" The Happy Cooker " The Truth

[nvandyke]

There's a grill for sale near me that's advertised as  "weber style grill".  Can anyone identify if this is a Happy Cooker?  Or what other brand it may be?

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/for/d/weber-style-kettle-charcoal/6727482538.html

[JEBIV]

There's a grill for sale near me that's advertised as  "weber style grill".  Can anyone identify if this is a Happy Cooker?  Or what other brand it may be?

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/for/d/weber-style-kettle-charcoal/6727482538.html

Definitely a Happy cooker with the coveted internal ash pan go get her quick @nvandyke

[brewtownbeatdown]

'Tis a Weber with a Happy Cooker, or Sears IAC.  Could be a Sears kettle(?).  HC's wood handles were only double rivet, not single screw (as pictured).  HC's aluminum dampers were stamped flat with small tabs only.  Wheels woulda been rubber tread if it were a wood handled HC. 


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[brewtownbeatdown]

Can anyone identify if this is a Happy Cooker?  Or what other brand it may be?

Looking at the IAC, I'm pretty positive that it's a Sears kettle.  The IAC is smooth, whereas the HC pan had "waves" in 'em. 


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[TexasOnion]

Happy cookers have 3 side strap's to hold the grates

[greenweb]

Yep! I am 100% sure it is a Sears kettle.  brewtownbeatdown is correct on all accounts. TexasOnion is also correct with 3 grate straps instead of 4 on Weber kettles except another version of Weber made for Sears economy kettle without any grate straps and no IAC. HC lid vent, I think is SS and not aluminum like Weber. They are smaller in diameter and duel tabbed. Double rivet HC wood handle shape is different too.

[Keith UK]

Finally finished restoring mine.  Thanks @Keith UK for the info/pics.

Found 'er looking like this:


Got 'er looking like this:


My family:


What a great job!  I'm jealous, how did you do it?  It's better than new.

Keith

The control knob is indeed a wooden ball painted black black but most of the colour has worn off now.

After sanding the weathered knob, I couldn't bring myself to paint it black, so:


My brown HC pedestal came from the factory that way, so I feel ok going that route.




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[1911Ron]

Another version of the Happy Cooker. This is how i got it and the start of cleaning it

[brewtownbeatdown]

Another version of the Happy Cooker. This is how i got it and the start of cleaning it

That should clean up nicely.  It looks like someone got carried away with the black spray paint (white wheels & pedestal "settings" decal painted over).


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[brewtownbeatdown]

What a great job!  I'm jealous, how did you do it?  It's better than new.
Keith

Thank you.  I'm the jealous one.  You've had yours since it was new and put all the miles on it.



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[GermanTex]

I know this is an old thread but I did not want to open a new one. Is this a happy cooker as well? Is or was for sale in the area.
https://www.letgo.com/en-us/i/bbq-grill_f4db8b75-96d4-47ae-ae27-628a2593da8e

[Cellar2ful]

I know this is an old thread but I did not want to open a new one. Is this a happy cooker as well? Is or was for sale in the area.
https://www.letgo.com/en-us/i/bbq-grill_f4db8b75-96d4-47ae-ae27-628a2593da8e

Yes, that it is a charcoal Happy Cooker with a hinged lid.  Looks to be in really good condition and the price is good too.