The end of an era.... no more welded handles on Weber Kettles. (Photos)

[SixZeroFour]

Matt. Can you provide the center to center measurement between the handle bolts?  Thanks

Hey Winz,

EDIT: true measurement is 5-3/16":

[Craig]

If they bring bright yellow back I wouldn't care if it had the heat shield lid handle. Its a yellow and I'd be all over it!

[zavod44]

Have we ever considered that this might be an improvement if the heat shield works better and keeps the handle cool?

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[zavod44]

If your that upset can you leave the heat shield off and it will look more like the older ones?

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[zavod44]

I'm thinking about painting all my old handles silver to look like the new ones :^)

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[SixZeroFour]

Based on the heaviness of the shield I think it will absolutely help keep the handle cooler, so that's a plus for sure. It's a one-piece unit so no removing the guard at least without getting a little creative.

haha - or how about dremeling off old handles at the weld, drilling and then bolting on the heat guard for a vintage hybrid

[Craig]

At the end of the day, change happens. Nothing stays the same. Periods of adjustment follow. People adapt eventually.  Again a couple positives/possibilities with this change are.... 1. The heat shield doesn't have to be used like on the new JJs. 2. if you want to paint the bare metal handle piece you certainly can. Probably doesn't even need to be high heat. 3. (Most important IMO) is that wood handles WILL fit these.

Plus, if your not happy with how 1 handle looks, you can order a replacement handle. I have a feeling in the next 3-5 years there's bound to be a couple dozen NIB extras sitting around WKCr garages and boneyards. Oh and again this opens things up for customization.

Throwback 50s MTH OTG "Heritage Edition" anyone?

The vent would be in the right position "turned away" from the lid handle... Like back in the day.

[charred]

Hmmmm. I don't like the look of the bolt-on handle/shield, but I guess the rusted-weld issue is now gone.

I agree it's likely the production/shipping (economic) issue driving the change.

The "collectible" field just got a whole lot bigger.

Are bowl bolt-ons next?

[Craig]

Are bowl bolt-ons next?

Nah... Probably change those around late 2030-early 2031. That's assuming they follow the length of time MBHs stuck around when they changed to wood lid handles.


Guess I get to start a SWBH collection

"Spot welded bowl handle"

To add to my 50 year span of SWLH kettles.

"Spot Welded Lid Handle" and we've got to make way for the new BOLH kettles in '15.


Hey good news is also, we have concrete evidence when they chance lid handles in the 21st century. No speculation. Solid material for the age page.

[SixZeroFour]

1. The heat shield doesn't have to be used like on the new JJs. 2. if you want to paint the bare metal handle piece you certainly can. Probably doesn't even need to be high heat. 3. (Most important IMO) is that wood handles WILL fit these.

OK, so I took the handle off again and yes, you can indeed remove the heat shield. It's fixed on there quite well but if you work it back down the screw it will eventually pop off.

Winz - While the handle was off I re-measured the holes and it is a true 5-3/16" center to center.

What does interest me is that the handle backing and match line appear to be a different slope than existing handles. Pic on the way...

[SixZeroFour]

I'll see if I can swap the two.

[Craig]

We need the Hitler video with his reaction (new captions) to the new bolt on handles!

[SixZeroFour]

Interesting... the existing handles do not fit the new style handles.

Also, anyone notice another change to the handle design? 

[1buckie]

We need the Hitler video with his reaction (new captions) to the new bolt on handles!

Yep......don't know how to do that....we'll need to call in a specialist.............

[Craig]

Interesting... the existing handles do not fit the new style handles.

Also, anyone notice another change to the handle design? 

"Those sons of bitches!" How the hell am I supposed to fit on my custom Zavodles!?" "This is really going to mess with my upcoming SWBH collection!"







Thanks for the pics sixzerofour.