Other Sellers on Amazon
94% positive over last 12 months
81% positive over last 12 months
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
- 7 VIDEOS
Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker,Black
Delivery & Support
Select to learn moreAim To Find
- This item will be shipped by the seller. To learn more about this seller’s shipping methods, visit the link below and look for the tab called “Shipping”. You will be able to track your Amazon order in your orders. If you need more help with tracking your package, please visit Track Your Package.
- Learn more about Aim To Find’s shipping policy
- The A-to-z Guarantee protects you when you purchase items sold and fulfilled by a third party seller in our store. It covers both the timely delivery and the condition of your items. If you're not happy with either and can’t resolve the issue directly with the seller, you can report the problem to us for further assistance.
Learn more about A-to-z Guarantee
- This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
Our specialist Customer Support for large items dispatched from Amazon is on hand to help with your order. Contact us via phone or chat 7 days a week.
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Weber |
Model Name | WEBER |
Power Source | charcoal |
Color | Black |
Outer Material | Alloy Steel |
Item Weight | 39.1 Pounds |
Product Dimensions | 19"D x 21"W x 41"H |
Inner Material | stainless_steel |
Fuel Type | Charcoal |
About this item
- 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. Item weight- 39.1 pounds
- Made of porcelain-enameled steel, this smoker comes with 2 nickel-plated 18-1/2-inch-wide cooking grates
- Includes a water pan, thermometer, individual vents on bowl and lid, and heat-resistant nylon handle
Customer ratings by feature
Frequently bought together
Compare with similar items
This Item Weber 18-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker,Black | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | |
Price | $345.91$345.91 | -10% $189.99$189.99 List: $211.99 | $239.99$239.99 | $232.86$232.86 | $99.99$99.99 | $240.33$240.33 |
Delivery | — | Get it Apr 1 - 3 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Easy to assemble | 4.6 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.6 |
Easy to use | 4.6 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
Temperature Control | 4.4 | 4.1 | — | 4.4 | 3.7 | 4.1 |
Flavor | 4.7 | — | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.1 | — |
Value for money | — | 4.4 | — | — | 3.3 | 4.1 |
Sold By | Aim To Find | PHI VILLA | CUEWAY | Aim To Find | amztop11 | Amazon.com |
size | 18" | 35 in | — | 14.5" | 17" Charcoal Smokers | 16'' |
fuel type | Charcoal | Charcoal | Charcoal | Charcoal | Charcoal | Charcoal |
power source | charcoal | fuel powered | — | charcoal | Charcoal | fuel powered |
material | Steel | Steel | Ceramic | Steel | Steel | steel |
model name | WEBER | — | — | WEBER | Charcoal Vertical Smoker Grill | 16" Bullet Smoker |
weight | 39.1 pounds | 37.5 pounds | 36.2 pounds | 23 pounds | 18.55 pounds | 41 pounds |
Discover similar items
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
- Weber 22-inch Smokey Mountain Cooker, Charcoal Smoker,BlackAmazon's Choicein Outdoor SmokersFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker 16" - 18202075,BlackFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Realcook Vertical 17 Inch Steel Charcoal Smoker, Heavy Duty Round BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking, BlackFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
- Cuisinart COS-118, Vertical Charcoal Smoker, 18"16% offLimited time dealFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 110% Claimed
- CUE WAY K2 SMOKEGUARDIAN ELITETOWER, Outdoor Charcoal Smoker with Rib Hanger Set,17 inch,BlackFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Monday, Apr 1Only 20 left in stock - order soon.
- Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18 Inch Smoker All-in-One Bundle (3 Items)FREE ShippingOnly 7 left in stock - order soon.
Videos
Videos for this product
1:25
Click to play video
Which Size Is Right For You?
Millennial Stone Cleaner
Videos for this product
0:15
Click to play video
Customer Review: Superb for grilling and smoking.
George
Videos for this product
2:43
Click to play video
Weber Smokey Mountain Smoker Review! (18 in)
Candid Tech TV
Videos for this product
1:00
Click to play video
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker, Black
Merchant Video
Videos for this product
3:02
Click to play video
My Weber Smokey Mountain after one year of use
Mindy + Cash
From the manufacturer
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker for Low and Slow Charcoal Smoking
Wake up and light the smoker, because succulent pulled pork and fall-off-the-bone ribs come to those who wait. The Smokey Mountain Cooker smoker has two cooking grates for smoking multiple items at once, with a removable door and dampers that adjust easily so that you’re always in control of the heat—and your feast.
Get the Perfect Fit
3 sizes available: 14", 18", and 22" (or if you think like us - 2, 4, or 6 racks of ribs!)
Superior Heat Retention, Lid Thermometer, and Double Dampers
Consistent Heat:
The porcelain-enameled lid, bowl, and center section retain heat for consistent smoking. The finish also prevents rusting, cracking, and peeling while withstanding high temps.
Heat Control:
Control the temperature of your smoker by easily adjusting the dampers. Closing the dampers completely will cut the oxygen flow to help extinguish coals.
Extra Smoking Capacity with Two Cooking Grates
The two cooking grates provide ample room for smoking multiple large items to pick:
- Large Turkey or Brisket
- Multiple Racks of Ribs
- Homemade Bacon
- Smoked Mac n' Cheese
Control Temperature and Add Moisture
The water pan helps regulate temperature inside of the smoker and adds moisture to the heat.
Silicone Grommet
Silicone temperature grommet allows you to conveniently check the internal temperature of the grill and of the meat.
Works perfectly with the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub that connects to your phone via Bluetooth and lets you monitor your cook all the way through.
Quality
Capacity
Control
Connect
Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub | Weber Hickory Wood Chunks | Weber Silicone Gloves | Weber Butcher Paper | Weber Rib and Roast Rack | Weber 3 pc Precision Tool Set | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
Add to Cart
|
|
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars
590
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
11,465
|
4.2 out of 5 stars
111
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
18
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
5,135
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
176
|
Everything You Need to Get Started: | Bluetooth compatible smart thermometer with meat probes to monitor your cook. | Wood chunks add flavor and burn slowly, perfect for multi-hour smoking. | Easy clean, FDA compliant silicone and protects hands up to 400° F | Wrapping your meat at the tail end of a low and slow smoke helps to retain moisture. | 2-in-1 design to help with your first rack of ribs and creating the perfect roast. | All of the tools you need to get started with your smoker. |
Product information
Brand | Weber |
---|---|
Model Name | WEBER |
Power Source | charcoal |
Color | Black |
Outer Material | Alloy Steel |
Item Weight | 39.1 Pounds |
Product Dimensions | 19"D x 21"W x 41"H |
Inner Material | stainless_steel |
Fuel Type | Charcoal |
Item Weight | 39.1 pounds |
Department | Outdoor Living |
Manufacturer | Weber |
ASIN | B001I8ZTJ0 |
Item model number | 721001 |
Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #12,808 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #33 in Outdoor Smokers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Looking for specific info?
Product Description
The first bite of tender, fall-off-the-bone meat makes taking it low-and-slow worth every moment. The Smokey Mountain Cooker™ smoker has two cooking grates for smoking multiple items at once, and easily adjustable dampers for precision heat control. There’s nothing quite like waiting all day for dinner.
Important information
• WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. • Combustion byproducts produced when using this product contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. • WARNING: This product can expose you to soot, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and carbon monoxide, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, ease of use, temperature control, taste and value of the food smoker. They mention that it produces outstanding results, is simple to put together and that the temperature control is great. They appreciate the moist flavorful meat cooked from scratch. They are also happy with the value, capacity, and ease of cleaning. However, some customers have mixed opinions on fit.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the food smoker. For example, they say it's amazing, produces a nice result, and works great as a grill. Customers are also impresseded with the build quality, saying it'll last for years.
"...All parts fit together nicely, and the vent dampers work great. Less smoke leakage than I've come to expect from sportsman-type drums, and it's fuel-..." Read more
"...All turned out great and with far less effort on my part than with cheapo smokers or combo units...." Read more
"...They turned out very good although I think next time I'll brine them; not that they were dry but I think it might let me smoke them longer...." Read more
"...They work flawlessly and are easy to use and clean up...." Read more
Customers find the food smoker easy to use. They mention it's simple to put together, control, and produce outstanding results. They say it'll work flawlessly and is perfect for their intended use. Customers also mention that it'd be easy to add more charcoal or wood.
"...If you smoke it, they will come...Though easy to set up out of the box, I have to mention that the 'instructions' are awfully lacking...." Read more
"...Overall, I have never used a smoker that has been so easy to operate and maintain...." Read more
"...The WSM arrived intact and in perfect condition. The instructions are simple and assembly a breeze...." Read more
"...They work flawlessly and are easy to use and clean up...." Read more
Customers like the temperature control of the food smoker. They mention that it has great temperature control, keeping the temperature at the desired place is easy, and the heat is easier to regulate. They also say that the cooking temperature is pretty accurate, and consistent in reaching and holding temperatures. Customers also appreciate the rotating vents, which control the temperature well. Setting the temperature is super easy, while keeping the heat out of your house.
"...Holds heat for a good long time with lump charcoal, you probably won't need to add charcoal for any session under 6 hours...." Read more
"...Setting temp is super easy. Other smokers require constant watching, not this one. Load it up, set the dampers and watch the temp fro afar...." Read more
"...good to know as it gives me some reassurance that the cooking temperature is pretty accurate at least at the lid. Weber got this right...." Read more
"Easy to assemble. Maintains even temperature. My 1st smoked brisket was off the charts!" Read more
Customers are satisfied with the taste of the food cooked in the food smoker. They mention that it makes amazing food, with moist flavorful meat cooked from scratch. Some customers also mention that the product has an incredible cooking area.
"...It gave food lots of smoke flavor we loved...." Read more
"...Chicken was amazing, my grandkids are now converts to REAL Bar-B-Que. The ribs were as good as anything I've tasted in Memphis - need I say more?..." Read more
"...The chicken was quite tasty but not what I was after but I felt confident going to my next try, pork butt (shoulder)...." Read more
"...charred and like hell when you take it out, but boy, oh boy, is it ever tasty. I'm not sure why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5...." Read more
Customers like the value of the food smoker. They say it's well worth the price, they like the size to price ratio, and that the website is a wonderful resource.
"...The price was right, pulled the trigger and choked up the $$$. I'm very glad I did...." Read more
"...be prepared to do some experimenting but all in all I'd say its worth the money." Read more
"...Food tastes great! Its porcelain coating is so nice. Definitely worth the money!" Read more
"Like quality of product and price. Fed Ex confused me some when they said they tried to deliver product but could not...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the capacity of the food smoker. They mention that it has a very roomy design, and can hold two large turkeys at one time. The 18 inch grill has plenty of space, and the 22.5" model has more than enough cooking space. It also has able to hold a lot of meat and is still easy to keep the temperature. Customers also appreciate the large, easy to read thermometer, and large fire bowl. Overall, customers are happy with the product's capacity.
"...No way I could have fit another half on, but the spacing was perfect between the halves...." Read more
"...The 18 inch grill has plenty of space...." Read more
"...With the Kettle - there's less hassle, more area to grill, and infinitely better flavor. Every time...." Read more
"...The first thing I noticed is this thing is huge!..." Read more
Customers like the ease of cleaning the food smoker. They mention that the enamel arrived flawless and wipes down easily after cooks.
"...As a bonus cleaning it was easy as well. If you are on the fence, go with the 14" and use the 100 bucks saved on accessories and food...." Read more
"...Porcelain-coated interior and exterior means long life and easier cleanup. All parts fit together nicely, and the vent dampers work great...." Read more
"...the "assembly" is basically screw in a few handles. it's easy to clean since you can take off each third to clean separately, and the dome lid means..." Read more
"...It is very easy to clean and maintain, and can smoke some really great food. This smoker is 5 stars all the way." Read more
Customers are mixed about the fit of the food smoker. Some mention that the 14" is the perfect size for an average family's dinner, and doesn't take up a lot of room. The grates size is awesome, and the weight is awesome for moving it around the patio. However, others say that it's not big enough to do an entire brisket, too small for a turkey, and that the side door is cheap and has a poor fit.
"...with the bigger models (must be all that charcoal) Finally the 14 is portable (and used around the world by bbq teams that compete) and easier to..." Read more
"...The size is perfect for a family of six, with enough extra space to spread some neighborly goodwill. If you smoke it, they will come......" Read more
"...The temp gauge works well. The Weber chimney is really big for this sized unit, but it works and gets it going quickly...." Read more
"...of meat! Turkeys up to 19 lbs. fit nicely on the top grate, I can only get 2 full racks of spare ribs per grate unless I cut them in half and then..." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
The smoker finally got stuff growing inside after about 5 years, which made me sad. My final thoughts are The 14 was definitely the right choice for me. It gave food lots of smoke flavor we loved. The only drawback for these things is the monitoring of the heat as with very long overnight cooks the wood/charcoal can get critically low impacting the cook. This is also why the 14 was a good choice as was not heavy with food loaded to remove the top pieces from the pit and add more fuel.
That’s really the main drawback with these things, the monitoring part. That’s why I didn’t replace the unit when it failed and bought a Traeger instead Ironwood instead. Still happy though with this purchase and it’s 5 year service life. Great intro to smoking foods.
End 2021 Update.
First off after reading all the reviews I was convinced to go with the 22inch version and call it a day. That would have been a big mistake - that is the problem with buying products online, you don't get a sense of the product. Fortunately I have a bbq shop near my home that stocks the 22 & I can tell you it is huge (like a New York style round trashcan) and heavy (50-60 pounds?) Looks like more for commercial purposes than home cooking.
Once I saw that monstrosity, I realized my choice was between the 18&14 inch size. After much research and measuring, I realized the 18 inch version was too big as well (& must be equally heavy) - the 18 inch seems like the right size for someone who entertains for 40+ people regularly - overkill for someone wanting to invite his family over or cook for his own family. To put it in perspective, you can fit two pork butts on the 14 and 4 butts on the 18 - I recently did one butt and had enough pulled pork for 6 adults and 6 kids, and there were left overs that could have fed at least one more family (2 adults and 2 kids) - this means I can feed 12-16 with one butt and 24-32 with 2 on the 14 - more than enough. There is a reason Weber started making the 14" again - it is perfect for a small gathering.
Also, the 14 uses less fuel and will cost less per use in the long run (for example if you smoke 2 butts in the 18 (versus its capacity of 4) u need to use more fuel because of the bigger space to heat up. Remember the unit is engineered/designed for use of Both racks (which makes the 18 more efficient for 4 pork butts versus the 22 for example).
Another bonus is the 14 kept the temperature very consistent and did not overheat like some have noticed with the bigger models (must be all that charcoal) Finally the 14 is portable (and used around the world by bbq teams that compete) and easier to clean given its smaller footprint.
My 14 had enough room for us to cook a slab of 5 pound brisket bought at our local warehouse club and an entire slab of baby back ribs cut up into 3 parts. The ribs were perfect and moist - the brisket was perfectly smoked and tender. I did this for my family and we could have easily fed another 8 people. Using the minion method of heating coal (in middle area) there is was enough fuel for an overnight cook 13+ hours at 200-210. I couldn't be happier with the 14inch size and am convinced it was the right call as it is efficient and portable. As a bonus cleaning it was easy as well. If you are on the fence, go with the 14" and use the 100 bucks saved on accessories and food. You will thank me as the others are overkill unless you have a business or cook regularly for 40 (18") or 70 people (22"). Happy smoking!
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2016
The smoker finally got stuff growing inside after about 5 years, which made me sad. My final thoughts are The 14 was definitely the right choice for me. It gave food lots of smoke flavor we loved. The only drawback for these things is the monitoring of the heat as with very long overnight cooks the wood/charcoal can get critically low impacting the cook. This is also why the 14 was a good choice as was not heavy with food loaded to remove the top pieces from the pit and add more fuel.
That’s really the main drawback with these things, the monitoring part. That’s why I didn’t replace the unit when it failed and bought a Traeger instead Ironwood instead. Still happy though with this purchase and it’s 5 year service life. Great intro to smoking foods.
End 2021 Update.
First off after reading all the reviews I was convinced to go with the 22inch version and call it a day. That would have been a big mistake - that is the problem with buying products online, you don't get a sense of the product. Fortunately I have a bbq shop near my home that stocks the 22 & I can tell you it is huge (like a New York style round trashcan) and heavy (50-60 pounds?) Looks like more for commercial purposes than home cooking.
Once I saw that monstrosity, I realized my choice was between the 18&14 inch size. After much research and measuring, I realized the 18 inch version was too big as well (& must be equally heavy) - the 18 inch seems like the right size for someone who entertains for 40+ people regularly - overkill for someone wanting to invite his family over or cook for his own family. To put it in perspective, you can fit two pork butts on the 14 and 4 butts on the 18 - I recently did one butt and had enough pulled pork for 6 adults and 6 kids, and there were left overs that could have fed at least one more family (2 adults and 2 kids) - this means I can feed 12-16 with one butt and 24-32 with 2 on the 14 - more than enough. There is a reason Weber started making the 14" again - it is perfect for a small gathering.
Also, the 14 uses less fuel and will cost less per use in the long run (for example if you smoke 2 butts in the 18 (versus its capacity of 4) u need to use more fuel because of the bigger space to heat up. Remember the unit is engineered/designed for use of Both racks (which makes the 18 more efficient for 4 pork butts versus the 22 for example).
Another bonus is the 14 kept the temperature very consistent and did not overheat like some have noticed with the bigger models (must be all that charcoal) Finally the 14 is portable (and used around the world by bbq teams that compete) and easier to clean given its smaller footprint.
My 14 had enough room for us to cook a slab of 5 pound brisket bought at our local warehouse club and an entire slab of baby back ribs cut up into 3 parts. The ribs were perfect and moist - the brisket was perfectly smoked and tender. I did this for my family and we could have easily fed another 8 people. Using the minion method of heating coal (in middle area) there is was enough fuel for an overnight cook 13+ hours at 200-210. I couldn't be happier with the 14inch size and am convinced it was the right call as it is efficient and portable. As a bonus cleaning it was easy as well. If you are on the fence, go with the 14" and use the 100 bucks saved on accessories and food. You will thank me as the others are overkill unless you have a business or cook regularly for 40 (18") or 70 people (22"). Happy smoking!
I've only used it twice, for two split chickens and 6 pounds of baby-backs. Chicken was amazing, my grandkids are now converts to REAL Bar-B-Que. The ribs were as good as anything I've tasted in Memphis - need I say more? The size is perfect for a family of six, with enough extra space to spread some neighborly goodwill. If you smoke it, they will come...
Though easy to set up out of the box, I have to mention that the 'instructions' are awfully lacking. All you get is an ambiguous pictogram, with no written instructions or notes to guide you. Took a lot longer than it should have to assemble, due to a couple mistakes I had to go back and re-do. Finally went to the web and found a step-by-step video that made it crystal clear. A bit surprising to report this deficiency about a Weber product.
Hefty weight without being cumbersome. Some handles on the outside of the smoke chamber would be convenient. There are times when I like to lift the entire middle off the fire, but it's easy enough to add handles later. Porcelain-coated interior and exterior means long life and easier cleanup. All parts fit together nicely, and the vent dampers work great. Less smoke leakage than I've come to expect from sportsman-type drums, and it's fuel-friendly as well. I'll be trying a brisket soon, and I figure I'll need to add wood chunks no more than 3 times during a 10-hour cook. Holds heat for a good long time with lump charcoal, you probably won't need to add charcoal for any session under 6 hours.
Can't find much to complain about at all. I'll probably make a couple of convenience mods later on, but it does a great job as-is. Be careful where you set it, though. The bottom heat shield only clears the surface by an inch or two. I wouldn't set this on wood or dry grass unless you have a fireproof platform underneath.
Easy enough for a newbie, powerful enough for a pro, and built to last. Typical Weber.
Top reviews from other countries
What an absolute joy this smoker is. Purchased it off the positive reviews from amazon.ca and the 600+ 5 star reviews from amazon.com. I ordered this from amazon.ca and paid the extra 2 or 3 bucks for next day shipping - hoping to have it arrive before the weekend as a chinook was to be passing through and temps were around 15C.
The smoker arrived in time, however, it didn't ship with the 3 grills needed to cook (boo!). Yes I was bummed but I have to say the Weber customer support was *awesome*. Phone support from 7am - 9pm Central time was a nice surprise as I called after work and assumed to get an automated message saying to call back between 9-5 or something. The lady on the phone took my serial number down (on the top lid vent) and said she would expedite the grills to me right away - no questions asked. These arrived 2 business days later via FedEx. Mishaps do happen from time to time at assembly but support was great to get me back in grilling action.
Now for the smoking:
I read a few tips on the weber and there was a great write up for this unit on amazon.com (it's the top rated review - can't miss it) where the guy is basically a competitor and runs a school on smoking. Follow his tips and you'll be pleased. I did my first smoke with beef ribs. Temp was about 2C and pour cold coals in the smoker. Then you light the coals in your chimney starter:
http://www.amazon.ca/Weber-7416-Rapidfire-Chimney-Starter/dp/B000WEOQV8/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1422715633&sr=8-10&keywords=weber+kettle
I was new to smoking and didn't quite get you had to prelight coals and use those to get your smoker going. At least that seems to be the most common method. I let that chimney starter sit on my gas BBQ and stuff paper under it (or light it on the coals on bottom rack of smoker). It doesn't take long for the briquettes to start up and go on their own after.
Once those are glowing hot you pour them over top the unlit coals in your smoker. Open up all the vents (top and bottom) and let it get to around 200F. Ribs go on and temp was around 225-250. I closed the 3 bottom vents 1/2 way to keep it around that temp. The top vent ALWAYS leave fully open. I was able to manage the temperature quite well by bottom vents.
These beef ribs cooked for about 3.5 hrs at 225 and were awesome. Basic seasoning with salt, pepper and some garlic powder. I also used 3 chunks of weber hickory wood.
http://www.amazon.ca/Webber-17056-Hickory-Chunks-5-Pound/dp/B000LNY4C6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422715927&sr=8-1&keywords=weber+hickory
This really gave the ribs an amazing taste but some find it pretty strong. Over all, I was really pleased with the ribs.
Smoke 2 - Pork ribs
Same steps above but this time 2 hours into the smoke I took them off and put some sauce on all sides. Wrapped them in foil and put them back on for another hour. Wow - just amazing. Wife and I loved them and had friends over to enjoy too (after initial trial run I felt confident to serve guests :) ) Turned out perfect. I also put on some potatoes, dill, butter and onions in a foil wrap and let them stay on for 3 hours too. Veggies turned out great. (poked a few little holes in foil to let smoke in). On this run I used the weber Applewood chunks. It doesn't take like apple but the smoke taste was a little weaker than hickory.
Rib update: For absolute fall off the bone ribs, I have found the key is to cook around 200 - 225 for 3 hours. Then take them off, sauce them up with bbq sauce or even salsa and wrap in foil. Put back on the smoker for another 2-3 hours. Insanely good. Yes you are looking at a 5-6 hour cook but you have *got* to try it. I also would put on a wood chunk every hour for the first 3 hours. Once wrapped in foil I did not bother.
I find the smoker easy to use and more importantly - fun!. It's now Feb and I suspect I will do a few more winter smokes but really looking forward to summer and trying a 12 hour smoke on some larger types of meat. Having this simmer all day long giving off smokey goodness ... For the price of this thing, it can't beat. Add to cart and move along!
gm
Edit: The smokers after 2009 I believe (as shown in the picture) do have a built in thermometer. I bought a second one and inserted in the side cut out for a probe (also built in by design now from weber) to see if the one from weber was accurate. Both read exactly the same so if you buy this newer model, you should be fine with the default weber gauge.
Edit 2: I recently did a roast and purchased the igrill mini to monitor inside temps:
http://www.amazon.ca/iDevices-IGR0001-iGrill-Mini-Thermometer/dp/B00I25PGZO/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423847806&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=igril+mini
This thing is really awesome and for long cooks or meat that you need to monitor temp, it's a breeze and could watch the temp of the meat while inside on my ipad or iphone (also works with android)
Edit 3 (Oct 8th): Have used this all summer almost every weekend. Briquette prices seemed best from Walmart or the odd Super store special. Walmart also surprised me with their selection of wood chunks in the bbq section. Very large chunks, inexpensive and wide range of wood.