Hi All!
I just picked up my kettle a couple weeks ago from a yard sale. It was advertised as all original and only used 2 times for $60. I went and found a black 22" Kettle Premium grill. To my dismay it was not all original as the grate was replaced with an incorrect "cheap" grate not made for the Weber. I haggled it down a little and then brought her home. I have had a 18.5" WSM for over 2 years but have always cooked over propane, well not any more. I cleaned her up and under a lot of dust and dirt both inside and out found a beauty. There is a little rust on the handle spot weld which I need to address. I washed her down with dove soap and water and she shined like new. I could tell that she was not used many times but quite a few more than the 2 that was advertised. Later that afternoon I fired up a load of KBB charcoal in my chimney and let her come up to temp, and boy did she ever. One load setup for indirect cooking got her up to over 600 real fast. I closed the bottom vent and let her back down to around 400 where I placed some chicken on the indirect side and cooked for about 10-15 min until it was nice and done. Since then I have made everything from more chicken, steaks, boneless thick pork chops and even wings using a vortex. I cannot believe how nice this kettle cooks and how consistent I can cook with it. I am not the family grill master, well at least until my son takes over (he wants his own Smokey Joe). I attached some pictures form my couple cooks.