Original Kettle vs Premium Kettle

[NoleFan]

Ok,
Looking at both the Original and Premium Kettles in 22".  Will need a new grill in the next few weeks, so I will be going new and adding an 18" or 22" used kettle to restore later hopefully.

I am looking at the original and the premium 22"s.  From what I can tell, the original lacks the built in ash bucket, built in thermometer, hinged grate, and handle accessory holder.  I think I could live without all of that (minus the hinged grate).  Since I plan on building a table for it, the accessory holder isn't a deal breaker.  Also, looking online it looks like the built in thermometer isn’t the most accurate either.

I can get the Original 22” with a hinged grate out the door at Lowes for $115.13 and a Premium out the door at Lowes for $144.16.  Will I miss the ash bucket that bad?

Figured the little bit of savings could go to the Slow ‘N Sear.

What are your thoughts?

[LightningBoldtz]

Yes, spend the $30, save for a Slow and Sear.  Get the premium over the original, you will not regret it especially on a windy day.

[Darko]

Owning both, I can say this, Will you miss it. no, not really, but it definitely is worth the extra 30 bucks. You won't regret it. When you consider how long this grill will last, that extra 30 bucks means squat.

[Neil_VT00]

I agree with the above.  Spent the money now and wait on the SnS.

I think that the ash bucket is a must have on your primary cooker, especially if you cook on a wood deck.  It makes ash cleanup a lot easier and provides a level of safety from hot ashes rolling/blowing off of an overfilled pan and falling onto a deck.

[NoleFan]

All very valid points.   Looks like I can get a Copper Premium on eBay for $129.99, how is Weber on warrantying stuff bought new from other online sites?

[mhiszem]

I agree with everyone also. My first was an original which was quickly replaced by a one touch gold from craigslist. Ash buckets are very useful and convenient. Looking forward to hear what you get.

[Darko]

All very valid points.   Looks like I can get a Copper Premium on eBay for $129.99, how is Weber on warrantying stuff bought new from other online sites?

Once you get it, register it on the Weber site as a gift. You'll have no issues with warranty, even if it was bought used. That's been my experience.

[NoleFan]

Good to know, can't wait to decide on one to buy!

[Cellar2ful]

I agree with the above.  Spent the money now and wait on the SnS.

I think that the ash bucket is a must have on your primary cooker, especially if you cook on a wood deck.  It makes ash cleanup a lot easier and provides a level of safety from hot ashes rolling/blowing off of an overfilled pan and falling onto a deck.

The convenience of having the attached ash catcher assembly on the Premium kettles is well worth it.  If you BBQ frequently, it is so much easier to just sweep the ashes and empty the bucket whenever full.  With the frisbee style ash catcher on the Original, I find it does not always catch all of the ash.  Any warranty issues are dealt with by Weber as to the age or your kettle.  They carry 10 year warranty.  If you have any warranty issues, Weber customer service will just ask for numbers off your kettle that indicate the age.

[MikeRocksTheRed]

As long as it is less than 10 years old they will Warranty it!  Have you checked Craigslist or any of those kinds of sites.  There are usually a lot more new grills than old grills on those sites...at least where I am that is the case.  Lot of them still new in the box.

[NoleFan]

There is a serious shortage of webers on CL around my area, not sure why.  I would love to have a performer.

[captjoe06]

There is a serious shortage of webers on CL around my area, not sure why.  I would love to have a performer.

I'm glad I read all the way down to your last post because I was going to suggest a Craigslist Performer.  I don't think two weeks go by in my location when a used Performer couldn't be had for around $150. And a performer with gas assist in decent shape for $150 will last a long while and is really useful.

[G19]

Nothing wrong with the supplied baskets but I really like the addition of the Slow N Sear.  It takes it up a notch. 

[NoleFan]

Looking at getting a Crimson Premium from BBQ Guys.  Will be starting off any smoking I do banking the coals to one side or doing the snake method.

Knowing this, should I just stick to the black to bypass any issues with the colors?

[Geezer]

If I were buying new, I would get the ash catcher.