The One That Started It All

[bamakettles]

This popped up in my FB memories this morning from 2 years ago..... 2006 Kettle (my only at the time) I have and got the bug to do a refurb.  Did many mods on it and eventually put master touch legs, wheels and triangle on it.  Cooked on it Sunday and really enjoyed getting it hot again.










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[bamakettles]

Joined WKC in December after this refurb and began collecting and sharing cooks.  I've learned SO much from this group.  Thanks guys for all you do!  Continued pics (max of 9 per post)










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[bamakettles]

Pics continued...









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[bamakettles]

And final mods
as it looks today.


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[JEBIV]

The joy of remembering your first !! sweet grill

[Dave in KC]

WOW!  Some serious mods.  Nice. 

[michaelmilitello]

This is my first.   I bought it new in 2000 at Meijer.  Your basic kettle.   Probably $75 or so.   My dad helped me assemble it and taught me the basics.   Good memories!  I gave it to my brother in law in 2003 when I "upgraded" to gas: a Genesis Silver, which I still have and use btw.  When I got back into charcoal, I asked my brother in law if I could have it back in 2018.  He obliged.  Now, old black number 1 does garage duty on rainy days and is my rotisserie grill.  This simple one has tons of sentimental value. 


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[DaGoomba]

Very cool!!!

[bamakettles]

This is my first.   I bought it new in 2000 at Meijer.  Your basic kettle.   Probably $75 or so.   My dad helped me assemble it and taught me the basics.   Good memories!  I gave it to my brother in law in 2003 when I "upgraded" to gas: a Genesis Silver, which I still have and use btw.  When I got back into charcoal, I asked my brother in law if I could have it back in 2018.  He obliged.  Now, old black number 1 does garage duty on rainy days and is my rotisserie grill.  This simple one has tons of sentimental value. 


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Cool story and glad you still have it.  I actually have a 2000 model which is my first 22" kettle that sits at my in-laws under a cover in their back yard on the deck.  I haven't looked at it in probably 14 years and wonder what it looks like under there.  I think of it as a time capsule really and will someday take a peek.  I see yours still has the basic triange.  I have mine hanging in my storage building...

[65Westy]

This is my first.   I bought it new in 2000 at Meijer.  Your basic kettle.   Probably $75 or so.   My dad helped me assemble it and taught me the basics.   Good memories!  I gave it to my brother in law in 2003 when I "upgraded" to gas: a Genesis Silver, which I still have and use btw.  When I got back into charcoal, I asked my brother in law if I could have it back in 2018.  He obliged.  Now, old black number 1 does garage duty on rainy days and is my rotisserie grill.  This simple one has tons of sentimental value. 


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Glad he gave it back!

[65Westy]

educate me on the seal! Ive never seen that before.

And final mods
as it looks today.


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[bamakettles]

educate me on the seal! Ive never seen that before.

And final mods
as it looks today.


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The seal was a kit I got because I thought I needed it back then.  It's still on there and honestly it's a bit of a pain because I have to make sure I center the lid any time I lower it.  Experience has taught me that it's really not needed and a little smoke / air leakage is not a big deal.

[Veekz]

This post makes me smile. I can only hope to do as great a job on my first kettle and beyond. Some great ideas here for a noob like me.

[DaGoomba]

educate me on the seal! Ive never seen that before.

And final mods
as it looks today.


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The seal was a kit I got because I thought I needed it back then.  It's still on there and honestly it's a bit of a pain because I have to make sure I center the lid any time I lower it.  Experience has taught me that it's really not needed and a little smoke / air leakage is not a big deal.

Great advice thanks! I've seen that same thermometer you installed on alot of mods? Did it work pretty well? The price point is very good for it.

[bamakettles]

@DaGoomba, it's a great thermometer, has a small potentiometer on the back so you can calibrate it to match grate temps.  I've never touched it, as it matches my grate temps when comparing to my Maverick and Inkbird.  Key is positioning.  I don't think I've cooked anything on this one without using an external thermometer/probe though (after mods & when temp monitoring was needed).  Kinda like the gasket, I thought I needed it back when.  I do like watching it though when I cook.  Overall, yeah this one has a custom feel with thermometer, gasket, vent handles, probe port and lid hinge.  Is all that needed?  No, but I sure do treasure this kettle.


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