Smokey Mountain Smoker

The Weber Smokey Mountain smoker is highly repairable with strong community support and readily available parts.

• •Parts Access: Robust aftermarket for upgrades like stainless steel doors, hinges, and gaskets. Many users report fixing the flimsy stock door themselves with simple bending.
• •Longevity: Multiple users report 10-14 years of service with their units still functioning like new, showing exceptional durability of the core components.
• •Simplicity: Basic mechanical design with no electronics or complex components to fail. The porcelain-enameled construction prevents rust-through issues.

Bottom line: A true BIFL product with a solid 10-year warranty on major components. Simple design allows DIY repair with standard tools, while third-party parts solve the few design weaknesses. Buying this means never needing to replace your smoker.

After years of proven performance, the Weber Smokey Mountain earns its reputation as a true BIFL workhorse. Users report their units running strong after 10-14 years of regular use with no rust or deterioration, thanks to heavy-gauge porcelain-enameled steel construction.

• •Built like a tank: One user says their 22-inch WSM looks and functions the same today as when new after 14 years, while multiple others confirm zero rust issues despite year-round outdoor storage
• •Community-backed longevity: The vibrant aftermarket for replacement parts (doors, gaskets, hinges) means you can maintain and upgrade this thing forever — it's the Honda Civic of smokers according to Reddit users
• •Minor weak points: The flimsy aluminum access door often arrives bent and the dome thermometer is notoriously inaccurate, but both are easily fixed with aftermarket upgrades

Bottom line: Finally, a smoker built right. While the door and thermometer need immediate upgrades, the core unit is bombproof and backed by a 10-year warranty on major components. This is the smoker you'll pass down to your kids.

Weber offers a comprehensive tiered warranty that balances typical industry coverage with exceptional protection for key components. The bowl, lid, and center ring are covered for 10 years against rust/burn-through—the critical parts that determine the smoker's long-term viability.

• •Component coverage: 10 years on main components (bowl, lid, center ring), 5 years on plastic parts, and 2 years on all remaining parts
• •Claim process: Requires proof of purchase, with online claim forms and customer service support available
• •User experience: Reviews indicate Weber generally honors claims, with users reporting successful warranty service after years of ownership

Bottom line: Weber's 10-year coverage on critical components puts this warranty above average, and their history of honoring claims reinforces its value. The multi-tier approach protects what matters most for the smoker's longevity.

Weber Smokey Mountain is a true BIFL champion that wins exceptional praise from both Amazon reviewers and Reddit's smoking communities for durability, performance, and long-term value.

• •Durability: Users regularly report 10-14+ years of trouble-free use with porcelain-enameled steel showing no rust even after years of outdoor exposure.
• •Performance: Consistently praised for holding steady temperatures for 10-16 hours on one load of charcoal, described as the perfect balance of authentic smoke flavor without the constant babysitting of offset smokers.
• •Community: Extensive online support community and robust aftermarket modifications (better doors, hinges, thermometers) ensure repairability and customization.

Bottom line: Despite minor flaws (flimsy door, inaccurate thermometer) that most users easily fix, this is called the "Honda Civic of smokers" for good reason - dependable, supported, and built to last decades with minimal maintenance.