A week or so ago I came across this little beauty on eBay for a whopping $75! Originally I was happy to pay that just for the internal ash pan, but after finally receiving and opening it up this thing is actually pretty cool! I love the vintage literature and guide book.
If anyone else is interested I can post photos of the pages of the guide as its got some cool illustrations, accessories and details about the HC. Only date I could find anywhere was copyright 1981 on the cooking grate packaging...
For now here is the box opening and exploration of contents:
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC001.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC002.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC003.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC004.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC005.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC006.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC007.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC008.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC009.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC010.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC011.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC012.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC013.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC014.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC016.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC017.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC018.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC019.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC020.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC021.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC022.jpg)
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC023.jpg)
I was surprised that the lid was quite heavy but that the bowl seemed on the lighter side in comparison to a Weber kettle. The leg sockets are a little rough with a decent amount of weld spatter but overall the finish is quite nice with a good amount of peel. Fun bit of BBQ history anyways!
After doing a bit of research prior to purchase I had trouble finding any info about Happy Cooker Model Numbers so here is a clip from the instruction sheet for future reference:
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/HC015.jpg)
And typed so its searchable...
Standard Models:
HCS-1831 Black 18.5"
HCS-2231 Black 22.5"
Deluxe Models:
HC-1801 Black 18.5"
HC-2201 Black 22.5"
Deluxe Hinged Models:
HC-1881 Black 18.5"
HC-2281 Black 22.5"
HC-2284 FT Red 22.5"
HC-2285 Brown 22.5"
Hope you all had a great weekend,
Matt
That's pretty cool! I had no idea the HC had so many similarities to Weber.
And I knew nothing about the internal ashpan. I have picked up a couple of old Webers, thinking there was no ashpan - only to find it buried under caked-on ash.
Maybe this is why people thought it belonged inside.
Thanks for the write-up.
What a great find! A real time capsule. Thanks for the photos.
That wheel design is pretty cool
Wow, that's quite a piece of history right there. Great write up and detailed pics of the unit and supporting contents.
"no need to turn grill upside down"
That's why I love my red 18" HC
Quote from: OkieGirl on April 17, 2023, 03:12:18 AM
And I knew nothing about the internal ashpan. I have picked up a couple of old Webers, thinking there was no ashpan - only to find it buried under caked-on ash.
The HC internal ash pans are amazing! I wish Weber had picked up on the idea way back when. Now I use one every time I cook on a special kettle as it helps to keep all the mess and grease out of the lower vents. It doesn't catch 100% of the mess but reduces the amount of cleaning required significantly if you like to keep them looking nice. A nice little prize if you can snag a cheap-o HC off CL or Marketplace.
Quote from: 1spacemanspiff on April 17, 2023, 05:42:37 AM
That wheel design is pretty cool
(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/hcwheelb.jpg)
Almost looks like a little 4-spoke mag wheel!
Quote from: dazzo on April 17, 2023, 07:59:14 AM
"no need to turn grill upside down"
That's why I love my red 18" HC
The pan is such a smart idea, I just love using it! And that's cool you have an 18.5" - esp in red!
Just need a thin red striped wheel insert. (Hot Wheel Happy Cooker)
I wish those internal ash pans were more widely available. I've been looking for a Happy Cooker just for the opportunity to try it!
Great score and the internal ash pans are a must for daisy wheel bowl kettles.
Sent from my SM-S908E using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Quote from: 1spacemanspiff on April 17, 2023, 09:33:14 PM
Just need a thin red striped wheel insert. (Hot Wheel Happy Cooker)
Red Lines, wouldn't that be cool!
Quote from: dazzo on April 18, 2023, 07:14:55 AM
Quote from: 1spacemanspiff on April 17, 2023, 09:33:14 PM
Just need a thin red striped wheel insert. (Hot Wheel Happy Cooker)
Red Lines, wouldn't that be cool!
Would look awesome on your 18 HC!!!
Love those Happy Cooker internal ash pans any time I'm using a vintage 18/22 three-wheeler. I also use that heavy duty 22" HC cooking grate as a charcoal grate in my 26'er. The bars are closer together and the handles are convenient for shaking ashes from the SNSXL.
Beautiful find!
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