This subject has probably been brought up before, but I am interested in knowing what draws people to Weber grills?
Obviously, we have all choices in what we cook on, but if you're an active member here, you obviously have an affinity to our beloved buoy shaped cookers.
For me, my dad had Webers, so naturally, that's what I gravitated towards. I love that my Weber charcoal grills are so versatile. They may not be great at any one thing, but they seem to do everything well.
Why do you like Weber grills?
Weber grills and smokers do a great job at a very reasonable price, plus they are well made and durable with great customer service when needed.
When I was a kid, they were basically the high end grill.
They last a long time & tend to hold their looks fairly well for quite a long time to boot.
You can pick up a used one dirt cheap and the new ones are not a bad price (especially considering how long they last).
Personally, I don't get all that hung up on keeping a temperature that steady. (I kind of view not having everything "exact" is just part of the fun of cooking using charcoal or wood).
On my smoker, I check it every once in a while, same if I'm doing a longer cook on the kettle.
I don't see much point in shelling out some fairly high dollars for a BGE (or similar) that might hold temps steadier & use less charcoal because it is going to take me an awful long time to save enough $ in charcoal to justify the payment. Plus, I think the kettle just looks better.
Hmmm... why do I like kettles...
First off, you can cook on them in many ways, and if you falter at cleaning them up on a timely basis, they don't seem to care. They still perform for you. They are VERY versatile. Colors. Sooo many colors out there. And when I'm standing nekkid next to my Redhead, well, let's just say... no wait... different story... :-)
So this question hits home for me because I've spent money on propane grills, electric smokers and pellet smokers. They all at some point gave me problems. To make things worse customer service was never help or a pleasant experience when I did run into issues. It still upsets me that after all, I wasted my hard earned money on a product and company that did not value me.
I fell in love with my first Weber Kettle because it just worked. I did have to learn charcoal which took some time, also I needed to learn my other Weber products but it's all been worth while.
Weber's customer service is just the cherry on top for me. I had an issue with my first Kettle, they didn't try sweeping responsibility under the rug. They knew I had a problem and fixed it in a very professional and timely manner. This was when Weber truly won me over. I told the customer service representative that I was so impressed with how they handled my issue that I would replace all my cookers with Weber products. She probably thought I was joking but I wasn't. I first sold my Master Touch to upgrade to a 26" Kettle then went from location to location to find all the Weber products I wanted. I added a 22.5" WSM, Summit Charcoal, Gas Go-Anywhere, Jumbo Joe and Smokey Joe all within a week from my phone call with Weber. All because Weber makes good products but more importantly backs them up with great customer service. I'm extremely loyal to them because they are to me. I try to get them business any chance I get.
Now Weber if you're reading this please make a 14" Summit Charcoal, I'd be all over that!
Sent from my SM-N960U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
2 reasons:
Classic looks and classic quality. The rest is icing on the cake.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
That's a good question.
1.
My dad had a red 22.5" and so I grow up with it.
There is a thread (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/a-real-german-story-or-it-took-15-years-to-got-real/) concerning this kettle!
2.
I like the appearance, the round shape and the durable quality.
The colors are often a nice high light in the backyard!
3.
It's a so versatile BBQ/grill with a straightforward temp control.
There is nearly nothing you can't do with a Weber!
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
It's the grill my mother cooked on and I'm a sucker for all things Americana. Plus all the good things everybody else said is spot on.
Sent from my SM-J700P using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Speaking of the kettles specifically.
Simplicity
Durability
Classic
Portable
Portability is one I don't here brought up often but it's a great feature.
For example, I can load the 18" standing up in the back of an suv and tie it down easily by myself.
The 22" is easy enough to tie down in the back of the truck and easily be carried by myself.
Not that it's known for portability but I can tie my 26" down in the back of the truck by myself and bring wherever it's needed.
I can't think of a single grill on the market that has the cooking area of a 26 that I can move by myself without assistance.
I don't travel with my grills often, but when I do, it's a kettle.
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Why do I like Weber Grills? ... Because they work. Whatever you want to do, you can do it on a Weber.
Like the op, my dad had one so now I do too. He switched to gas in the 90's but I still remembered him firing up the weber kettle when I was younger.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Honestly for me what initially drew me is quality. I am so tired of buying garbage that is made for the dump. So many products that we buy today we replace in a couple of years. In my house I revamped my kitchen 13 years ago, I am on my 3rd Microwave and it appears my dishwasher will be dying soon which I have already replaced. Weber had bucked that for a long time, I say had because I am not pleased at all with recent development especially in the NG and propane line of grills. I look for quality where ever I can, I am willing to pay more for something that will last. The fact that I can cook on a grill from the 60's and 70's and they come in all different colors, makes it my hobby. Using my vitamix blender or kitchen aid Mixer is great but I am not collecting or getting more than one of them.
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on January 17, 2019, 09:06:29 AM
Honestly for me what initially drew me is quality. I am so tired of buying garbage that is made for the dump. So many products that we buy today we replace in a couple of years. In my house I revamped my kitchen 13 years ago, I am on my 3rd Microwave and it appears my dishwasher will be dying soon which I have already replaced. Weber had bucked that for a long time, I say had because I am not pleased at all with recent development especially in the NG and propane line of grills. I look for quality where ever I can, I am willing to pay more for something that will last. The fact that I can cook on a grill from the 60's and 70's and they come in all different colors, makes it my hobby. Using my vitamix blender or kitchen aid Mixer is great but I am not collecting or getting more than one of them.
I couldn't agree more. It amazes me how well most of these kettles have stood the test of time. From the heat of Summer to what even Winter dished out, the stories they could tell. I'm just trying to add a few chapters to the story.
You can configure them to do anything and they are quite durable to boot!
I like that you can really do anything you want . I smoke ribs pork butts you name it all in the kettle . I used to have an offset smoker that I fought non stop. I tried smoking on my weber and never looked back . I gave the smoker to my neighbor . A few of my neighbors grill and smoke and they tease me about how many grills do you need , blah blah . But when they taste the food they usually shut up ! Lol
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
My dad had one. It was as simple as that for me. He had a gas one and then switched to a charcoal because he wanted to try different things. Always loved the food that came off it. I got a free gas grill from a neighbor when we bought our house. I used that for a couple of years and then it started rusting out in the burner tubes. It got my by for a couple of years. So last winter I told my wife "you know in the spring I think I'm going to have to get a new grill. I want a Weber charcoal grill." I maybe mentioned it twice. Then my birthday in February roles around and BAM! She bought me a 22" master touch as a birthday gift. I've grilled and smoked more this year than in the 7 years we've been together. I love it cuz my dad had one...and because it was an awesome gift from my wife.
Back in 1990, I bought a new house and my former neighbor was moving as well. He had no place to keep his Weber 26, so I kept it and used it for two years before he picked it up. I learned how versitile and we'll built Weber's were.
In 2011 I bought my first Weber, a black 22 premium. Last year, my wife bought the red limited edition for me. I gave the black to a buddy that I knew would enjoy it.
During my kettle hiatus from 1992 to 2011, I used a Bandera smoker. I am happy now with just the Weber and often use it to cook entire meals.
Cheers!
Mark
Sent from my moto z3 using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Speaking specifically of the kettles I have chosen over the years. I cannot speak for all Weber products obviously...
#!. Usability. Simply speaking, properly outfitted with the hinged grates, you can esaily set up, and maintain your cook with very little effort.
#2. Flexibilty. I have come from the world of larger dedicated offset smokers, and found that it is MUCH harder to go from grilling, to smoking on an offset than it is on a Weber.
#3. Durability. The ceramic based finish is MUCH better at resisting rust. I have had steel offset smokers rust out in less than 2 years. No such problem with my Webers. My Smokey Joe Silver is now over a decade old, and aside from replacing the cooking grate, it cleans up and works fantastic.
#4. Smaller footprint. I have 2 22" Webers, AND my Smokey Joe Silver in less space than my old New Braunfels Smoker , which means I can store my Webers, All of them, inside the garage workshop. They literally slide right in behind my lathe, once they are cooled off and clean of course.
#5. TCO. Total cost of ownership. Compared to the old offset smokers, for the same amount of food cooked, I use about 1/2 as much smoking wood / charcoal. The grills themselves were MUCH cheaper. My New Braunfels Smoker Bandera Smoker (same model now rebranded as Char Broil Oklahoma Joes Bandera) cost $350.00 back in 2006, My Jumbo Joe Premium, my Smokey Joe, and my old Craigslist find 3 wheeler Bar B Kettle has less than $160.00 wrapped up in. Add accessories and I am just barely over $200.00. Yes I could have spent more on one new top end model Weber kettle, but I wouldn't have any better results with my cooking...
I added both 22" kettles last year to give me the cooking space I wanted. Learning the techniques to get the best out of the Weber was super easy. My favorite results I can find pics for right now are from last week, I smoked a whole small turkey which we turned into 4 different meals...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/W_MosysRn39ym5QHrzg4rlPT2A281sH36s9BbYa78mIasKO42TEWQ7fg2AJALt8fJiImS7M-5aND8jXMsoSe1s3DZW7k3Npi1lX9s6c_E92IjZDl8yOo0sKhSkZb7I4w0juTwQdOzXvMYTcMoahCcjXuIZS_xjBKxMRqCbxcmhs66b9HHDzgSPGC01PQpOCbH2KcYLoXn7Eyjmi_y2w6VEo0nbS01zVJfxkt6zGRUHPbs3v0sGZc8-8a_e80FLguezByMSwC0CyUspkCsihFTgnEUaz95WKZ1NnXMIBqw3_Rf6_pCYr5qr8wF7SLSF-XF8cZsZx24_EtS0_X-s4K1gBdSEzB0rW1GqhSwMTATEQjlL5ZpHZY5PFIkWt4fKJaM3JCRyQb4lyFHBiNdlQ8jOaxHXSUYMyhkVQLzEzafwkktJvy4qhfVpN-2pZLJQJdgLtrhczjMX_Ue2Obc2eibItiuH2-8ZK95x9bpR2kZNpwVa7L4YsBYoAikXsCbas2weiVnJZTWqHWYN9nbxBJqxneuAakKsAfS1xPK5VXmxDQNHYL8r3UYyvB-bP-2FvtbX-u4-boQjPXDBvQB6sm7eg4_7x9SVK9t28AvrU0nqyK41WJBB9oW7Bw7RpLvX4IXLSmDgEc5wsHz1BbUXIEWIKibg=w1284-h964-no)
And a couple of large pork loins that we got from the local store when they were having a sale on pork.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TjI4BBdB8iSiONIHaPd3mOyd8asKtXyQg6XWUD0Gp2O8pDJyrdlgnu8HkTGNafM8CjUXx7lcVNwVk-x5ROYu1DQooxf1yd2-hCXHTT-r8j10txf-0h0a-5SwcyyhX2sHve5FA7O7kqA-WhN2H45I2nDaEpGXh8oJyzBDLSmmlnppF2aWLHt7v7ficp-t7tzdWNAXBM5m_K01GY72faWqz_BF0rt-y2_duJkp_i1SMzEZ-uOy1cmYAZflVu_cK8NNUYzVUi7EqJD9so-n1oJN8s2EWheVSVIdqn8dA32IHfuX9i7PqhDje90PNnHBhn7pqN2L9Cu30JyHdO-T_-pptkgq5NxiPUJdkYWYZmcQg4iWUmblPdBWXLfSaa9T2uAaSkAeL1cye0tIRW0R2YHc9QRHC66YUTKyjD5cdfjqU-5C4zsOoHjRu_oAhefKW1q6aG6NuaBT9Ke_9uA5mNPHTq9YON6uDfm0crGFCnwrQGFcI-RbNH3fP2nfQu224zqPTZSrcs4kmqx7lONDLF9yLa--xQQ5wCPSJvStDrG4gXoEXnPfsYhQdDEElIYSrgZJZGUJ5hzSOpNGTk4JqSzHk7FZZXYRiMhZQZpHPMsqIwHuAvmcqu_CtbkXMtZ5QWHWHTnLGsnnkWsETK8cbfvjQaSNtQ=w659-h695-no)
I stocked up on a mess of pork ribs at that time as well, all of which went together VERY well...
On top of everything that has already been said here, is trust. You can go outside, no matter the weather, light it up, and trust your food with it.
Quote from: hawgheaven on January 30, 2019, 01:11:20 PM
On top of everything that has already been said here, is trust. You can go outside, no matter the weather, light it up, and trust your food with it.
A very valid, and interesting point. It is VERY rare that we get snow here in Coastal Texas, however I have grilled up fajitas on my Smokey Joe under an EZ Up in snow, blowing winds, or sleet on actually quite a few occasions without even giving it much thought.
I've used the SJ at the west Texas deer lease where it FREQUENTLY gets down into the teens, and has plenty of snow during late deer season, and again, the SJ does its thing just like it should.
So yeah, trust is a great way of turning that phrase, reliability, etc...
It is very fuel efficient. Much better than most.
I timed it loosely one time......
Set up two kettles, started half a chimney of coals, went inside & quickly rubbed two pork shoulders, went out & started both snakes, set butts on & then went in to go to sleep.........
13 minutes.........woke up the next morning to two perfectly done pieces......
I know of no other cooking appliance that can do that & it will do it on repeated occasions.....
Quote from: 1buckie on January 31, 2019, 09:29:53 PM
I timed it loosely one time......
Set up two kettles, started half a chimney of coals, went inside & quickly rubbed two pork shoulders, went out & started both snakes, set butts on & then went in to go to sleep.........
13 minutes.........woke up the next morning to two perfectly done pieces......
I know of no other cooking appliance that can do that & it will do it on repeated occasions.....
Talk about a slow cooker!
The common threads here are.
1. Its what my Grand dad used
2. Its what my Dad Used.
3. Its what I use... (ALOT)
4. Its what my Son uses....
Give that, in my case, its familial...
Consistent results no matter what weather you cook in. We all have learned to adapt to our environments. We are creative and share a TON of information and history with these grills of Fortune. And its not just Charcoal or kettles 18 Inch to the Ranch... Its LP, the Q series, The smokey Joe, the Jumbo Joes... i could go on...
Its part of my personal culture and it has been for Generations. I have caught some folks in big box stores buying the "Other Guys" grills. I compliment them for using charcoal and let them know for an additional 20 bucks or so the Weber will last a lifetime and more. I have happily converted a few in the process. I still have my Dads and, my FIL's first Weber kettles. Those are cleaned up and in storage waiting for my Grand Son /Daughters to start grilling.
That said,
Weber for Life!!
Grill on bros!! Grill on!!