Question for Owners of an 18" Outrider or, SJ Platinum

[MacEggs]

Late last August, I picked up a beat-up and well used 18", "M" code Outrider.

According to @Winz, 1990 was the year that Weber introduced this model, both 14" and 18". Thanks for all of your research, Jeff!

I must admit, personally, I prefer the name Outrider over SJP.

Okay, to my question:

Does the lid on your Outrider (SJP) have a lid hook on the underside?

This one that I rescued does have a lid hook. With the lid bale system, it seems redundant to have a lid hook.

Thoughts, or insight?  @Craig Anybody?

[Winz]

I have a DR code SJP (2006, the last year of the SJP).  It does have a lid hook.


Additionally, I now believe that 1990 was the first year of the SJP (aka Outrider, aka Jumbo Joe) based on your kettle and a couple of other "M" codes that I have seen.  The Smokey Joe history page has been updated accordingly.


Winz

[MacEggs]

I have a DR code SJP (2006, the last year of the SJP).  It does have a lid hook.


Additionally, I now believe that 1990 was the first year of the SJP (aka Outrider, aka Jumbo Joe) based on your kettle and a couple of other "M" codes that I have seen.  The Smokey Joe history page has been updated accordingly.


Winz

Thanks for that, Jeff!  I changed it to 1990.  I must have remembered that Esquire article you sent me dated 1991.

I'm assuming that Weber used the same 18" lids that they used for an 18" kettle, which would explain the lid hook.

It goes against what one sees on a M/T, or a Performer where there is no lid hook because of the lid bale system.

[Dale Benson]

My EO code also has the lid hook.

[Craig]

I'll have to check mine when I get home. It's a DU code. 2002.

[Jeff]

My red EZ has the hook under the vent.

[jcnaz]

My N-code has a lid hook.

[Hogsy]

Mine is an M code and has the hook
It's also one of my favourite grills in my collection probably because of the cool faded black/ rat rod look it  has. It's also so versatile and always comes camping with me. Best thing is it cost me $5 and was found at a garage sale only one street away from me. I think it may of been used as a fire pit, I wonder if the high heat from the fire contributed to the paint fading as we don't see many faded blacks over here

[mike.stavlund]

My red EZ has a lid hook too.  Belt and suspenders I guess.  Or they just didn't want to make a special run of hook-less lids.

[MacEggs]

Belt and suspenders I guess.  Or they just didn't want to make a special run of hook-less lids.

I like that analogy.  Well said.

When I first got this unit, I thought maybe that the lid was from an 18" kettle.  Now, I can rest easy.

Thanks for everyone's answers and input.  Always appreciated. 

[jcnaz]

What year(s) was the name "Outrider" used for these kettles?

[MacEggs]

What year(s) was the name "Outrider" used for these kettles?

I was not aware of the term until I read @Winz history write-up of the SJ.

http://weberkettleclub.com/grills/weber-smokey-joe-history/

I believe it was the name used for both the 14" and the 18" in the early years of their existence.

[Craig]

That's a sweet use of a wok on that JJ/Outrider. @Hogsy


I've been thinking that we in the WKC need a term to distinguish old JJ's from new JJ's, maybe refer to them all  as "Outrider" ... sounds more fun than "SJP"

[MacEggs]

I've been thinking that we in the WKC need a term to distinguish old JJ's from new JJ's, maybe refer to them all  as "Outrider" ... sounds more fun than "SJP"

Yes, I agree. 

Once I get a zavandle on this dude, I plan on using it a lot … Hopefully for Low 'n' Slow. 

[tomatoandvinegar]

Mine is an M code and has the hook
It's also one of my favourite grills in my collection probably because of the cool faded black/ rat rod look it  has. It's also so versatile and always comes camping with me. Best thing is it cost me $5 and was found at a garage sale only one street away from me. I think it may of been used as a fire pit, I wonder if the high heat from the fire contributed to the paint fading as we don't see many faded blacks over here

It's weird to see what looks like a rudimentary Slow'N'Sear and Drip'n'Griddle on a post from 2015.

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