The Happy Cooker NOS HCS-2231 Standard 22.5" Black Box Opening

[SixZeroFour]

A week or so ago I came across this little beauty on eBay for a whopping $75! Originally I was happy to pay that just for the internal ash pan, but after finally receiving and opening it up this thing is actually pretty cool! I love the vintage literature and guide book.

If anyone else is interested I can post photos of the pages of the guide as its got some cool illustrations, accessories and details about the HC. Only date I could find anywhere was copyright 1981 on the cooking grate packaging...

For now here is the box opening and exploration of contents:













































I was surprised that the lid was quite heavy but that the bowl seemed on the lighter side in comparison to a Weber kettle. The leg sockets are a little rough with a decent amount of weld spatter but overall the finish is quite nice with a good amount of peel. Fun bit of BBQ history anyways!

After doing a bit of research prior to purchase I had trouble finding any info about Happy Cooker Model Numbers so here is a clip from the instruction sheet for future reference:



And typed so its searchable...

Standard Models:
HCS-1831 Black 18.5"
HCS-2231 Black 22.5"

Deluxe Models:
HC-1801 Black 18.5"
HC-2201 Black 22.5"

Deluxe Hinged Models:
HC-1881 Black 18.5"
HC-2281 Black 22.5"
HC-2284 FT Red 22.5"
HC-2285 Brown 22.5"


Hope you all had a great weekend,

Matt

[OkieGirl]

That's pretty cool! I had no idea the HC had so many similarities to Weber.
And I knew nothing about the internal ashpan. I have picked up a couple of old Webers, thinking there was no ashpan - only to find it buried under caked-on ash.
Maybe this is why people thought it belonged inside.
Thanks for the write-up.

[ASpitzer]

What a great find! A real time capsule. Thanks for the photos.

[1spacemanspiff]

That wheel design is pretty cool

[bamakettles]

Wow, that's quite a piece of history right there.  Great write up and detailed pics of the unit and supporting contents. 

[dazzo]

"no need to turn grill upside down"

That's why I love my red 18" HC

[SixZeroFour]

And I knew nothing about the internal ashpan. I have picked up a couple of old Webers, thinking there was no ashpan - only to find it buried under caked-on ash.

The HC internal ash pans are amazing! I wish Weber had picked up on the idea way back when. Now I use one every time I cook on a special kettle as it helps to keep all the mess and grease out of the lower vents. It doesn't catch 100% of the mess but reduces the amount of cleaning required significantly if you like to keep them looking nice. A nice little prize if you can snag a cheap-o HC off CL or Marketplace.

That wheel design is pretty cool

Almost looks like a little 4-spoke mag wheel! 

"no need to turn grill upside down"

That's why I love my red 18" HC

The pan is such a smart idea, I just love using it! And that's cool you have an 18.5" - esp in red!

[1spacemanspiff]

Just need a thin red striped wheel insert.  (Hot Wheel Happy Cooker)

[bigjeffb]

I wish those internal ash pans were more widely available. I've  been looking for a Happy Cooker just for the opportunity to try it!

[Pezdogs]

Great score and the internal ash pans are a must for daisy wheel bowl kettles.

Sent from my SM-S908E using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[dazzo]

Just need a thin red striped wheel insert.  (Hot Wheel Happy Cooker)

Red Lines, wouldn't that be cool!

[1spacemanspiff]

Just need a thin red striped wheel insert.  (Hot Wheel Happy Cooker)

Red Lines, wouldn't that be cool!

Would look awesome on your 18 HC!!!

[Mr.CPHo]

Love those Happy Cooker internal ash pans any time I'm using a vintage 18/22 three-wheeler.  I also use that heavy duty 22" HC cooking grate as a charcoal grate in my 26'er.  The bars are closer together and the handles are convenient for shaking ashes from the SNSXL.

[Vwbuggin64]

Beautiful find!


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club