Best gasket for Weber Kettle 26"

[WillieMac]

Hi, folks. Thoroughly enjoying my 26" Weber kettle and Slow 'n Sear, but way too much leakage despite placing clips all around - so, time for that gasket. Anyone with a 26 who's used the WEBER KETTLE GASKET KIT 22.5 - 26.75 LAVALOCK? (https://bbqsmokermods.com/oem-smoker...ckr-brand.html). Thoughts?

[Steve R.]

Maybe the bowl, lid or both are out of round? Try fixing that first. It will cost nothing.

[HawkerXP]

Yes, lay lid on a level surface. See if it is touching the surface all the way around or if it rocks. If not solid, give it a gentle squeeze on the sides that aren't touching the surface.

[Steve R.]

A garage floor works great for checking to see if there is any rocking.

[Jerod Broussard]

Pretty sure I put my gasket on the lid. It has a better lip. Bear hugging and clips didn't do what a gasket does. Clean well for proper adhesion.

[coupster]

On my 22", I put the gasket on the lid, as Jerod said it's got a better lip. And I still on occasion (windy) use the binder clips. Then its SEALED.

[Mark-B]

Never really understood the obsession with "leakage", strictly speaking of cookers of course 😂. I have many Weber kettle styles and it seems after they are seasoned nicely, they don’t really leak anyway. If they do, I’ve never noticed or cared. They all perform great too. I wouldn’t worry about a little smoke escaping. Just relax and cook awesome meat product on your 26r.

[Jerod Broussard]

When the temps spike like crazy when cooking overnight, it jacks up your cook time. I never used gaskets until I needed them. Now I can really relax.

[zinfella]

I've never had need for a gasket either, BUT, I learned long ago that other folks sometimes have problems that I've not experienced.

[Polarbear777]

Any gasket really on the lid lip. Works well. No need for clips. I put gaskets on every smoker. Helps the PBC quite a bit etc.

[StrikeBBQ]

I think you can buy that Lavalock gasket for a lots less. I don’t use a gasket, does it make a big difference?

[Attjack]

I use this one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TAJW0QE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Troutman]

Downside with gaskets is overtime they get saturated with the tar from the smoke. I got tired of scraping and replacing, forget about it. My 26” leaked but eventually sealed itself with all the gunk buildup. I run a fan controller on mine and get rock solid temps.