Christmas in Ju...errr, August!

[LaTuFu]

So my summer long journey back to kettle ownership finally came to an end today.

I started looking for a new grill earlier this spring, thinking it was time to replace the gasser. I wound up rebuilding it instead. Good call for a number of reasons.

I had been using our camp Dutch oven a lot this spring on our camping trips, and it made me start thinking about charcoal cooking again.

That wound up leading me to this site during my research.

Almost immediately this group was extremely helpful in my quest. I discovered the magical 26r, and I suddenly realized I found my new grill.

@Indy82z was extremely helpful and friendly, willing to sell me a 26 for a great price. Unfortunately, the good folks at UPS and FedEx don't like these big kettles as much as we do. By the time we packed it up and shipped it, I could buy a new one for the same money. Tom, I greatly appreciate how much effort you took to try to help!

One of my customers is a Weber dealer, however, and he was more than happy to order a new 26 for me. They were back ordered, so I had to wait patiently.

In the meantime, I hooked up with @MartyG on a Maverick thermometer.

I went by the dealer today, and they rolled out my new baby from the back like they just delivered a child.



Here she is all snug in her crib.

I took it home, and my wife handed me a box that came in the mail:



Both toys on the same day! Woo hoo!

Unfortunately, I can't play with either one at the moment, so unboxing pics will follow later.

Can't wait to finally put her together and start cooking!

[MartyG]

Glad to see everything came together. I would not be able to wait to open the boxes! Nothing like a black 26er to impress family and friends. I would love a new one myself. What's first on the grate?

[indy82z]

Congratulations...you are going to love it!!! On a side note, keep the box...they are like gold...

Between that grill and that Maverick, you have lots of awesome meals ahead of you...

[Josh G]

Congratulations!  Such a fun day when they come home and you get to open that box.

[LaTuFu]

Glad to see everything came together. I would not be able to wait to open the boxes! Nothing like a black 26er to impress family and friends. I would love a new one myself. What's first on the grate?

Not sure yet! Maybe just keep it simple with some split breasts while I get the hang of temp control.

We bought a hog from a neighbor, I have a shoulder in the freezer that will definitely be going on it very soon. Possibly this weekend.

There's a lot of real estate to work with, that's for sure.

Looking at them online just doesn't do them justice at all.

[Idahawk]

That's the grillers grill right there IMO , plenty of room to set zones , use your cast iron and everything ! Congrats man and thanks again for the offer of your box enjoy that bad boy


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Matt_T]

Looking at them online just doesn't do them justice at all.

It really doesn't - welcome to the club that you will never want to leave.

Cheers -

[GregS]

congrats!  they are great, i love my 26. 

[LaTuFu]

It just got real...

[1911Ron]

Congrats on your new 26" I too have shared your joy at unboxing my new 26" super easy to put together and real easy to use plus it is real flexible!

[LaTuFu]

Yes, it was a lot of fun putting it together.

Tomorrow for the Maiden Voyage.

[pbe gummi bear]

@LaTuFu can I buy that box and packaging from you?

[LaTuFu]

Absolutely. Happy to pass it on.

[Lumpy Coal]

Very nice...26er for sure on my wish list.  Enjoy.