Let me tell you a story about a clown named dazzo...
Growing up was hard. I could handle OK the walking to school, barefoot, in the snow, uphill, both ways. But what I missed out on was BBQ and grilling. Unlike some stories I’ve read, I don’t have memories of growing up with a fruity kettle. I had to start my own memories with a Weber.
It started with a black ’78. My wife and I were a young married couple with two young kids. I wanted to “BBQ”, so we bought a Weber kettle – brand new. I remember it being a lot of money for us (although I’m cheap so it’s probably all relative anyway). I must have some repressed memories somewhere of charcoal grilling because although I don’t remember, I knew enough to buy a Weber kettle – they were the best.
I had later gotten away from charcoal, but I got gas
I admit it, I had a Charbroil Precision Flame 9000 that some good friends had bought for us, since I was always grilling. Loved that thing!
I wanted to grill with charcoal again. Along comes a green Double D Performer SS, which came with a quick disconnect 20# tank.
I didn’t know that I was suffering from Weberitis. Realization began when I happened to be on CL, and stumbled upon a Weber Gas Kettle. Too cool. Went to meet the guy – it was like five minutes from my house – with traffic.
I had already done some research using this new little Web site – I think it was called
Weber Kettle Club. I found some guys in some foreign country were having some discussion on some kettle gassers.
Thankfully, there was no mention of banana hammocks at that time or I probably never would have joined.
Anyway, “Duke” grabs the propane torch – total overkill, but that’s what it’s all about – and fires the thing up. Sold!
The Weber Gas Kettle made a great (original) Weber Wok burner – great for pancit. And fried ravioli.
Went home, and a little while later joined the WKC. I was assigned number 218 at ground zero for Weberitis.
Then, the readheads – I had it full-blown – but down to only one now. Of all the kettles that have come and gone, the '78 green MBH was one of my favorites to look at. My other looker, and cooker, is the C&B Performer with the matching granite table.
Down to just one gas grill now - a Copper E-330.
Shameless promotion - I need a copper 18 to go with the E-330, 22 and SJ.
And attachments - original Weber Wok, Manturion griddle, cast iron, side tables, roti and skewer rings, Santa Maria attachment!, etc...
My wife gave me a bad time about how I don’t want to join Facebook, but that I’m always on the WKC site. I didn’t join FB because I don’t want to be found, and there’s too much drama – oh, wait, drama?
And I have a blue platinum waiting in the wings, to give to my son when they move into their house soon - and so it begins.
Thanks for listening.
Topic: Inspiration for collecting Webers (Read 1698 times)