This comprehensive review compares five different charcoal baskets designed for the Weber Smokey Mountain 18-inch smoker, evaluating their features, durability, and performance. From the basic, included Weber basket to the heavy-duty options from Arbor Fab and Woodshed Barbecue, we examine each basket's strengths and weaknesses. We delve into design elements such as material, airflow, charcoal capacity, and ease of use, helping you determine the best fit for your smoking needs and budget. This review also includes a burn test of the largest basket to showcase its impressive capacity and longevity.Whether you're a seasoned smoker looking for an upgrade or a beginner just starting out, this review will provide valuable insights to guide your decision. We cover everything from the simple practicality of the standard Weber basket to the extended cook times offered by the larger, more robust options. Our detailed comparison considers durability, ease of cleaning, and the overall smoking experience each basket offers, enabling you to choose the perfect charcoal basket to enhance your Weber Smokey Mountain experience.
Pros And Cons
- Full stainless steel
- Allows shaking out loose debris
- Welded grill grate might be preferable without welding for compatibility with the original Weber grate
- Taller and wider than the standard basket
- Expanded metal design
- Compatible with original Weber charcoal grate
- High quality steel, well-made
- May require a diffuser plate to use with a water bowl.
- Large size, holds significant charcoal
- Deep and tall, with good air ventilation
- High-quality steel, well-made
- Long-lasting
- May require a diffuser plate to use with a water bowl.
- Works
- Does a fair job
- Includes a bottom part to prevent charcoal from falling through
Read more: Top 10 Cast Iron Grill Baskets: Our Best Picks
Standard Weber Charcoal Basket
The standard charcoal basket included with the Weber Smokey Mountain 18-inch smoker is a functional starting point. It's simple, reliable, and gets the job done for many users. The included charcoal grate prevents charcoal from falling through, ensuring efficient burning.
While basic, it provides a solid foundation for smoking. Its simplicity makes it easy to clean and maintain. For those new to charcoal smoking, this is a good place to begin your experimentation.
Arbor Fab Stainless Steel Basket
The Arbor Fab stainless steel basket offers a significant upgrade in durability and longevity. Constructed entirely of stainless steel, it promises years of reliable use. The option to have the charcoal grate welded to the bottom adds convenience, though the reviewer suggests skipping this for greater flexibility.
The full stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion, extending its lifespan. However, the welded grate limits the ability to use the original Weber grate. This is a good option for someone who wants a more durable and long-lasting solution compared to the stock Weber basket.
Woodshed Barbecue's 'Naked' Basket
Woodshed Barbecue's 'Naked' basket is designed with expanded metal for excellent airflow and heat distribution. The unique feature is the folded bottom edge which allows the use of the original Weber grate. This design combines durability with the flexibility of using different grates.
The taller design holds significantly more charcoal compared to the stock basket, enabling longer cooks. Its lightweight nature is also appealing to many users. The 'Naked' basket offers a blend of function and convenience.
Woodshed Barbecue's 'Beast' Basket
The 'Beast' basket, also from Woodshed Barbecue, is the largest and most substantial of the reviewed baskets. Its massive size holds an impressive amount of charcoal, allowing for extremely long cooks. The design features ample ventilation holes for optimal airflow.
The robust construction indicates exceptional durability. While it's the most expensive option, its capacity for extended cooks and superior build quality justify the investment for serious smokers. The 'Beast' basket offers the most impressive performance regarding fuel capacity and burn time.
Minion Method Starter
The Minion Method starter is a smaller basket that helps with the efficient burning of charcoal using the Minion Method. It helps to create a long, slow burn. This is a helpful addition for those who are looking to improve their charcoal management.
The Minion Method helps create a consistent temperature for longer periods. Its small size makes it easy to maneuver and use within the larger baskets. A good additional accessory for efficient charcoal management and temperature control.
Burn Test and Conclusion
A burn test was conducted using the 'Beast' basket filled to capacity with Kingsford charcoal. The goal was to determine the duration of the burn. The results were remarkably long, exceeding expectations, confirming the 'Beast' basket's impressive capacity and burn time.
Overall, the Woodshed Barbecue 'Beast' basket stood out with its exceptional capacity and extended burn time. While the Arbor Fab basket provides a solid, durable alternative, the 'Naked' basket offers a lighter-weight option with good flexibility. The standard Weber basket provides a good, albeit basic, starting point for new users. For those seeking maximum burn time and substantial capacity, the 'Beast' basket is the superior option.