I'm from Essex, UK and happened to be searching the Web for a cooking grid for my BBQ when I chanced across your Forum and the Happy Cooker thread. Since there sees still to be some interest in Happy Cooker BBQ's, I thought you might be interested in my experience with them (it).
I've had the 22.5 inch version since I bought it new in December 1982 in Debenhams Department store in Oxford Street, London. It cost £60 then which, at today's rate is about $80. It has lived outside all its life and has been used on average 2-3 times a week in the Summer and occasionally in the Winter. It remains in excellent condition and the only things I've had to replace to date were the charcoal grid and cooking grid, both once. They are nearing being renewed again, hence me searching the Web.
The quality of the BBQ (or "Smoker" as the handbook calls it) speaks for itself. In the UK, it is unheard of in this day and age for similar equipment to last more than a few years before it rusts and fall apart. Strangely, I enjoy looking at it every day and will never get rid of it. If any of the main parts give up I will do my best to make or find something to replace it. Currently there is no danger of that and I feel certain it will see me out.
I have attached a photo of the original hand book and the cooker itself (which I'm about fire up shortly).
Thanks for allowing me to post this and I hope it is of interest to some of you.
Regards
Keith
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