Burnt End Paper Water Pan Cover for WSM 18/18.5" Smokers — 18‑Gauge Aluminum, Lift‑Out Grease Catcher

Burnt End Paper's Water Pan Cover is a purpose-built aluminum cover that fits 18/18.5" Smokey Mountain water pans to keep drippings out and speed cleanup.

If you own a Smokey Mountain (WSM) 18" or 18.5" smoker, this simple accessory slips over your water pan to catch grease and food drippings before they foul the pan below. Built from uncoated, 18-gauge aluminum in the USA, the cover preserves the water pan’s function while making post-cook maintenance far easier. It’s sized to nest on the standard WSM water pan (approximately 14" diameter) and still allows use of the lower cooking grate.

How does this cover make cleanup faster?

The cover intercepts fats, juices, and food particles so they don’t settle in the water below, which reduces sticky residue and odor. After cooking you can lift the cover and either wipe it clean, rinse, or replace it if you wrapped it with foil for disposable convenience.

• Catches grease and food drippings to prevent pan buildup
• Lift-and-clean design — no scrubbing the water pan itself
• Compatible with simple foil wrapping for single-use convenience

Will this affect my smoker’s cooking performance?

The cover is designed to preserve the water pan’s function by sitting directly on top of it without blocking airflow or heat distribution. It still allows the lower cooking grate to be used, so you maintain intended moisture and temperature control inside the smoker.

• Sits safely on the water pan without altering heat flow
• Leaves space for lower grate use and water evaporation as normal
• Uncoated aluminum won’t introduce unwanted coatings or flavors

What are the materials, dimensions, and country of origin?

This cover is stamped from 18-gauge standard-weight, uncoated aluminum for a balance of durability and inexpensive cleaning. The cover is sized to fit the WSM 18/18.5" series, with the active pan diameter at about 14" to match the water pan profile. It’s manufactured in the USA.

• Material: uncoated 18-gauge aluminum
• Fit: for 18/18.5" Smokey Mountain water pans, ~14" diameter
• Made in the USA for consistent quality control

How should I use and maintain this cover?

Place the cover into the water pan before you start smoking; after the cook lift it out to drain or dispose of caught drippings. For the easiest maintenance, line the cover with aluminum foil before cooking — remove the foil and replace it for the next session. If you prefer reusable cleaning, rinse and wash with warm soapy water, then dry thoroughly to avoid standing water.

• Install directly on water pan before smoking
• Optionally line with foil for single-use removal
• Hand-wash and dry to keep it clean between uses

Who is this for? Grillers and pitmasters who use an 18" or 18.5" Smokey Mountain smoker and want to reduce mess and cleanup time will appreciate this practical accessory. It’s ideal for backyard barbecue enthusiasts, competition teams that need fast turnarounds, and anyone who prefers quick maintenance without altering cooking behavior. Burnt End Paper’s water pan cover keeps your smoker performing while making cleanup simple and predictable.