Uploaded March 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How to easily convert a Weber Smokey Mountain into Santa Maria grill so that the WSM can burn wood logs & grill incredible Santa Maria style tri-tip over real wood fire...without using tools.
This is such an easy modification to make to the Weber Smokey Mountain (*affiliate link to a smoker like mine if you want to pick one up: amzn.to/2t9jD0x) that I'm surprised more people aren't doing it. The key thing to remember is the WSM isn't designed to burn logs like a actually Santa Maria style open style pit. So if you put the lid back on, the fire will go out and smolder the whole time and you will absolutely hate the results you get. However, if you keep the lid (and the WSM drip pan) off the Weber the entire time, the logs will burn similar to a chimenea.
I usually keep the door for the Weber Smokey Mountain shut after the logs are burning but you could crack it open if you need to in order to keep the logs lit. I haven't had that issue but it could be helpful for people in higher elevations.
I used the Weber Chimney starter to light some charcoal to get an instant bed of coals in order to get the logs going faster.
If you like this, you might consider upgrading to the Gabby's Grills attachment I mentioned: Here are some of my friends videos on that (and another creative DIY solution).
T-roy Cooks Tri-tip on Santa Maria Grill for Weber Kettle | Gabby's Grills
youtube.com/watch?v=2fFzqTS2LtE
Andy Olsen (now "Provo Grill Mod") shows Gabby's Grill SM mod:
youtube.com/watch?v=bq3tjIIFyls
Phil in Florence's Santa Maria grill accessory on the WSM 22
youtube.com/watch?v=gF3MhBZ0j3Y
Heavy Metal Bar-B-Que's "Poor Man's" Santa Maria Grill/Wood Fired Open Pit Style BBQ on Weber:
youtube.com/watch?v=t7vBuazuxn4
Check out my Amazon store (aka "The Toilet Paper Store") for the BBQ (& video) products I used in this video:
amazon.com/shop/influencer-d4e90599
Here's a direct link to Weber Smokey Mountain 22 like I used.
amzn.to/2t9jD0x
Interested in a Slow 'N Sear (*affiliate links):
26” Slow ’N Sear XL- amzn.to/49rDPt8
Slow ’N Sear Plus (22 inch kettles)- amzn.to/43LZ6N6
Find me on Social Media:
Facebook - tinyurl.com/lv5meg2
Instagram - tinyurl.com/lsoz5gv
Twitter - tinyurl.com/n4dxlxz
Email - Babybackmaniac at gmail.com (Use “@“ sign, of course…trying to avoid the SPAM bots)
___
*Disclosure and Attribution:
I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program which allows youtubers to earn a fee by linking to amazon.com. I have a similar arrangement with Adrenaline Barbecue company. If you use the affiliate link, I will get a small commission with no extra cost to you. This helps offset some of my costs related to making videos. Thank you!
Music
All music provided via youtube’s free music library or paid subscription service such as Audioblocks.com or Epidemicsound.com
How to easily convert a Weber Smokey Mountain into Santa Maria grill so that the WSM can burn wood logs & grill incredible Santa Maria style tri-tip over real wood fire...without using tools.
This is such an easy modification to make to the Weber Smokey Mountain (*affiliate link to a smoker like mine if you want to pick one up: amzn.to/2t9jD0x) that I'm surprised more people aren't doing it. The key thing to remember is the WSM isn't designed to burn logs like a actually Santa Maria style open style pit. So if you put the lid back on, the fire will go out and smolder the whole time and you will absolutely hate the results you get. However, if you keep the lid (and the WSM drip pan) off the Weber the entire time, the logs will burn similar to a chimenea.
I usually keep the door for the Weber Smokey Mountain shut after the logs are burning but you could crack it open if you need to in order to keep the logs lit. I haven't had that issue but it could be helpful for people in higher elevations.
I used the Weber Chimney starter to light some charcoal to get an instant bed of coals in order to get the logs going faster.
If you like this, you might consider upgrading to the Gabby's Grills attachment I mentioned: Here are some of my friends videos on that (and another creative DIY solution).
T-roy Cooks Tri-tip on Santa Maria Grill for Weber Kettle | Gabby's Grills
youtube.com/watch?v=2fFzqTS2LtE
Andy Olsen (now "Provo Grill Mod") shows Gabby's Grill SM mod:
youtube.com/watch?v=bq3tjIIFyls
Phil in Florence's Santa Maria grill accessory on the WSM 22
youtube.com/watch?v=gF3MhBZ0j3Y
Heavy Metal Bar-B-Que's "Poor Man's" Santa Maria Grill/Wood Fired Open Pit Style BBQ on Weber:
youtube.com/watch?v=t7vBuazuxn4
Check out my Amazon store (aka "The Toilet Paper Store") for the BBQ (& video) products I used in this video:
amazon.com/shop/influencer-d4e90599
Here's a direct link to Weber Smokey Mountain 22 like I used.
amzn.to/2t9jD0x
Interested in a Slow 'N Sear (*affiliate links):
26” Slow ’N Sear XL- amzn.to/49rDPt8
Slow ’N Sear Plus (22 inch kettles)- amzn.to/43LZ6N6
Find me on Social Media:
Facebook - tinyurl.com/lv5meg2
Instagram - tinyurl.com/lsoz5gv
Twitter - tinyurl.com/n4dxlxz
Email - Babybackmaniac at gmail.com (Use “@“ sign, of course…trying to avoid the SPAM bots)
___
*Disclosure and Attribution:
I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program which allows youtubers to earn a fee by linking to amazon.com. I have a similar arrangement with Adrenaline Barbecue company. If you use the affiliate link, I will get a small commission with no extra cost to you. This helps offset some of my costs related to making videos. Thank you!
Music
All music provided via youtube’s free music library or paid subscription service such as Audioblocks.com or Epidemicsound.com
