There’s hardly anyone out there who doesn’t like the taste of juicy meat straight off the grill and onto their plate.
Barbecued foods have a unique flavor of their own. If you are completely in love with this flavor, then you probably also know how to grill … or you are on the way to turning into a grilling professional.
When you get into grilling and barbecuing, you need to have the right kind of smoker. And when looking at various kinds of smokers, the Weber Smokey Mountain is one model that stands out in terms of both price and functionality. If you have one, you are already on the way to smoking fantastic meats.
But it is basic human nature to want more … and once you’re on the road to professional grilling and barbequing … well, let’s just say it’s a long and delicious journey. And indeed, the right Weber Smokey Mountain modifications will allow your much-loved smoker to perform at its best.
At the same time, you will have the opportunity to let go of the few difficulties that arise in the process of grilling.
So, here we have put together some of the best WSM modifications that you might want to consider buying. But before moving on with the list, let’s see how these cooker modifications work, along with their potential benefits.
While some of these items might be considered to be more like “accessories” than “mods,” we’ve included them as well to give you the full picture on how to get the best performance out of your Weber Smokey Mountain.
WSM Gasket to seal front door
Difficulty: 5/10 – Price: 3/10 – Impact: 8/10
The Gasket kit is one of the most needed WSM modifications that are widely used by grilling enthusiasts. The gasket plays a primary role – that of tightly sealing the front door of the system.
One frequent problem with the WSM is that excessive smoke seems to leak out of the front door. Instead of buying a whole new door to replace the one your WSM has, buying this gasket is a more cost-effective option.
Smoke leaking is a problem encountered by beginner owners who are not yet acquainted with the process of controlling the temperature. The issue is more glaring in the 22” WSM model where many reviewers state that the door doesn’t seal properly at all.
The gasket kit enables you to seal the front door of your WSM so that no extra smoke gets released. It is also considered one of the easier Weber Smokey Mountain modifications out there. Installation is easy, as the instructions come along with the kit.
Once you have invested in this kit, you won’t need another anytime soon, thanks to the high-quality adhesive used in sealing. Visit YouTube to check out an installation video and follow the steps to install the gasket.
Specifications
Dimensions – 8.66 x 6.54 x 1.93 Inches
Weight – 4.8 Ounces
Compatibility – 18.5 to 22.5 Inch grill openings or doors
Included – Multiple gaskets, RTV adhesives and instructions
Functionality – Create a seal around smoker or grill openings to retain smoke and temperatures
Automatic Temperature Controller
Flame Boss 500
Difficulty: 3/10 – Price: 10/10 – Impact: 9/10
If you are by now a BBQ expert who can multi-task and look after other things while the smoker does its work, you need an automatic temperature controller as one of the best independent WSM accessories. With it, you can actually leave your WSM to a “set it and forget it” mode.
The temperature controller connects to one of the intake dampers typically at the bottom of the model. Once connected, you’ll need to close all the other dampers to prevent any other oxygen source apart from the temperature controller itself.
These WSM mods can be found in wide varieties as they are produced by various manufacturers. The features can be equally varied, ranging from Wi-Fi enablement to the ability to adjust the temperature from your Smartphone. Creating cook logs and temperature graphs are some of the additional features you can expect.
You can choose anyone based on your requirements and preferred specs but the Flame Boss 500 Wi-Fi temperature controller is an ideal one. This is mainly because of the easy set-up that it promises. With consistent usage, the results you get will prove more accurate.
Specifications
Dimensions – 8.66 x 6.54 x 1.93 Inches
Weight – 4.8 Ounces
Compatibility – 18.5 to 22.5 Inch grill openings or doors
Included – Multiple gaskets, RTV adhesives and instructions
Functionality – Create a seal around smoker or grill openings to retain smoke and temperatures
Hinge for the Lid
Difficulty: 5/10 – Price: 4/10 – Impact: 7/10
So, while using the Weber Smokey Mountain during a considerably long cooking session, how do you check the condition of the food? Continuously taking the lid off and putting it back on can get extremely annoying. In fact, when you pull off the lid, you have to find a place to put this hot item. It is another problem that needs your immediate attention, taking your focus off from the actual cooking process.
To solve these problems, you can purchase one of the most useful WSM modifications out there: is a hinge for the lid. It is available for both the 18” and the 22” Weber Smokey models. Once you have installed it, you can keep the lid open in a locked position and close it easily with one hand. There is, therefore, no need to put the heated lid anywhere.
The hinge is a small but very effective add-on that you will likely want to buy if you hope to make your grilling task easier. To attach and install it, you simply need to drill six holes into the grill. The rest is easy and can be done in minutes with the instruction manual that comes with this WSM mod. It is well-built and makes your smoker look good too.
With all this, there is yet another advantage of this WSM accessory; it makes putting your thermometer in easier. You can use the top intake damper to probe with your thermometer instead of having to be extra careful each time you have to place the lid on the ground, often needing to remove the probe before you do so.
Check out the guide below to see how to install the WSM hinge mod.
Specifications
Dimensions – 7.99 x 6.69 x 4.29 Inches
Weight – 1 Pound
Main Materials – Stainless steel
Compatibility – WSM 18.5 & 22.5 Models
Included – Hinge, hardware, and instructions
Upgraded Dome Thermometer
Difficulty: 4/10 – Price: 4/10 – Impact: 6/10
A dome thermometer is one of the most helpful Weber Smokey Mountain modifications available to assist you in your grilling. It is not without reason that the smokers with built-in dome thermometers are so high in demand on the BBQ market. There is a problem, though; dome thermometers often show temperatures that are 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit different from the actual food being cooked.
This is where an upgraded dome thermometer as a WSM modification comes to help. The idea was brought in by T-Roy Cooks, who runs a resourceful YouTube channel dedicated to the cooking of different recipes on the WSM. He used the Maverick ET-733 to measure the grill grate level temperature and then used this measurement to calibrate the River Country 5” thermometer, which, read the accurate food temperature.
The range of this upgraded thermometer is great, as it shows a precise reading of temperatures from 50 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. The dial is color-coded, making it easier for you to note the readings, unlike the stock WSM thermometer.
As one of the most attractive Weber Smokey accessories, this thermometer ensures accurate temperature readings, which is a crucial aspect of preparing a tasty BBQ.
Confused? Check out the video below to see how it all works.
Specifications
Dimensions – 5″ Dial 4 x 5 x 4 Inches
Weight – 2 Pounds
Temperature Range – 50 – 550 Degrees F
Compatibility – Most Weber grills
Included – Thermometer with mount
Warranty – 1 Year
Stainless Steel Rib Hanger for WSM
Some meats are tastiest when you lay them flat on the grill to cook. However, when it comes to smokers, the best tasting meats are usually the ones that had plenty of space around the meat so that the smoky aroma could be absorbed by the entire surface of the food.
This is where a rib hanger comes in. This handy tool is used to convert your grill into a smoker by adding additional space for meats to hang. Rib hangers can also free up a lot of space and increase your smoker capacity with some meats that can be placed on the horizontal grill grid while others are hung.
The stainless steel hanger is available in two different sizes (18.5 / 22.5 inches) and is compatible with most Weber smokers.
It’s very easy to install and use the hanger. The hanger can tolerate extremely high temperatures because there’s no enamel or porcelain coating that can chip away. It’s made from durable stainless steel metal wire that can handle a lot of weight without bending.
Specifications
Functionality – Convert a normal round Weber grill or smoker into a proper smoker with plenty of space to hang all of your meat
Main Materials – 304 Stainless steel
Compatibility – 18.5 & 22.5 WSM Grills or smokers
Included – Hanger hardware
Upgraded Stainless Steel Door
Difficulty: 1/10 – Price: 3/10 – Impact: 8/10
An aftermarket upgraded stainless steel door is yet another WSM accessory that you might find yourself needing to buy. The Weber Smokey Mountain comes with an aluminum door, which is often just not enough.
The door often doesn’t fit properly. As a result, you end up with a lot of leaking smoke and heat just as your smoker gets hot enough with the oxygen flowing in. The effect of this on your cooked meat can range from minor to devastating.
These upgraded stainless steel doors are manufactured and made available by Cajun Bandit. The company has been specializing in mods and upgraded parts for the WSM and the Weber Kettle; you can trust them with a complete understanding of the working of your smoker model.
Now, not only do these stainless steel doors prevent the leak problem to a great extent but they also add to the visual aesthetic of your smoker. Add these and make your WSM look that much smarter. And when you carry it outdoors and or take it to competitions, you might just turn a few heads.
Just make sure that you select the right model from a range of them available online. Installing these stainless steel smoker doors, just like most other Weber Smokey Mountain mods, is rather easy, hassle-free, and straightforward.
Specifications
Main Materials – Stainless steel
Compatibility – 18 Inch Weber smokers (22.5 inch size is also available)
Included – Stainless steel door only
Additional Charcoal Grates
Difficulty: 1/10 – Price: 2/10 – Impact: 4/10
These are certainly among the most beneficial WSM mods you’ll find available on the market. Using the Weber Smokey Mountain, which is otherwise a great smoker in the given price range, can sometimes make users worried about the excessive fuel consumption.
Much of this is because of the stock charcoal grates that usually come with the model. There is a wide gap between the bars. As a result, when the charcoal starts breaking down, the chunks keep falling through the gap and die out after falling on the ashes.
By connecting this additional charcoal grate with the existing one at the right angles, the gaps can be reduced. This will automatically lead to better fuel efficiency. There is nothing much to do with regard to the installation part. All you need to do is wire the new grate to the original one and then use it as a single unit.
The extra grates are must-have especially if you cook with lump charcoals frequently.
Specifications
Dimensions – 13.5 x 13.5 x 4 Inches
Weight – 2 Pounds
Main Materials – Plated steel
Compatibility – Fits 18 inch grills (but doesn’t fit 18 inch smokers)
Included – Grill grid only
- Replacement grate for the charcoal to sit on
- Made of durable steel
- Best barbecue results
Last update on 2025-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Smoker Jacket for Cold Weather Smoking
Difficulty: 1/10 – Price: 6/10 – Impact: 7/10
There is no doubt about the potential of your WSM when it comes to functioning smoothly. But outdoor smoking in extreme weather conditions can cause any smoker to deviate from its usual powerfulness; the WSM is no exception.
Cold weather or strong winds can make it difficult to smoke with the Weber Smokey Mountain. That is why this WSM accessory in the form of a cold-weather smoker jacket is a must-have. The Silver Bullet Silicone smoker jacket is the precise mod that can protect your WSM from inclement weather conditions.
The cover comes in two different sizes for the 18” and the 22” WSM models, respectively. The product stands out among regular covers by virtue of its 700-degree Fahrenheit silicone-coated material. This works wonders in conserving charcoal while simultaneously extending the cooking time in cold weather.
Just slip it over the smoker and it fits well. Additionally, the temperature controller sticks out of the hole of the cover, allowing for easy access.
Specifications
Dimensions – 9.88 x 9.61 x 0.98 Inches
Weight – 9.6 Ounces
Main Materials – Heavy duty polyester PVC vinyl
Compatibility – 18.5 Inch Weber Smoker (check model number before you buy)
Included – Smoker cover only
Weber Tool Holder Clip
Difficulty: 1/10 – Price: 1/10 – Impact: 3/10
The Weber tool holder clip might look like nothing more than a small system of nickel-plated steel hooks but they come with immense functionality. Once clipped onto your 18” or 22” WSM, you can keep all your essential tools neatly on it.
You’ll have you grate cleaner, tongs, spatula, and everything else well within your reach. With this tool holder clip, you can avoid clutter and make sure everything remains handily nearby when you are busy smoking your favorite dish.
Just remember that the clip holder gets its stability from the smoker lid. So, if you pull off the lid, be careful enough not to knock the clip loose; you don’t want your tools scattered all over the place.
Specifications
Dimensions – 3.69 x 2.75 x 8 Inches
Weight – 3.2 Ounces
Main Materials – Alloy Steel
Compatibility – 18.5 and 22.5 charcoal grills or smokers
Included – Tool holder only
Water Pan Cover
Difficulty: 1/10 – Price: 2/10 – Impact: 5/10
As enjoyable as it is to use your smoker, cleaning up your WSM once the cooking is done can be a hectic and time-consuming job. The water pan, in particular, gets dirty with meat juices dripping into it.
It leads to a fatty, foul mess that simply doesn’t go away with a quick cleaning. The situation is serious especially when you are using ceramic briquettes or sand instead of water.
A water pan cover provides the perfect solution. This mod comes across as the perfect Weber Smokey Mountain accessory. It fits on the top of your water pan and makes cleaning way easier and also effective.
Once you have this mod by your WSM’s side, there is no need to frustrate yourself with the time-consuming task of covering up the water pan with a foil. While cleaning, just scrape the cover and you are good to go.
Specifications
Dimensions – 18 x 18 x 2 Inches
Weight – 16 Ounces
Main Materials – Uncoated aluminum
Compatibility – 22 / 22.5 Inch Weber (18 Inch also available)
Included – Water pan cover
Caster Wheels
Difficulty: 2/10 – Price: 3/10 – Impact: 4/10
Love outdoor grilling? Always look forward to taking your WSM outside, even when the weather is cold? Well, then you must get the caster wheels. These are truly one of the best WSM accessories as they add to the flexibility of your smoker model.
The caster wheels are sold in a pack of three and can be placed onto the Weber Smokey Mountain to make it easily mobile. Don’t worry about it toppling or anything of that sort because the two zinc swivel casters can even be locked to secure the WSM in place.
An added benefit of the wheels is that they raise the height of the smoker, thereby making the firebox and the damper valves even more accessible.
As a precaution, use this mod carefully so as not to misuse it. Weber itself warns of adding wheels to the hot cooker. Always keep your safety and that of others in mind while you work with your smoker grill.
Specifications
Compatibility – All Weber smoker models
Included – 3 Cart wheels with locks
A Few More Essential WSM Accessories
If you are passionate about using the WSM, here are few more accessories that you will surely want to consider, although they do not fall directly into the category of “mods” per se.
- Rib racks allow you to stack multiple racks together, making you less likely to run out of space
- The Charcoal chimney starter offers an easy way to get the chimney started and begin cooking in barely 15 minutes
- A Wireless probe thermometer simultaneously measures the smoker temperature and helps you keep track of the food
- The Cajun Bandit Rotisserie is good for instantly firing up the Smokey Mountain at the ideal temperature for smoking or grilling chicken
Although not a comprehensive list of the WSM mods or accessories that would make your Weber Smokey Mountain more useful, we think the above items are the most beneficial to the hobby of grilling, smoking, and barbecuing.
While none of these are mandatory, they are excellent and fun ways of making your smoker more unique, functional, and easy to use. Whether you are after greater mobility, more accurate temperature reading, or easy access to your grilling tools, these WSM mods are sure to help.
Last Updated on September 1, 2021 by Judith Fertig
John says
Hey ya’ll,
What a overwhelming post! On Your Website.
This is so chock full of useful facts I can’t wait to dig deep and start watching the sources you’ve given me about.. It consumes me a lot of time in the chronometer but worth enough to say so.. Very ingenious.
Chris Bartsch says
I am looking for a centerring, which is not higher than about 12 inches:
So you could have a kettle barbecue as well using the other parts of the mountain smoker.
Does anyone produce such a part ?
Best regard
Chris