Issue with New Weber Mastertouch BBQ?

[chris101]

I have just received my new weber BBQ today however the silver plate labelled weber on the LID has some noticeable scratches and the in the base there seems to be some indents if you look closely enough?

Is the indents normal (like little raised blobs) or should it be completely smooth?

I have contacted the company I have purchased it from and they have advised me that they can collect it and offer a full refund, send a replacement in 5-7 working days or give me £20 refund (from the £212 I spent on it).

What should I do?

Please see pics that show the indents on the inside and out and stripe lines that have appeared from opposite the grill holders on the outside of the base.

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[Johnpv]

I think mine had those faint little scratches too, probably just part of the manufacturing process.  There shouldn't be any indents though on the bowl or lid.  I'd say just replace it through the company you bought it from since they seem to be willing to do so.  Otherwise I'd call Weber up.  I bought a Jumbo Joe last year from Target that ended up being really warped and banged up and Weber replaced the lid and bowl free of charge.

[Hogsy]

Welcome Chris
Jeez you've been doing the rounds with the forums!
This is the third forum I've seen with you posting the same thread pics and all
CALL WEBER..... They'll sort you out!

[LightningBoldtz]

From what I see those are minor imperfections that all kettle have during manufacturing and stuff that you will never notice after you cook on it.  Just my 2 cents

[cbpeck]

See some of our replies in the previous thread you started on this forum:

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/new-weber-grill-with-marks-scratches-and-indents/msg93659/#msg93659

I'm having a hard time seeing everything you may be seeing because I'm on a cell phone, but scuffs on the top vent damper are normal. Weber does not invest a great deal of time and money into surface finishes on these. If you really want it polished spend a few minutes with a metal polishing compound and you'll have it shining in no time. A factory replacement isnt likely to be any better. The porcelain, on the other hand, should be in good shape. A few minor waves or dimples in the metal under the porcelain may be identifiable through the finish, but the porcelain should not be cracked or chipped. It should also be free of pock marks (pimple like bubbles in the porcelain).  I hope this helps.

[cbpeck]

I looked at the photos more closely. The top vent damper appears to be normal. All of them will have scuffs like those (or worse), and the slight gap on the edge is also normal so long as it seals over the four holes, and i'd bet it does. The finish will have a little bit of wavyness to it. It should be smooth to the touch, but not necessarily mirror perfect. Porcelain often has some waviness to it, regardless of the application (grills, sinks, collectibles, etc). There does appear to be one little mark next to the thermometer hole, but that will be covered by the thermometer bezel, so I'd say it looks good from here.

All that having been said, feel free to call Weber. They would rather replace the whole thing than have you dissatisfied. Of course, I don't think you will be any happier with a replacement. It, too, will exhibit the same characteristics of mass production.

[chris101]

I have had a replacement BBQ sent to me and attached you can see more or less the same imperfections that was on the 1st one they sent me.

Also this time on the lid there is a scratch that feels rough when i put my finger over it.

I am happy to keep it but my worry is over time the weather will get to these areas of concern (the bbq will be kept in the garden all year round).

What do you all think I should do?

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[1buckie]

One thing that will help is to always use a suitable BBQ cover.....helps keep the weather at bay.......

Another thing you could maybe do is get a can of high-heat (1600~2000f) CLEAR spray paint from an auto parts store & blocking the un-affected areas, spray over the small exposed metal areas so they're protected from moisture...........

Other than that, I would say fire up & start cookin' !!!

I do....





Folks seem to like it..



They get dirty & worn, just do your best to clean & clear the cooker from time to time & it won't look like mine !!!

[pbe gummi bear]

Chris, I would just leave it and start cooking. The Weber finish and steel is quite robust. You can leave a little oil on it to curb the porcelain, and even touch them up with nail polish/paint if you are inclined. The bowls have a 10 year warranty on them as well should you have problems down the road.