The MT Pyrite model

[weirleigh]

I went to Target a couple of weeks ago and while not needing it I saw they has one 22.5 silver left in the box for half off and didn't resist temptation.  However when I got it home and assembled the hook to hod the lid on the side was way out of whack and came off when I went to adjust it.  No problem because after sending pictures to Weber they said a new lid was on the way  but this would be the new lid with the bolt on handles.  (At first I thought they were sending me one with a thermometer because it was listed as the silver/gold 22.5 lid, but that is for the gold that did not have a thermometer a couple of years ago, no problem I added one anyway.)

This is going to be my winter grill, something I can keep inside and roll out easy in bad weather giving my performer a rest.  So sitting idle I decided I did not like the ash pan, the only other kettle I had with an ash pan was an older three vent model were the ash pan had cut outs that let it sit in the legs, i like that better than the wire supports on the legs they have now but really like the bucket.  I also had a performer lid bale I had ordered thinking I would have to destroy the one that came with mind to get it off but after ordering a new one I managed to salvage the original on the performer.  So I ordered a new ash bucket and decided to turn the silver into a master touch.  The lid came in right away without the handle, then a couple of days later the ash bucket followed by the handle. 

http://

http://

http://

The heat shield on the handle looks like a good idea, will take time to get used to the bolt on handle, I also put a thermometer on the opposite side of the vent because of the way the handle is positioned on the new ones. 

Turns out I also received the new ash pan design, looks wise I like it as it tappers at the bottom.  However I do believe Weber will have problems with this one, on the new ones you don't rotate the ash pan to take it off, instead you have to squeeze the handle and pull down.  I didn't have a problem doing this but it does take a bit more effort than the old design and quite a bit more hand strength.  On my performer I have never had a problem sliding the bucket in and out and a small child could do it.  With the new ones I don't see a kid being able to squeeze the handle enough to get it off, but maybe that is a good thing, time will tell and maybe I just received an unusually stout handle.  The only other concern with the new ash pan is it sits a lot lower in the assembly not sure if ash will end up blowing out of the holes in the side or not.

http://

http://

Old version

http://

[SixZeroFour]

Thanks for sharing weirleigh - thats a fine looking piece of Pyrite you've got there

[Hollywood]

Looks good.  I hive the ash pan parts (arrived today) and concur that a pretty healthy squeeze is required.  Well see how it works when I get it installed this weekend. 

I don't own the old model so didn't realize the new ones hung lower...  Any thoughts about if I'll be able to continue to store my chimney on the rack under the ash pan?

-Tom in SoCal

[weirleigh]

Thanks SixZeroFour, Hollywood that may be an issue I can store my chimney made from a coffee can but I measured only about 8" from the bottom of the ash pan to the rack and I don't think that is enough clearance for most of the ones I have seen in the stores.  That may be one of the reasons I have heard the kettle will be taller next year.  You could just lay it on it's side on the rack instead of upright but at least if you started with a silver model like me I don't see you being able to store it upright.

[GregS]

well done!  would make a great winter grill! 

i'm planning a similar set of upgrade mods with a kettle acquisition i have in the works!