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Author Topic: Impostor HC Grill  (Read 928 times)

toush

  • Happy Cooker
  • Posts: 4
Impostor HC Grill
« on: August 03, 2019, 12:15:21 PM »
Hello,

Came across this site while trying to find info on what I thought was a vintage Weber Kettle charcoal grill.  After doing some google searches it turns out that this grill is not what it seems.  From what I can find it's a Happy Cooker Grill by Unarco which apparently is a knock off of your beloved Weber Kettles.  Now, even though this is an impostor I feel it does share some history with the Weber.  From what I read Weber sent the Unarco a cease and desist order back in the late 70's or early 80s.  To be honest I cant find much more info on the grill but I would love to know more.  I apologize in advance if this post is out of line on a Weber forum but my options are limited on finding out more information on this grill.

BTW i paid $1 for it at a garage sale.

Thank You
Toush

DaveG74

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 527
Re: Impostor HC Grill
« Reply #1 on: August 03, 2019, 12:24:03 PM »
Welcome from just outside of Chicago! There are a few HC collectors around, have fun there is a lot of info in here.
« Last Edit: August 03, 2019, 12:28:32 PM by DaveG74 »
I swear, when I score a great deal on a 26" I'll stop buying grills... So often.

toush

  • Happy Cooker
  • Posts: 4
Re: Impostor HC Grill
« Reply #2 on: August 03, 2019, 12:27:07 PM »
Northern Michigan here, Good to hear that their are some HC collectors lurking some where here.  I hope to hear from them soon.  It's a beautiful day for grilling!!!

Cellar2ful

  • Moderator
  • Posts: 3642
Re: Impostor HC Grill
« Reply #3 on: August 03, 2019, 12:53:51 PM »

Welcome from the San Francisco Bay Area.  If you haven't already read this, here is great thread regarding Happy Cookers.  It's a long thread but has some interesting facts about them.  The thread was written by a WKC member who is no longer active (Idahawk). Happy Cooker had some great ideas, some of which Weber has now incorporated into their current models. Bolt on handles for one.  The Happy Cooker internal ash pans were IMHO, a much better design than the twist on ash pans Weber used for daisy wheel kettles by Weber. 

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/'-the-happy-cooker-'-the-truth/

« Last Edit: August 03, 2019, 12:56:06 PM by Cellar2ful »
"Chasing Classic Kettles"

toush

  • Happy Cooker
  • Posts: 4
Re: Impostor HC Grill
« Reply #4 on: August 03, 2019, 01:08:18 PM »
Well no crap, that grill picture by OP looks exactly like the one I got today (pretty red).  It does have the small circle coal grill in the bottom but it didn't come with the actual grill that you cook on :(.  I figure worst come to worst i'm out a dollar.

RRRanger99

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 2168
Re: Impostor HC Grill
« Reply #5 on: August 03, 2019, 01:22:12 PM »
« Last Edit: August 03, 2019, 01:33:02 PM by RRRanger99 »

toush

  • Happy Cooker
  • Posts: 4
Re: Impostor HC Grill
« Reply #6 on: August 03, 2019, 01:24:24 PM »
Va Beach used to live there, how's the jet noise treating ya?

RRRanger99

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 2168
Re: Impostor HC Grill
« Reply #7 on: August 03, 2019, 01:31:47 PM »
Love the jet noise! The Navy has been here way long before I was born. I live right on the Virginia Beach/Norfolk border, so cant really hear the jet noise from Oceana that much.

JEBIV

  • WKC Ambassador
  • Posts: 10673
Re: Impostor HC Grill
« Reply #8 on: August 03, 2019, 01:42:01 PM »
Welcome from Doraville Ga. Our resident HC expert @brewtownbeatdown should be able to help you with any info you may want

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Seeking a Black Sequoia I know I know, I'd settle for just the tabbed no leg grill

brewtownbeatdown

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 2385
Impostor HC Grill
« Reply #9 on: August 03, 2019, 03:45:57 PM »
Welcome to the club!!!

Greetings from Greendale, WI.  I guess I’ve sorta assumed the HC guru title in Dave’s absence...heavy is the head that wears the crown[emoji23].  Post a few pics, cuz I along with a few closet case HC fans here, like seeing some sweet HCs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: August 04, 2019, 03:25:18 AM by brewtownbeatdown »
Obviously looking for a Glen Blue (who isn’t?😂).

Looking for anything Happy Cooker, including any re-branded as Montgomery Ward.  I’ve amassed a nice collection, but I’m missing a few still.  Let me know if you can help a fella out🤞

Walchit

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 2141
Re: Impostor HC Grill
« Reply #10 on: August 14, 2019, 06:26:27 PM »
Welcome from Kansas. Pics or it didn't happen though