Weber Kettle vs. Weber Premium Kettle, what's the difference?

[Lost in China]

I'm headed back to the States next month. While there, I intend to pick up a Weber 22" kettle. I bought an off-brand 22" kettle here in China, but the Slow 'n Sear I got for Christmas doesn't fit. There is the Weber Kettle for $99 and the Weber Premium for $149. As far as I can tell, the Premium has some sort of wingy-dingy under the kettle? To collect the ash? I would look on the Weber official site for the specific difference, but both pages are "404 not found".

What's the difference between the two? Is it worth the extra fifty bucks? I'm not really worried about the cash because I'm buying this to keep, but there's no sense in wasting money. Both fit the SnS, right?

Moreover, the box the kettle comes in will be replacing one of my suitcases, so instead of having one suitcase of clothes and one suitcase of foods and other specialties from America, this time it's just going to be one bag and then the kettle. I suppose if I get the ordinary kettle it'll be lighter and I can cram some more stuff inside the box before resealing it for transport. I really load down with everything I can find before I come back. Tortillas, salsa, liquid smoke, sudafed, Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages (off-brand sucks!), deodorant, there's tons of stuff I can't get here. It's a sore loss, depriving me of one of my suitcases, but it's gotta be done. I WILL knock everyone's socks off when the SnS gets into operation.

[Nate]

One thing is the Premium comes with a hinged grate what will be extremely handy for use with the SnS. Then the ash catcher on the bottom is the other big difference. I would say it is worth the extra money. You would pay an additional $20 plus shipping to buy the hinged grate and there is major convenience with the pot to collect ash especially if it is breezy out. By the time you figure it in it is only probably a $25 difference for the pot.

David Parrish once told me that for the money you get the most bang for your buck with the premium... unless of course you want to spend considerably more and get the performer with the table and gas light $349-$399 depending on options.

[Lost in China]

Nope, the performer is too large and heavy to fit on the plane. The 22" grill box is under the allowed dimensions and weight to fit as a piece of checked luggage.

[Nate]

I would definitely go with the premium then!

[David Parrish]

Agree with Nate. Premium is the way to go. The hinged grate and ash pan are very nice features to have.

[JeffJ]

Get the Premium. It's definitely worth the extra $50.

[Mosca]

I don't have either, but just the ash collector would be worth the extra $50 to me. Once spent I would never miss the $50, but I would constantly wish I had an easier way to clean the ashes than that pan.

[Danjohnston949]

Lost in China, Amen to the Coments Above! Check into the Performer's, I believe there is one with Updated Grill with the Wings mentioned above and a Lift Out Center Section! It makes using your S 'n S easier! I have used 22 1/2" Weber Kettles for 45 Years and I will Flat Guarantee You Don't want one without the Ash Sweep and Collection Pan! The $99.00 Grill has a simple pan for Ashes and Embers and any kind of wind and??? Eat Well and Prosper! From Fargo ND, Dan Collection Pan!

[JeffJ]

The ash catcher has nice capacity. I can usually go 4 cooks before it's full.

[SEDBZZ]

Dan, thanks for the welcome on the other post. Question where did you get your baffle or did you make it? Thanks

[oldsteve]

Definitely the premium. You can fill the ash catcher with all the deodorant you'll ever need for a lifetime when you repack for your return trip!

[Medusa]

Here's the ash catcher under my $99 OTS...

http://www.amazon.com/Behrens-1210GS-10-Quart-Galvanized-Steel/dp/B000NNKWCU?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01

Of course, I had to spend 19.99 on the hinged grate separately, but I highly recommend that grate, and it sounds like the Premium would have you covered!

-- Ed