, you name it, but these work the best of any of them when it comes to burn time of charcoal. The only flaw these have is Weber just doesn't get it when it comes to the water pan. It's just way too small and can be tipped easily if your not careful. This can be remedied by buying a Brinkmann charcoal pan for the water. It holds almost double the water and it actually fits the smoker better. You can read about it on the Weber web site. A gentleman named Dave Stamper had a review on this modification which is simply a drop in place kind of thing. Bottom line on this smoker is it works perfectly for all your smoking needs.
BuckeyeGuy : Great Unit
Seems expensive but when compared to others it is a great unit for the money. Does a lot better job than the cheaper brinkman's etc and just as good as the more expensive green egg
Leland L. Bahr : Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker
This is my second Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker. I purchased the first one around 5 years ago and entertain so much at my lake house that I needed a second unit for more smoking capacity. (The old one is still going strong). If you can afford this smoker, there is no other bullet type smoker to buy.
I do own one of those cheap Bxxxkmxn Smokers but never use it anymore. I find the Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker to be easier to control temperature and the diameter of the Weber unit is larger in diameter so you can get more meat on it to smoke and the meat does not have to touch the sides like it does on the cheaper unit. (I don't like my meat touching the sides of the smoker). Also, the thickness of the steel is heavier on the Weber unit thus lasting longer and the thicker metal helps control the heat better. I believe the controllable air vents on the Weber also contribute to its ease of use.
I feel the superior Weber product is worth the difference in price compaired to the cheap competitor model. All my neighbors rave about my smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs done on my Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker. I entertain close to once per month for crowds up to 15 or 16 people. I also smoke for my home owners association picnics. My Weber 2820 keeps them coming back for more each and every time. (I always smoke enough food so there is never any shortage at my parties). The excess ribs go to work with my wife (RN) and they quickly disappear. She is very popular at work!
You can't go wrong purchasing a Weber 2820 Smokey Mountain Smoker.
Lee
Houston, Texas
Ryan Gardner : Holds temps constant for hours on end
There are many other good reviews, so I don't need to add much more than this: This porcelain-coated beast will hold a temp for hours on end. You can easily cook better BBQ than the best BBQ joint in town. The Weber-supplied manual is a joke - go to the Virtual Weber Bullet page (google it) for much better instructions on how to use it.
An excellent recipe book containing some Weber Smokey Mountain Recipes is: - It also contains images on how to get it fired up... etc.
Ryan Gardner : Holds temps constant for hours on end
There are many other good reviews, so I don't need to add much more than this: This porcelain-coated beast will hold a temp for hours on end. You can easily cook better BBQ than the best BBQ joint in town. The Weber-supplied manual is a joke - go to the Virtual Weber Bullet page (google it) for much better instructions on how to use it.
An excellent recipe book containing some Weber Smokey Mountain Recipes is: - It also contains images on how to get it fired up... etc.
David W. Scheid : Still learning it but its a great Smoker
I've had my smoker for a little over a month now and I have to say I'm still learning it. The manual that comes with it is inadequate but there are websites out there that will guide you in the right direction. Once you figure out how much charcoal and then how much smoking wood to put in the flavors are delicious. I cooked a chicken, ribs, and a pork shoulder so far, and all tasted very good. When you put enough charcoal in the smoker holds temperature and is easy to maintain. Have to watch the water pan on extended smokings tho. It needs temperature guages on it but otherwise I'm very pleased.
Thomas W. Vaughan : Great Smoker
I have used this smoker twice and would like to report that my smoked brisket makes my pilgrimages to the Austin area no longer necessary. The online website [...] is very handy for tips and ideas. I have not needed to make modifications and the thermometer I use indicates that the temp is very much steady and correct for optimum performance.
Highly recommended for the smoked brisket and Boston butt in your future plans.
padlnjones : fantastic! highly recommended!
Had my WSM for 3 months or so, used it for ribs, pork butts, turkey, chicken, and a 7 lb standing rib roast. It was easy to use, and everything turned out great with major kudos for the cook. look up the WSM forum on the net for all the help you'll need getting started.
Christine : Recommend
Great smoker with a lot of room.
E. Wood : Great Smoker
I bought this smoker back in 2005 for my husband. We have been using it ever since on a pretty much weekly basis. It is a wonderful smoker for those of you who BBQ for your family. We've done ribs, whole chicken, brisket, pork shoulder and more on here from start to finish and they always turn out great. You will have to watch it a little, as with all BBQ, but it really doesn't take that much messing to keep the temperature right and the smoker going. We also use it as a grill, which works just great. I don't think it is too intimidating so even if you are trying to break into smoking this one will work just fine for you. This model is a little small for us now that our family has grown and we may have to invest in a larger one, but has worked wonderful for 6 years. It's a great one for individuals or small families. I highly recommend it.
Barn Spotter : Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker
The shipping on this product was lightening quick! Thank you Amazon. My husband is loving his new toy and we are having a blast smoking everything from cheddar cheese to salmon to beef brisket. Delicious!!!
Robert M : Where is the thermomometer?
Great product! I have found it easy to use and it makes great Q! I really wanted to give this little gem 5 stars but it lacks a critical piece of equipment that no smoker can do without... a good thermometer! It's like buying a sports car without a steering wheel! [...].
I love the large amount of cooking surface. You are easily able to smoke a large turkey and a 10 pound brisket at the same time.
Since I have started using mine, both my brother and best friend have also purchased a WSM and both have had nothing but good things to say about their smokers.
Konrad Haskins : This is one of the greatest smokers ever!
The Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) has taken 1st Place in both Pork shoulder and Beef Brisket at the Jack Daniel's Invitational Barbecue World Championship. I wish I'd won those awards but was only a witness to those two.
I have taken first place in Ribs at the Montana state BBQ championship with a WSM. The American Royal Invitational in Kansas city requires you to be a state grand champion just to enter. Cooking against the best of the best we took home tenth place in ribs on a WSM.
The WSM turns out world class BBQ. It will run for up to 18 hours on a single load of charcoal and wood chunks (which are better than chips). If you need to refuel you do NOT need to lift the top there is a side door for adding charcoal and wood chunks.
The the hardest contest in the world to earn an invitation to is the Jack Daniel's Invitational Barbecue World Championship. At the Jack you'll find many teams cooking on the WSM.
My credentials include over 70 BBQ awards. Five time Grand Champion including two time Montana State BBQ Grand Champion and the Nebraska Grand Champion. Invitations to six invitation only world championship BBQ contests.
Nils : It is great - but
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a great smoker. This is my second smoker - the last one being electric, and there is no comparison. The quality of the smoker, as well as the results of cooking with it, are superb. You will be delighted at the number of specific recipes and web articles there are on the internet that specifically pertain to this smoker.
There is one downside, and it apparently takes some creativity and a small investment to fix. Almost all the recipes tell you what the internal temperature of the smoker should be while cooking. One big problem. There is no thermometer. I use a meat thermometer to determine when the meat is done - but since part of what makes smoked meat taste so good is how slow it cooks, the inability to know what your cooking temperature is can have negative consequences. I imagine you get a sense for cooking at the proper temperature with experience.
There are a couple of suggestions on the internet about how to fix this - none of which I have tried yet. Still, don't consider this a reason not to buy it - consider it a challenge worth overcoming to fully enjoy a particularly fine smoker.
Ron & Karen : and helps me to consistently turn-out GREAT "que". BUY ONE - you will not regret
From a FAT guy who knows...
Bought this about 4 years ago. After FREQUENT use, it is still solid, holds temps well, and helps me to consistently turn-out GREAT "que".
BUY ONE - you will not regret it
J. Brandt : Very pleased with the Smokey Mountain Cooker
I finally had the chance to use my new WSM cooker this last weekend. I cooked pork spare ribs for about 4-4.5 hours. I was surprised at how good the ribs tasted. I cooked 3 full slabs of ribs and everyone was impressed with the results. I had done quite a bit of research prior to using it for the first time, and it paid off.
One note: When I received my WSM, the packaging was in great shape. However, the first time I put it together I could tell the middle section was out of round (as other reviewers have warned about). Mine was very minor and I was able to gently shape it so it was a snug fit all around. It worked great my first time cooking and I had no problems with the out of round issue after the minor correction.
I would highly recommend this product for a first timer like myself who wants to get into cooking with smoke.
Tom : tender meats require much tending
the smoked meat product is great, but has to be monitored every 30-40 minutes for 10-12 hours or more.If I knew that before purchacing, I may have bought the electric version,it's thermostatically controlled.
Wilbur L. Dorriety : Great Smoker
I bought this smoker on the advice of my Nephew, Chad, who owns one. Construction is typically "weber"; That is, very well made, and well thought out. I've only gotten to use it one time, but can't wait to experiment with it again next week while I am off work. I am a return Weber customer. I own one of the Weber hybrid grills which work from charcoal ignited by gas. That grill has been with me for over 10 years and still works perfectly.
F. Mills : Famous Weber Quality, Fabulous Smokey Flavor
Throwing a few wet chips on your gas or charcoal grill just isn't the same thing as real smoking with the Weber. Under optimum conditions, you can maintain a constant temperature over many hours without adding more charcoal. And the water pan system allows you to smoke meats just the right amount without making them taste like the aftermath of a forest fire. I couldn't make my NC low-and-slow pork bbq without it. Thank you, Weber.
But be forewarned. If you live where there's a lot of wind, rapid air movement jacks up the temperature inside and makes low and slow very difficult. You'll be stuck tending this baby, making sure it doesn't get too hot, and feeding it lots of charcoal. Porcelain egg-shaped cookers can hold heat better than a Weber and consume less fuel, too. On windy days it's better to smoke tender meats that cook well at higher temperatures--around 350 degrees fahrenheit for two hours or less.
That said, this is a cooker you can love. Plink the thin metal on a cheaper smoker then compare that to the sound you get from the solid Weber armor. What a nickel! Then once you've got your own Weber set up, move your lawn chair close, sit back, and suck in the aromas of pecan, apple, peach, oak, hickory, mesquite...as you enjoy life the way it was meant to be lived--low and slow and tenderly smoked.
Overweight : Great Smoker
If you are looking for a smoker, spend the money and buy This One! You will be BBQ ing like a pro in NO TIME. REAL Q, really! At least after checking out the <[...]> sight.
you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you
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