With all the posts about Ranchs and Motherships this weekend, I figured it was time to show a few of my recent acquisition. A few weeks back, I stumbled upon an ad for a local estate sale with a brand new extra large Weber. After looking at the pics listed for the sale, I found the large Weber was a Ranch. I had to stop in and check it out.
The Ranch was the first item visible in the garage. I was there a little early and since there was a line of about 50 people ahead of me, I grabbed a number and waited. I was quietly chuckling to myself as at least ten different people commented on the enormous kettle. I finally got in and went to the kettle. The charcoal grate was slightly rusty and the entire grill was dusty but did not appear to be used. The date code on the vent was a DU (2002).The asking price was $700. I wasn't prepared to pay anywhere near that so I talked to the individuals running the sale. Turns out they were the siblings of the deceased owners of the estate. They said their father purchased this with plans of using it for family functions but it sat in his shed.
Figuring I had nothing to lose, I left my "best offer" with them and left. Later that day, I received a counter offer. We negotiated a bit and settled on a price. I picked it up the next day but havent put fire to it yet. I doubt this will be my daily "go to" but should come in handy when I need to feed the neighborhood.
I replaced the plastic handles with some wood I had laying around and polished it with some steel wool.
Interior with my fabbed version of a charcoal basket.
22" cooking grate for perspective.