Had to pick between a WSM and an offset for my first real smoker

I went with the 18.5 WSM because I was on a 300 dollar budget and needed something forgiving. It's been 6 months now and I'm getting good smoke rings but wondering if I should've saved up for a cheap offset instead - anyone make the switch later on?

4 comments

4 Comments

taylorshah1mo ago

Honestly man, it's not that deep. You're making good food on a proven smoker. If you're happy with the results just keep cooking and stop overthinking it.

the_wendy1mo ago

Right? It's refreshing to hear someone just say it straight like that. I've got a beat up old electric smoker that I've had for years and it's far from perfect but I've made some of my best pulled pork and ribs on it. All that fussing with mods and gadgets just takes the fun out of it. Honestly the best meals come when you just load it up, set it, and let it do its thing without worrying about every smoke ring. Are you still using that same smoker or did you upgrade at some point?

danielnelson1mo ago

Yeah "it's not that deep" but people act like you need a PhD in fluid dynamics just to keep charcoal lit. I get the sentiment but sometimes I wonder if we're overcorrecting in the other direction now - like it's become cool to brag about not caring at all. If someone wants to tinker with their setup, let them. Not everyone treats this like some zen meditation on meat.

anderson.piper1mo agoMost Upvoted

Keep doing what you're doing and don't worry about it. I've been smoking meat for years on an old offset that's beat to hell, and the best cooks come when I'm not overthinking every little thing. If your temp holds steady and the meat comes out good, you've already won. People get way too caught up in gear and gadgets when it's really just fire and meat and patience. Trust your smoker and trust yourself. You'll learn way more from just cooking than from reading reviews all day.