That's some ugly ish. I'm 40 though, so maybe I'm just over the hill :)
Ya know... I'm not a fan either.
I want to feel confident in my handle. If I'm outside and I get attacked by a ninja again, I need to know and TRUST that my grill lid will serve as a shield until I can pull my own weapon.
Plus it's prone to overtightening to the point where porcelain chips. That's always interpreted as a decline in Weber quality and the people get all fired up about China and capitalism.
I do think it offers some benefits though. Safer, smaller, easier shipping - which could eventually help the US get additional color options.
Plus there's always custom handles (including the strap) - something we've only previously seen as acts of desperation.
I think my biggest beef is where the hook placement is, but I haven't actually cooked on one - so all of my complaints are mostly just snobbery.
Good points. It's still ugly though - and I still hate it.
I have that handle on my new 22" kettle. It serves it's purpose well as a heat shield but after seeing the older kettles I have to agree that it looks kind of goofy. I agree with the hook placement though. I've been using the snot out of mine and you have to turn your wrist at an awkward angle to hang the lid. I keep telling myself that I'll get used to it.
Ditto, Also the lid thermometer placement is pointless, not that its useful anyway
but when you move the lid vent opposite to the coals it is directly over the (obviously) Hot coals
No pit temp, just the "firebox" temp =Useless
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rBiU3ud2FlgHmTpFVGYSQS6279r70hdW7cc7Hogt9DXbE3iOjvo4qh5OM2XNCDkoJmkzUpAFh0zH=w666-h953-no)
Taco handle = good reason to never own anything newer that 2013.
We don't hear Harris bitching about the ugly things do we. The only way I see myself owning another one, (had a Crimson but I sold it), is if a Blue Wave came attached to it....and I'd get rid of the Blue Wave if a Imperial somehow landed in my lap.
I agree, the taco handle is ugly.
We just need people to keep over tightening their taco handles and chipping the porcelain so that the warranty claims outpace any savings Weber is getting from the switch.
The good news is that the bolt through design allows you to do this:
(https://dl.dropbox.com/s/ngwev8jqowini77/10%20done.jpg?dl=0)
Unlimited creativity opportunity to replace the taco with whatever you want!
Winz
Quote from: Winz on July 08, 2016, 08:57:03 AM
The good news is that the bolt through design allows you to do this:
(https://dl.dropbox.com/s/ngwev8jqowini77/10%20done.jpg?dl=0)
Unlimited creativity opportunity to replace the taco with whatever you want!
Winz
That's the spirit! I also think the Taco handle is ugly and not as secure as the welded ones. I don't own and taco handle grills yet but they will probably get swapped out once I do.
I think it's beautiful ! .... there I said it. :-X :o :D
After firing up my CL find 18" kettle this past weekend, I quickly found out I also like the taco handle on my 22" kettle. Man that handle was HOT on the 18. Didn't even think twice the first time I went to grab it to take the lid off. Needless to say, I got an oven mitt for the rest of the cook.
Is there a way to upgrade the handle on my 18 to something that doesn't hold the heat? From the looks of it, the handle is riveted/welded to the lid if I recall.
Quote from: MrHoss on July 08, 2016, 07:19:27 AM
Taco handle = good reason to never own anything newer that 2013.
We don't hear Harris bitching about the ugly things do we. The only way I see myself owning another one, (had a Crimson but I sold it), is if a Blue Wave came attached to it....and I'd get rid of the Blue Wave if a Imperial somehow landed in my lap.
My crimson performer is an AH code 2014 without the taco handle. It's welded on. It gets pretty damn hot when I cook but I like the look much better than the taco style.
Quote from: baloo2944 on July 08, 2016, 11:28:52 AM
After firing up my CL find 18" kettle this past weekend, I quickly found out I also like the taco handle on my 22" kettle. Man that handle was HOT on the 18. Didn't even think twice the first time I went to grab it to take the lid off. Needless to say, I got an oven mitt for the rest of the cook.
Is there a way to upgrade the handle on my 18 to something that doesn't hold the heat? From the looks of it, the handle is riveted/welded to the lid if I recall.
You could always drill it out or add something to deflect the heat from the existing handle
Quote from: MacEggs on July 08, 2016, 09:58:01 AM
I think it's beautiful ! .... there I said it. :-X :o :D
Shit disturber.
Quote from: pbe gummi bear on July 08, 2016, 11:40:02 AM
Quote from: baloo2944 on July 08, 2016, 11:28:52 AM
After firing up my CL find 18" kettle this past weekend, I quickly found out I also like the taco handle on my 22" kettle. Man that handle was HOT on the 18. Didn't even think twice the first time I went to grab it to take the lid off. Needless to say, I got an oven mitt for the rest of the cook.
Is there a way to upgrade the handle on my 18 to something that doesn't hold the heat? From the looks of it, the handle is riveted/welded to the lid if I recall.
You could always drill it out or add something to deflect the heat from the existing handle
I'm not much of the fabrication/cutting/drilling modification type, unless it is a direct replacement type deal. I always worry I'll end up breaking it, and have to figure out what to do next.
contact
@zavod44 before drilling your 18, he makes perfect replica WOOD handles that don't hold heat as much..
Quote from: Metal Mike on July 08, 2016, 07:06:25 AM
Ditto, Also the lid thermometer placement is pointless, not that its useful anyway
but when you move the lid vent opposite to the coals it is directly over the (obviously) Hot coals
No pit temp, just the "firebox" temp =Useless
I don't really care about the taco shell handle, but agree 100% on the vent/thermometer placement.
I like it! Especially with one of Brian's handles on it.
I agree with
@Darko. They do look stunning with one of Brian's handles, but I still prefer the welded handles. My 26" is the only taco handled one I have in my arsenal.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu212/KingL68/DSC01287_zpsummerxgi.jpg)
I thought it was an ashtray , mines full of roaches
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Idahawk on July 08, 2016, 03:24:39 PM
I thought it was an ashtray , mines full of roaches
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
that's funny
the ash pan on my 26 was full of roaches until the gardener started picking them out :o
Quote from: Troy on July 08, 2016, 03:58:52 PM
Quote from: Idahawk on July 08, 2016, 03:24:39 PM
I thought it was an ashtray , mines full of roaches
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
that's funny
the ash pan on my 26 was full of roaches until the gardener started picking them out :o
Maybe you need a new gardener , yours apparently can't grow anything
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I like the heat shield functionality it has on my 26. But I have to tighten the handle pretty often. I try not to overtorque to prevent the chipping. The torque exerted on the handle from everyday use loosens the flimsy nut (actually not a nut on mine, a piece of stamped steel) and works the handle loose.
Quote from: LaTuFu on July 08, 2016, 05:11:36 PM
I like the heat shield functionality it has on my 26. But I have to tighten the handle pretty often. I try not to overtorque to prevent the chipping. The torque exerted on the handle from everyday use loosens the flimsy nut (actually not a nut on mine, a piece of stamped steel) and works the handle loose.
First thing I did was dump the phony hardware and add some SS stuff
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: LaTuFu on July 08, 2016, 05:11:36 PM
I like the heat shield functionality it has on my 26. But I have to tighten the handle pretty often. I try not to overtorque to prevent the chipping. The torque exerted on the handle from everyday use loosens the flimsy nut (actually not a nut on mine, a piece of stamped steel) and works the handle loose.
This'd drive me loopy. Many thanks for pointing it out.
It's no secret, I hate the new handle. The heat deflection is the one pro. As opposed to the many cons. I can grab an
@zavod44 handle, without an oven mit, on most cooks. I also prefer the hunt, as opposed to buying new. Not to mention the crappy color options available in the states. Not to mention... Not to mention...
What I actually don't like is the shape of those uprights. That curve just does not look right. Something about the proportions looks off.
I'm thinking that when I do end up with a newer/modern 26er (and I plan to) I will most likely put a fireplace handle strap on for the lid handle. Like what Matt did to his modern Master Touch. Unless I get lucky and score a 2008-2010 26er (pre taco)
Quote from: Idahawk on July 08, 2016, 05:27:37 PM
Quote from: LaTuFu on July 08, 2016, 05:11:36 PM
I like the heat shield functionality it has on my 26. But I have to tighten the handle pretty often. I try not to overtorque to prevent the chipping. The torque exerted on the handle from everyday use loosens the flimsy nut (actually not a nut on mine, a piece of stamped steel) and works the handle loose.
First thing I did was dump the phony hardware and add some SS stuff
Ditto, I've never had a problem with the handle coming loose.
Although it is helpful deflecting the heat, except when using my Vortex, I agree it does not have the same, clean, look as the welded handle.
BD
Quote from: MrHoss on July 08, 2016, 07:19:27 AM
Taco handle = good reason to never own anything newer that 2013.
I just picked up another 22 in a yard sale this morning. It has an AH code (2014) and does not have the taco handle.
I hate them too! I beat the shit outta one and flattened it out to cover a bung plug an my Gateway Clone can.
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_2295.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_2279.jpg)
Bung plug cover!!!
its only function!
I belive 2013 is when the 26" got it. All downhill from there.
I know I'm in the minority here, but I don't mind the taco handle.
This is why we get awesome articles!
http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2014/12/30/not-a-fan-of-the-new-handle-and-heat-shield-design-no-problem-go-retro/
Yep, the taco handle "just ain't right".
For me, they're like the high water mark.
Muscle car era
Pre-'64 Winchesters
...and the list goes on
Quote from: swamprb on July 09, 2016, 10:36:15 AM
I hate them too! I beat the shit outta one and flattened it out to cover a bung plug an my Gateway Clone can.
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_2295.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_2279.jpg)
Bung plug cover!!!
its only function!
Sweet rig, Swamp !
I'd like to see a build thread on that.
Quote from: JDann24 on July 09, 2016, 04:05:44 PM
I know I'm in the minority here, but I don't mind the taco handle.
+1
Here is an old thread discussing the introduction of the taco handle to North America ....
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/the-end-of-an-era-no-more-welded-handles-on-weber-kettles-photo-evidence!/
I am still considering doing what Matt (604) did (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/swapping-out-the-new-heat-shieldhandle-assembly-for-an-old-style-handle/) to my Ivory MT. No lid hook to worry about, either.
BTW,
@swamprb , that is one kick-ass looking UDS!! Nicely done.
Quote from: DirectDrive on July 10, 2016, 08:39:26 AM
Quote from: swamprb on July 09, 2016, 10:36:15 AM
I hate them too! I beat the shit outta one and flattened it out to cover a bung plug an my Gateway Clone can.
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_2295.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/IMG_2279.jpg)
Quote from: MacEggs on July 10, 2016, 04:56:33 PM
Here is an old thread discussing the introduction of the taco handle to North America ….
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/the-end-of-an-era-no-more-welded-handles-on-weber-kettles-photo-evidence!/
I am still considering doing what Matt (604) did (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/swapping-out-the-new-heat-shieldhandle-assembly-for-an-old-style-handle/) to my Ivory MT. No lid hook to worry about, either.
BTW, @swamprb , that is one kick-ass looking UDS!! Nicely done.
Bung plug cover!!!
its only function!
Sweet rig, Swamp !
I'd like to see a build thread on that.
@DirectDrive @MacEggs - Here ya go!
https://www.facebook.com/116187658462391/photos/?tab=album&album_id=989344634480018
Quote from: JDann24 on July 09, 2016, 04:05:44 PM
I know I'm in the minority here, but I don't mind the taco handle.
Me either, with the wood handle it's works freaking awesome.....I haven't burned my hands in a long time, not with the taco
I have an AD code 26 er and it has the taco handle I really don't mind it I would like to get a wood handle though
Yep, put one of Brian's handles on them and it's not bad at all. But, and there's always a big butt when I'm around, I'm one of the guys that sprung for a Mastertouch from Canada. I was soooo careful to not tighten the handle too tightly. Still got a big ole porcelain chip!! I haven't had the emotional energy to try and get that replaced. I'm assuming I'll need to call Weber Canada since it came from there. I don't know if they'll ship a replacement to the States. So, I don't mind the look of the taco handle, but hate the chipping.
Wonder if you took the deflector off and bent the metal band to match the shape of the old style metal on the welded handles. Would need to bend the tabs outward where it attaches to the lid instead of inward and cut off the excess. With a wood handle it would look just like the original but would be silver. Fixing the dad gum 90 degree turn Weber did to the handle is another mater. Someone here posted a fix by bolting a strip of metal with a hook on the end underneath using the handle bolts. I would dremel off the old hook to get it out of the way. It would crack the porcelain under the vent if it got hit. I've passed up kettles with damage there.
Yes Mark, I feel your pain. As beautiful and long lived as porcelain is, it isn't perfect. It is glass. Paint has its problems too. It gets soft when hot and rubs off where it contacts the lid bale. Still I am tempted to rough up a OTS with sand paper and paint it with Yellow caliper paint. At least I could touch it up if needed. Only way I'll ever get a yellow. Weber is busy making Summits. I wished they would have offered the colors in the US.