Weber 22" Kettle Quality

[oldthor]

Bought a Copper 22" Premium Charcoal Kettle and was disappointed and quite surprised at how bad the build quality was. The kettle portion itself had a couple of bad quality issues. The legs would simply not slip into the mounting holes on the kettle due to what look like all kinds of flashing and finish residue. After a half hour of filing and tugging I managed to get the legs in about 3/4 of the way but not enough to where any of the locking buttons would engage. The second issue was one of the tabs that hold the charcoal grate was flat against the inside of the kettle and it was apparent it was done before the finish was applied, bent that up with pliers. The last issue was the kettle to cover engagement. The cover sits so rocky on the kettle that it leaks badly and is going to make it very difficult to regulate temperatures. I own three other Webers, a 18.5" smoker, a gas grill and a smokey joe and all have been perfect. I'm so disappointed in the overall quality that this will be my last Weber

[CeramicChef]

Call Weber Customer Service. Voice your frustrations. You've done a very good thing posting your frustrations and findings here. Lastly, you might consider taking it back to the retailer for a full refund.

It's truly sad when a manufacturer thinks it can cut corners without harming it's reputation. This is especially true with Weber. Theyve had a stellar reputation forever and now they pull this kind of crap.

[richinlbrg]

It could be a one off. Every manufacturer has an occasional out of box failure.

Doesn't make it less aggravating. The test is how they handle it. I'd give them a call and a chance to make it right.

[CeramicChef]

To have as many problems as oldthor had out of the box seems to indicate a systemic problem rather than a simple one off. QC at Weber needs to up their game!

[richinlbrg]

Respectively disagree, CeramicChef .

[Medusa]

oldthor,

In this case, I would call Weber CS as these issues are completely unacceptable!. Best case scenario would be a full refund from the retailer and a free replacement from Weber CS. Can't believe they would try to get away with such a POS. I've had my kettle for over a year and have had no issues since day 1 other than learning how to cook with it.

Good luck and let us know!

-- Ed

[Danjohnston949]

oldthor, I like the others think you should talk to the retailer you purchased your Weber from and Weber Customer Service! The outcome may surprise you! Eat Well and Prosper! From Fargo ND, Dan

[JeffJ]

When I received my 14.5 WSM for Christmas a year ago the top of the center ring was dinged and the lid wouldn't sit as a result. I called Weber customer service and they shipped me a new center ring free of charge. I wasn't even asked to package up the old ring and send it back (they asked me to email a picture of the problem, which I did).

It was probably a one-off screwup. This past spring we purchased a 22 for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day. Everything was up to snuff with it.

Within the last month David Parrish purchased a Performer and he proudly posted pics of it.

I would give them the chance to make the situation right. ALL companies, no matter how good, screw things up once in a while. What sets apart the truly good companies from the rest is how they resolve problems such as yours.

[lemayp]

I've only had my 22 for a couple months and didn't have any issues with the quality either. I do use the binder method shown on the sns website to seal the lid better while smoking.

[Max Good]

I've been to Weber's Palatine facility and can attest their QC is excellent. And as others here have stated, if a Weber customer complains, they respond quickly. Weber values their stellar reputation. Sounds like the entire grill should be replaced.

[_John_]

Yeah I would have that thing replaced. The 2 times I have had to call them they just sent all new stuff, even when I bent my legs myself on accident.

[DWCowles]

I guess I'm just lucky because I have 4 Weber kettles and had no problems. Maybe yours was made on a Monday or a Friday 😊

[Huskee]

I too luckily got a few Wednesday kettles.

[JeffJ]

I've been happy with every Weber product I've ever owned.

[FLBuckeye]

In my experience, Weber customer service has been excellent. I have 2.5 WSM's, 3 22" kettles and an 18" kettle. Have had to call them directly for parts not listed (legs that I screwed up, not their fault). I have owned Weber's for decades (as did my father) and I LOVE their products. That being said, the SnS has made my Weber that much better of a cooking platform. Have done 20+ cooks with the SnS and absolutely love the versatility of my kettle now. Smoke, grill, sear whatever, it's all good

[oldthor]

I appreciate all the replies. I too have three other Weber grills and have been extremely happy with the quality and durability . My gas grill is about 12 years old and still going strong even while sitting out on the patio and enduring all the tough New England winters without a hic-up. That is why I was so surprised with all the apparent defects of my latest Weber purchase. Well I managed to fix the charcoal grill grate holding tabs by bending them and while the legs still won't engage the lock buttons at all they appear to be stable enough so I threw on my newly arrived Slow and Sear yesterday and cooked some ribs on it. So far so good, the ribs were awesome. I will take the time to contact Weber Customer Service and maybe send a picture or two and I think as an encouragement to do better in the future I'll let them know I've documented my experience here. I am no way saying that ALL Weber grills are defective just my sample of one which is all I can review, your experience may be much different than mine and I hope it is. Well gotta go plan my next cookout!