Weber Smokey Mountain 14 vs. 18 vs. 22: Which Size Should You Buy?
Disclosure: This post isn't sponsored by Weber, and I bought my smoker with my own money. Some links earn me a commission at no extra cost to you, including links to BBQGuys. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker comes in three sizes: 14, 18 and 22 inches. I've owned and cooked on the 18-inch for about two years, so here's how I'd pick between them.
The Quick Answer
Best for most people: the 18-inch. It's the one I own and the one I'd buy again.
Best for small spaces or one to two people: the 14-inch.
Best for big crowds and briskets: the 22-inch.
Prices at a Glance (Weber list prices, September 2026)
14-inch: $289
18-inch: $419
22-inch: $549
Prices change often, especially around Black Friday, so check before you buy.
14-Inch: Small and Portable
The smallest WSM is the most portable and a good fit for one or two people, a small patio, or taking camping. The trade-off is space: you'll be working with less room for full racks of ribs and big cuts.
18-Inch: The Sweet Spot (What I Own)
Per Weber, the 18-inch has 481 square inches of cooking space across two grates. In my experience that's enough for multiple pork shoulders or a couple of racks of ribs, and it doesn't burn through charcoal like the largest model. It's also a tall, narrow cylinder that fits on a small patio.
Prefer Amazon? Check the WSM 18 price on Amazon.
22-Inch: For Crowds and Big Briskets
Weber calls the 22-inch its top seller. If you regularly cook for a crowd or want room for large briskets and full racks laid flat, the extra space is worth it. Just know it takes more charcoal to fill. I haven't cooked on the 22-inch myself.
How to Decide
How many people do you usually cook for? One or two: 14-inch. A family or small gatherings: 18-inch. Big parties: 22-inch.
Do you want to smoke whole briskets? Lean toward the 22-inch.
Is charcoal cost a concern? Bigger smokers take more fuel to fill.
Not sure? Get the 18-inch. It's the most versatile of the three.
What All Three Share
Every size uses the same simple design: a charcoal bowl, a center section with a water pan, two cooking grates, a side fuel door, and vents you use to control the fire. The same setup tips apply to all of them, including the Minion method I use for long, steady cooks.
FAQ
Which Weber Smokey Mountain size is best for beginners?
The 18-inch. It has enough room for most home cooks and is easier to manage than the 22-inch.
Is the 22-inch WSM worth the extra money?
Only if you regularly cook for a crowd or want room for big briskets. Otherwise the 18-inch is the better value.
Can the 18-inch fit a brisket?
It depends on the size of the brisket. If whole briskets are your main goal, the 22-inch gives you more room.
For my full two-year experience, read my Weber Smokey Mountain 18 review.
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