The Afterburner Mini-V

This product is designed to convert a WSM to LP or natural gas. A 1" hole is drilled in the charcoal bowl to accept the gas burner. Smoke is generated by placing wood inside a steel can positioned over the flame.

In years past, people reported having problems achieving low temperatures using The Afterburner with the WSM. It ran hot, and when you turned it down low the flame could go out. Perhaps the new Mini-V is an improvement.

You can visit the Afterburner Web site to learn more about this product. You can also search The Virtual Weber Bulletin Board using the keyword "Afterburner" to see what people have to say about this product.

Meco Electric Element

A man who goes by the name of LAScott in barbecue circles is the only person I know of that converted his WSM to electricity. He used a Meco electric element kit consisting of a heating element, a rheostat for controlling the element, and a pan that the element sits on. Smoke was generated by placing smoke wood in a container over the element.

He fitted the kit to the screw ends on which the charcoal grate sits. I believe he had to cut a hole in the side of the charcoal bowl to accommodate the rheostat and power cord. LAScott said that Meco offered a little door that resealed the cooker if you wanted to remove the element to cook with charcoal, but it wasn't included with the kit and had to be ordered separately by phone.

LAScott tells me that while the electric conversion is easy to use, cooking with charcoal is more fun, so he doesn't use the conversion that often.

The parts described above are similar to the ones you'll see inside any Meco electric smoker at barbecue stores or home centers. You can order the electric element kit from Meco by calling 800-251-7558.

Is A Conversion Really Necessary?

Neither of these conversions costs very much, so if they don't work to your satisfaction you haven't wasted much money. But the question is whether a conversion is really necessary at all. The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a well-engineered product that gives you 12-16 hours or more of consistent heat with just a single load of charcoal using the methods outlined on the Firing Up Your Weber Bullet page.

My suggestion is that before you invest in a conversion, try "The Minion Method" for a few cooking sessions. You'll see for yourself just how easy it is to run your Weber Bullet at 225-250°F for hours on end with very little tending. Then you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to proceed with a conversion.

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