Gasket question

[Angryfish]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but has anyone tried putting a gasket under the Webber kettle lid?
What were the results?

[Spinaker]

I put one on mine, it works well. I would suggest a "rope-style" gasket.

I went with the 1/4", you really don't need more than that.

[WillTravelForFood]

Have read a gasket can help with minimizing smoke leakage around the edges.

Have also heard (and tried) using two giant binder clips to similar effect, no gasket required.

[FireMan]

When I had mine I used two binder clips strategically placed, did the job. Acquiring my SnS two years ago solved the clip situation.

[Panhead John]

+1 on the SNS Kettle, they don’t leak.

[radiodome21]

I too can attest to this as an SNS owner because I didn’t know this was a thing because I’ve never seen it.

[Mosca]

I tried the binder clips like FireMan that didn’t work for me. I added a felt gasket. I tried just doing the bottom, but I wound up having to do both top and bottom. But I think if you follow Spinaker’s advice and go with the rope gasket you could just do one or the other.

[Purc]

This is my second kettle. I've had my Master Touch Kettle for at least 5+ years. I have some leaks, no big deal and I have tried the large binder clips and they were a pain to keep on and I really didn't see the need. Well last week after a major cleaning, I installed Fire Black High Heat 1/2x1/8 gasket by Island Outdoors ordered from Amazon. I put it on the lid. Very easy, hard part was cleaning the lip of the lid after 5+ years of use. I plan to smoke ribs on the kettle with the SnS next week. I'll follow up after the smoke. When putting the lid on the kettle, that distinctive Weber Kettle noise was very muffled. I miss that noise. Stay tuned.

[Steve R.]

I think that would be like tongs that didn't make a clicking noise. Not a fan.

[Angryfish]

I know what you mean. That sound is like a dinner bell.

[efincoop]

Like Purc I went through the cleaning process after many years of use. For me it was more work than it was worth. Not only was the sound gone, but I feel like the lid shifts easier and I have to fuss to get to sit right. If it is having an effect on your ability to hold temps, I would recommend trying the binder clips. Then consider the gasket if needed.

[HawkerXP]

Another for binder clips for long cooks. I use 3.

[HawkerXP]

Keeps the dogs from stealing the meat!

[Angryfish]

I bought some of the felt gasket for the new pit barrel and there is enough left to do the kettle.
Therefore I shall. I will need to split it down the center though.

[McFlyfi]

I put a felt gasket on my Weber, and the performance was worse. I ended up taking it off and using binder clips.

[Angryfish]

How interesting!
Worse because it leaked more air?

[McFlyfi]

Yes- it went from leaking just a little to leaking a lot. And then the binder clips wouldn't hold. So switched to just binder clips. No leaks.

[RichieB]

I use binder clips, 4 if needed. Works OK. Thing is 2 of them don't bind as they used to. Spring must worn out a bit. I'll replace them.

[bbqLuv]

I blew a gasket trying to figure that out, but then I realized I'm a pellet head anyway.

[Panhead John]

As someone who has both SNS and Weber Kettles [the 3 legged type] I can say without a doubt that the SNS Kettle is superior to the comparable Weber Kettle in many ways. My SNS kettle does not leak any smoke at all through the lid where it fits against the bowl. The lid and bowl of the SNS fits tight and is heavier than the Weber bowl and lid. In addition to the superior build quality, the SNS also has several features the Weber doesn’t offer. I’m not knocking the Weber, but the SNS is definitely the superior kettle in the marketplace. Personally, if I was in the market for a kettle grill and was choosing between the Weber or the SNS, I’d choose the SNS all day long….

[Angryfish]

Thanks Panhead.
When the time comes to replace the Webber (It’s relatively new) I will strongly consider the SnS, But for now , making the best of what I have is the goal.

[Panhead John]

For sure, I’d do the same thing, try to stop the leak. I mentioned this in case anyone was in the market, they should give the SNS a look. Good luck with it and let us know what worked for you. 👍

[Spinaker]

I will add that leaks on a kettle are pretty normal, and I really do not think it matters that much. I put the one on my kettle cause I could, not cause I really needed too.

[texastweeter]

Lots of good que made over the years on stock kettles all around the world.

[Spinaker]

Damn right. texastweeter

[Angryfish]

Pretty sure that’s my same motivation

[Steve B]

I have a 22” kettle, preformer, and 26” kettle and don’t use any gaskets or binder clips. Yes they all leak a bit but once you use your kettle enough you’ll understand how to run it without any “crutches” so to speak. It’s a great little cooker.

[Angryfish]

Yes it is, I love mine.

[briano52]

I have 7 cookers of differing modes and fuel choices. But I must say, I still love my Weber Kettle after 40 years of kettles and all manner of other cookers. The Weber kettle is the most versatile cooker of all time. I still smoke in it sometimes. What I have learned is that the little bit of air that seeps in between the lid and the base, is of little consequence. Even when I am smoking the fuel needs some air. So I adjust the top and bottom vents taking into account the leaking of air between the lid and base kettle. Even with the leaking, if I closed down the top and bottom vents, the fire would slowly go out. Therefore, there is no need for a better air seal between the kettle and the lid unless you need to choke off your fuel in a big hurry to save it for next time. Also, in rotisserie mode on the kettle, I close both the top and bottom vents. The air that seeps in under the lid is enough to keep the kettle running at rotisserie friendly temps.