Worth getting an older kettle (1989)?

[adamthemute]

Hey there, I'm planning on checking out a 1989 Weber kettle, apparently brand new in box (with some water damage maybe).

Dimensions state 24x24x15, so I'm assuming it's a 22" grill area?

Are these older grills built better or thicker than current models? Thanks!

[bamakettles]

Welcome to the club. If it’s an interesting color kettle, then I would say absolutely yes. Otherwise, not a huge difference in my opinion except for not having a taco handle which I’m not a huge fan of anyway. I’ve read where people weigh the old ones and the new ones and there’s not much difference, but some people swear that the older ones are thicker and heavier. Good luck, scoring it!


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[michaelmilitello]

Welcome to the club.  I’ll only add that older kettles have aluminum legs and chromed triangles.   The newer ones have plated legs that cannot be refinished.   New triangles are painted.  The ash bucket is definitely preferred over ash pans. 

Weber has made kettles easier to use and clean up ash, but you won’t find much difference in how olde or new  cook.   


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[magic mike]

Seems to me the finishes were applied thicker on the older kettles. Newer colored kettles are the absolute worst - all of them - as I believe Weber applies the colored finish over the top of a finished black porcelain base.  Pretty evident on my Ivory MT.

[michaelmilitello]

I believe you are correct.  Older kettles do have thicker porcelain, but I think it’s very inconsistent.   As far as I know, colored kettles have always had a black first coat. 


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[Foster Dahlet]

I believe you are correct.  Older kettles do have thicker porcelain, but I think it’s very inconsistent.   As far as I know, colored kettles have always had a black first coat. 


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Yes,  as far as I know, black coat 1st, then new color applied.  I will say that I have two 70s kettles, a 2016, and a 2019.  There's no real noticeable difference in weight or quality for me.  I'm still amazed that the price is as low as they are for an OKP, given how long they last, even as daily drivers. Grill on, my friends.

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