Ok,
Looking at both the Original and Premium Kettles in 22". Will need a new grill in the next few weeks, so I will be going new and adding an 18" or 22" used kettle to restore later hopefully.
I am looking at the original and the premium 22"s. From what I can tell, the original lacks the built in ash bucket, built in thermometer, hinged grate, and handle accessory holder. I think I could live without all of that (minus the hinged grate). Since I plan on building a table for it, the accessory holder isn't a deal breaker. Also, looking online it looks like the built in thermometer isn't the most accurate either.
I can get the Original 22" with a hinged grate out the door at Lowes for $115.13 and a Premium out the door at Lowes for $144.16. Will I miss the ash bucket that bad?
Figured the little bit of savings could go to the Slow 'N Sear.
What are your thoughts?
Yes, spend the $30, save for a Slow and Sear. Get the premium over the original, you will not regret it especially on a windy day.
Owning both, I can say this, Will you miss it. no, not really, but it definitely is worth the extra 30 bucks. You won't regret it. When you consider how long this grill will last, that extra 30 bucks means squat.
I agree with the above. Spent the money now and wait on the SnS.
I think that the ash bucket is a must have on your primary cooker, especially if you cook on a wood deck. It makes ash cleanup a lot easier and provides a level of safety from hot ashes rolling/blowing off of an overfilled pan and falling onto a deck.
All very valid points. Looks like I can get a Copper Premium on eBay for $129.99, how is Weber on warrantying stuff bought new from other online sites?
I agree with everyone also. My first was an original which was quickly replaced by a one touch gold from craigslist. Ash buckets are very useful and convenient. Looking forward to hear what you get.
Quote from: NoleFan on June 21, 2016, 09:50:52 AM
All very valid points. Looks like I can get a Copper Premium on eBay for $129.99, how is Weber on warrantying stuff bought new from other online sites?
Once you get it, register it on the Weber site as a gift. You'll have no issues with warranty, even if it was bought used. That's been my experience.
Good to know, can't wait to decide on one to buy!
Quote from: Neil_VT00 on June 21, 2016, 09:48:50 AM
I agree with the above. Spent the money now and wait on the SnS.
I think that the ash bucket is a must have on your primary cooker, especially if you cook on a wood deck. It makes ash cleanup a lot easier and provides a level of safety from hot ashes rolling/blowing off of an overfilled pan and falling onto a deck.
The convenience of having the attached ash catcher assembly on the Premium kettles is well worth it. If you BBQ frequently, it is so much easier to just sweep the ashes and empty the bucket whenever full. With the frisbee style ash catcher on the Original, I find it does not always catch all of the ash. Any warranty issues are dealt with by Weber as to the age or your kettle. They carry 10 year warranty. If you have any warranty issues, Weber customer service will just ask for numbers off your kettle that indicate the age.
As long as it is less than 10 years old they will Warranty it! Have you checked Craigslist or any of those kinds of sites. There are usually a lot more new grills than old grills on those sites...at least where I am that is the case. Lot of them still new in the box.
There is a serious shortage of webers on CL around my area, not sure why. I would love to have a performer.
Quote from: NoleFan on June 21, 2016, 10:35:56 AM
There is a serious shortage of webers on CL around my area, not sure why. I would love to have a performer.
I'm glad I read all the way down to your last post because I was going to suggest a Craigslist Performer. I don't think two weeks go by in my location when a used Performer couldn't be had for around $150. And a performer with gas assist in decent shape for $150 will last a long while and is really useful.
Nothing wrong with the supplied baskets but I really like the addition of the Slow N Sear. It takes it up a notch.
Looking at getting a Crimson Premium from BBQ Guys. Will be starting off any smoking I do banking the coals to one side or doing the snake method.
Knowing this, should I just stick to the black to bypass any issues with the colors?
If I were buying new, I would get the ash catcher.
Finding something special on CL takes patience. Unless you're in Chicago or Seattle. Having the ash bucket is very nice. I would never buy new. Reason 1, the taco handle. Reason 2, is price. With some patients, something will pop up on CL. Been a little over a year and I've been though a handful of black kettles, have a blue OTP, copper OTS that I converted to gold and finally found a red OTS a couple weeks ago.
Quote from: TheDude on June 24, 2016, 05:47:58 PM
Finding something special on CL takes patience. Unless you're in Chicago or Seattle.
We don't tend to get a lot of "special" in Seattle. At least not a lot of rare or vintage. There are nice grills from time to time.
Anything special get's picked up by
@SixZeroFour I'm ok with this. He's a good custodian of these. ;)
I like the convenience of the ash bucket, but prefer the the look of the ash pan. I think the OTS look is classic and screams Americana.
On a performer ash bucket, no problem, but on a stand alone kettle, ash pan.
Like was said earlier, if you're grilling on a wood deck get the bucket, much safer.
I'd also go the CL route, there's bound to be at least a couple fairly new kettles near you.
All that being said, you got get what you want to make you happy
Good luck and post up some pics when you get it!
I have a new Performer. As soon as I had the ash catcher I instantly hated the frisbee on my old OTS. The catcher has to be Weber's best innovation on the Kettle outside of the ash sweeper itself. Where I live there's a constant breeze and my deck is always a mess. Plus I don't have trash out there so it's just much easier to carry the deep pan where it needs to go. I would never ever buy one without a bucket unless it was old enough that they didn't have the buckets yet.
I know you are not considering new Performers, but I do have to say ... if I had an old performer I would probably really be wanting the tilt-out charcoal bin (I did not think I'd care about this bin at all but I love it) rather than the door in the table. And it seems like the plastic table has been problematic for people. The new performer really is a nice grill ... for me if I had an older one I'd be coveting the features on the 2015.
The thermometer on the lid is basically only useful for knowing when it's safe to put the cover back on. The 3-prong tool holder add on works awesome so I wouldn't worry about the ones on the handle.
If it were me as long as I had the bucket on a regular kettle I don't think I'd miss any other features. Get the color you like best and just don't bank the coals directly against the wall, that's what the baskets are for.
Quote from: NoleFan on June 24, 2016, 11:40:34 AM
Looking at getting a Crimson Premium from BBQ Guys. Will be starting off any smoking I do banking the coals to one side or doing the snake method.
Knowing this, should I just stick to the black to bypass any issues with the colors?
Mama nature made color just for Us. Chose the current color of your choice. If U got the money, then get the perf deluxe (it comes with char baskets as I recall), they can be used 'like' the SnS. A new kettle gives U ten years to craze a bowl, so forget-a-bout-it. EVERY kettle head should buy one NEW kettle in their lifetime (or maybe 2, 3, ...).
SJ
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I was faced with the same situation in December, found a used premium plus chimney for $125 on CL. I did pick up a slow and sear, also VERY worth the investment. I really like the ash catcher, I can't imagine not having one now.
Quote from: NoleFan on June 24, 2016, 11:40:34 AM
Knowing this, should I just stick to the black to bypass any issues with the colors?
I don't know that a standard 2-3 banked row for smoking will hurt necessarily. Kettles get heat damage from tossing in a pile of coals, and it will cause porcelain to disappear on any color.
The colored mid range models (Premiums) are tempting for sure. As is the MasterTouch for the extra goodies!
Quote from: NoleFan on June 24, 2016, 11:40:34 AM
Looking at getting a Crimson Premium from BBQ Guys. Will be starting off any smoking I do banking the coals to one side or doing the snake method.
Knowing this, should I just stick to the black to bypass any issues with the colors?
I use the Weber baskets....keeps a little separation from the side.
Still too chicken to put coals up against the side.....many, many do it though.
Get the upgraded ash control system.
I bought a Silver and a Gold off CL for $20 each and made a nice Gold from the best parts.
Sold my regurgitated (nice though) Silver on CL for $40.
There were three SSP's on CL in my area yesterday.
They come in waves.
Good luck with your purchase.
Have never seen any "deals" at BBQ Guys.
Could happen. I suppose.
Also if you're buying new, you may be able to support WKC by going through one of these links...
http://weberkettleclub.com/support-wkc/
Ace or True value has that color with free shipping to store for pickup.
I'd get a color with an ash bucket. On the occasions I've cooked with a OTS frisbee style ash catcher, I usually end up with ashes all over the place (and if they stay in place during the cook, they tend to fall out when I try to pull them out to empty them. Regarding the color, pretty much everywhere has a million black grills available. Colors are always neat and rarer.
Ash bucket on your primary for sure imo.
i just purchased a new performer 22.5 and love everything it comes with! very convenient!!