If you’ve landed on this blog, you already know my love and appreciation for Ugly Drum Smokers (UDS). They’re simple, effective, and deliver exceptional results. But every journey has its starting point, and mine begins with a slight deviation from the classic UDS: the Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM), specifically the 57cm version.

Why the WSM? Well, while it might not strictly qualify as a UDS, it shares plenty of similarities. For starters, the shape. Just like the iconic UDS, the WSM is cylindrical, creating the perfect convection environment that helps achieve consistent heat and smoke distribution. Its vertical orientation naturally draws smoke upwards, allowing your meats to soak in all that smoky goodness evenly.

What really attracted me to the Weber Smokey Mountain, however, was its turnkey nature. Unlike a traditional UDS that usually requires DIY skills, welding, or at least a bit of ingenuity to assemble, the WSM comes ready out-of-the-box. From the moment it arrives, you’re just a few simple steps away from smoking your first brisket or rack of ribs.

The vast array of accessories available for the WSM was another significant draw. From specialized grates to temperature controllers and custom covers, the WSM community has built an impressive ecosystem that makes it easy to personalize and enhance your smoking experience.

And speaking of community, one of the greatest perks of owning a Weber Smokey Mountain is the massive, passionate fan base. Resources, tips, and recipes are abundant, meaning you’ll never run out of advice or inspiration as you master your smoking skills.

This blog will focus specifically on smoking from a UK perspective. I’ll explore locally available meats, UK-grown woods for smoking, British retailers, and accessories easily found here in the UK market. From sourcing ingredients to navigating seasonal availability, my goal is to provide practical, relatable insights tailored for UK smokers.

So, while my ultimate goal might be to dive deeper into the authentic UDS experience, the Weber Smokey Mountain serves as the perfect gateway into the rich world of smoked foods. Stick around and join me as my journey evolves – from turnkey convenience to fully custom Ugly Drum Smokers!