The Weber Kettle is a popular start for many BBQer's who long for the charcoal flavour from when man first dragged himself out of the primeval SMOKE and first cooked FOOD on FIRE and discovered BBQ.
The Weber Kettle is an icon in BBQ history in Australia and in its birthplace in the US.
When you buy a Weber you still get good honest quality and customer service which is just like they used to deliver back in the good old days.There are not many products and brands which have such a strong heritage and still deliver to that promise.
Why is this important when you want to buy a BBQ? When people talk about how good a Weber is, there are very good reasons.
"In 1952 George Stephen Sr. was working at Weber Brothers Metal Works in Chicago, Illinois, manufacturing marine buoys when he came up with an idea for a better grill. His invention: a dome-shaped grill with a lid to protect food from the elements, while sealing in that only-from-the-grill barbecue flavor.
George Stephen cut a buoy in half, added some air vents and legs and, in the process, invented the grill that would spark a backyard revolution." ref: weber.com
"Introduced and distributed in Australia by Ross McDonald in 1978, Weber has established a strong foothold in the Australian BBQ market and for good reason. Positive word-of-mouth was established very early on with Ross McDonald himself, taking the Weber Kettle to new customers’ home, building the Weber Kettle and showing them how to cook with the product and putting that famous Weber flavour into peoples’ mouths.
By showing customers how the product was used he showcased the best aspect of the Weber barbecue – how well it cooks. Ross was able to show how to use and how to experience success with the Kettle product every time. Even today this first impression is not lost; Weber Australia includes a copy of “The Complete Australian Barbecue Kettle Cookbook” with every single Weber Kettle sold." ref http://www.thebbqshop.com.au
How much should I pay for a Weber Kettle?
1) Nothing! - You will be surprised how many people have found Weber Kettles on the kerb during council clean-ups and after a clean they are good as new.
2) $1-$100 - ebay and Gum tree are great places to pick up a second hand Kettle cheap.
3) List price - NEVER! haggle! A new Kettle can start from a few hundred dollars upwards
What can I cook?
This is one flexible cooker.
If you have a second hand Kettle buy a second hand copy of The Complete Australian Barbecue Kettle Cookbook for as low as $15 on ebay.
The BBQ Pit Boys are big fans of the Kettle. Have a look at their site and the wide range of foods they cook. http://bbqpitboys.com/
Don't forget to goto the recipe and charcoal sections in this forum for some great examples of food cooked on the Kettle.
What sort of fuel does it use?
Heat Beads are very popular. http://www.heatbeads.com.au/. In Australia Weber Kettle and Heat Beads are a famous combo. The best buy is the 16KG box (4 x 4kg bags) from Bunnings for around $20. Don't buy the bags from the supermarket who will charge you $10 for a 4KG bag. People like using heat beads as they are consistent in the way they burn.
People also like to use lump charcoal. There are many types which add a distinctive flavour to the food.
How do I start a Weber?
Weber has a very good web site. Go to mastering the basic 2. Charcoal http://www.weber.com/weber-nation/g…astering-basics
For a slow cook the Aussie way is called the snake.
Have a look at these Beef ribs!
Here's a great tutorial from Urban Griller about how to low and slow on the Weber.
Using a kettle to cook Low and Slow
So get yourself a Weber Kettle today. Many people have started with a Weber to learn the finer points of charcoal cooking before adding to their BBQ collection such as Kamado, Pellet, Smoker etc.
Very few people regret getting a Weber Kettle and many have fond memories of cooking up great meals, having their friends compliment on the great flavour, taste and good times.
Haven't bought one yet????
Watch this. The Weber Kettle signature dish is roast pork and the great crackling.