Hey all, so I got a WSM for my birthday in July and have been smoking every damn thing I can think of. So far the family favorite is wings and it’s getting to the point where the ones at a restaurant aren’t good enough.
With NE Ohio winter coming, how to you all keep the smoker warm enough? Bigger fire, welders blanket? Build some sort of windscreen?
I’d love to hear some thoughts/experiences.
Thanks in advance!
by Weird-Security1745
10 Comments
I smoked a turkey last November, and used a welders blanket to surround the base of the WSM, wrapping it with rachet straps. It worked well, but I worry about doing it frequently, as the fiberglass from the blanket definitely poked out in a few places.
Smoked chicken skin to me is like rubber, I’ve never had much luck smoking wings. I prefer a blazing hot grill for wings. However, a chicken breast smoked is very nice for sandwiches.
Sorry, I can’t help much with your question, but I’d love to know what your process is for the wings? They look great.
As a fellow NE Ohio person I just run the kettle.
In the winter I tend to cheat with a sous vide, smoke just a couple hours after the bath.
Never thought about it. Just send it.
[https://bbqsmokermods.com/lavalock-tm-thermal-blanket-for-wsm-18-5-weber-smokey-mountain-cover.html](https://bbqsmokermods.com/lavalock-tm-thermal-blanket-for-wsm-18-5-weber-smokey-mountain-cover.html)
I’ve smoked for many many years in brutal Wisconsin winters.
The cold is never a factor but wind can be.
If you can build some kind of stable windscreen to block the wind it doesn’t matter if it’s -30 out… You’re still going to have to increase the amount of charcoal maybe and keep your vents cracked a little more than normal but really should be all good.
When it gets to be brutal wind and cold I usually go in my garage and have the garage door half open and the man door half open for overnight smokes.
I just posted on another forum that I got 24 hours out of a session in the middle of winter in my garage
Fwiw i smoke in a weber kettle in chicago.
Wind is the enemy. If you can block it, you’ll be good. If you can’t, get ready to use a ton of fuel. I’ve smoked in snow no problem but if it’s windy and cold it’s a pain in the ass.