Greetings all! I'm new here and need some input from people whose advice may prove invaluable or worthless... ;)
Trying to decide between the 22 and 26 kettle. It would be an easy decision except for two things: the price, and what I understand is a concern with all Weber kettles—wobbly legs. Is this really an issue, particularly on the bigger, heavier 26? If so, are there any aftermarket solutions?
I regularly cook for 10 (4 adults, 6 kids) and occasionally more so capacity is an issue. As far as function, I already have a WSM so I doubt I'll use the kettle much for smoking or anything of that nature. This is will be for mostly straight-up grilling—burgers, steaks and chicken.
My other concern is the relative lack of add-ons to fit the 26. Then again, I don't see me needing or wanting much of what's available for the 22 anyway.
I have a feeling the 26 is what I need. Yes?
Yes
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Both
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Let's set aside the price difference. Do I really need the 26 space-wise, or can the 22 hold a dozen large burgers? And are the legs an issue or not?
id go 26 just for the real estate
How many people do you usually cook for? Without any additional info I'm going 22
No, the legs are not an issue, unless you have a loose leg socket which can be easily fixed.
Quote from: AZ Monsoon on May 09, 2017, 01:37:22 PM
How many people do you usually cook for?
See my original post: "I regularly cook for 10 (4 adults, 6 kids) and occasionally more so capacity is an issue."
Quote from: Collin on May 09, 2017, 01:38:36 PM
Quote from: AZ Monsoon on May 09, 2017, 01:37:22 PM
How many people do you usually cook for?
See my original post: "I regularly cook for 10 (4 adults, 6 kids) and occasionally more so capacity is an issue."
I'm not so good at reading. 26" in that case.
If $$ is a real issue, buy 2 22s off CL.
Can anybody comment on the wobbly legs? Valid concern or not?
No. Wobbly legs are not a concern. There's a reason there's a bazzillion Weber kettles around the world.
I've had 3 over the years. Wobbly legs never an issue.
@Collin , you can always cook less on the real estate of the 26", but there is no way to expand the real estate of a 22" and cook more.
Thanks all. The 26 it is, then.
Quote from: charred on May 09, 2017, 01:39:38 PM
If $$ is a real issue, buy 2 22s off CL.
Great alternative.
On a separate note, I have a wsm as well but use the 26 more for smoking. Just less of a production imo.
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26er
26"er definitely for the amount of people. Or two 22" off craigslist.
........Looking for a Westerner
I'd go for 2 22" off Craigslist. You can run different temps on both cookers and when you combine the two it's almost 1.5 times the capacity of the 26". You'll save $ for meat and accessories if you like them. And you can get an upper grate to expand the capacity of the 22".
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You are gonna love a 26 👍
26"
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In most situations, I would say one 22" in a combination with gasser or other 22" or even 18" would be fine. But in your situation with having to cook for 10 or more people at a time regularly and having a WSM to take care of other cooks if needed,plus easier to use one grill if you mainly grill ..... Yes! 26er is what you need imo. And down the road if you ever wanted or needed 22" or 18" to add...... they are much easier to come by than other way around used.
Quote from: charred on May 09, 2017, 01:39:38 PM
If $$ is a real issue, buy 2 22s off CL.
This right here is the way to go. Its cheaper (in most cases) than a new one and you can pick up some great used 22"s for a heck of alot less than a 26" new. All of my kettles are used and didnt pay more than 40 for any one. My first black kettle is now my dedicated smoker and it was $5.00
I have four 22" kettles (a few have come and gone), two WSMs, a Q and a SJ. Still don't think I've spent as much as a new 26", total. Plus I love the thrill of the hunt.
I have 2 22s an 18 an 18 tuck n carry and a 14 tuck n carry. never can have too many. oh also if cooked all but the sj and the second 22 cuz it's a project still
I am diggin my 26 Mini Ranch. Personally, buy a 26'r new and get a 22 used. Or wait and get both used off of CL but 26'rs are hard to come by.
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