My 18" kettle mods

[avega2792]

I added a few things to my first ever Weber kettle and so far I have really enjoyed the changes.

First was the temp gauge. I ordered a 3" gauge, and although it is a little big for my 18" kettle, it works great. Since I don't like wearing my glasses unless I absolutely have to, that big gauge makes it easy to read at a distance. I was thinking of getting a Smokey Joe or Jumbo Joe and turning it into a WSM, but since I already have this 18" kettle with a temp gauge I may just make a smoker out of a steamer pot and use it on my kettle.

I read that the 18" once came with the OTG option but was discontinued at some point, so I picked up one up locally and I really like that I don't have to fiddle with that pan anymore!

Last thing I added was the magnetic hooks on either side of the handle. They were a cheap impulse buy at Harbor Freight and turns out they work pretty well. I'll be adding these to all my kettles!

As for now, I think that's all I will be modding on this kettle. It's a great daily user and my favorite out of 3 kettles so far.

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[lksdrinker]

those magnetic hooks are a nice idea.  How much weight can they hold before they start slipping?

[avega2792]

I hang fairly light weight SS tongs on the hooks, but they actually hold on pretty tight. Even removing them takes more effort than you'd think. I don't see any of your average grilling utensils being too heavy to hang off of these, but like I said, they were cheap and for the $3 or so they cost it's worth a try!

[lksdrinker]

I'll have to keep an eye out for them next time im in harbor freight. 

[addicted-to-smoke]

I like it, and that thermo's in a grate spot.

[avega2792]

I like it, and that thermo's in a grate spot.

Right, I'd been reading posts here for a while before I signed up and did my homework. That's how I knew to place the thermo just under the vent next to the grate to get more accurate temp reads when smoking. I've only had that kettle for a couple months and thanks to everybody in WKC I've learned a lot about getting the most out of my kettle!