Upgraded my Kettle 22" to a Premium

[JDenver]

Last year when I bought my Kettle, I didn't see a good reason to spend $50 more on the Premium. Seemed to me like the simple bowl would be just as easy to use as the ash catcher. I clearly spent more time researching purchasing my PBC at the time. Now that I've joined the Pit and done more reading, I realized how much easier it is to use the guide holes to adjust the bottom vent. I also realized (too late) the Premium comes with the hinged grates. I imagine most folks on here already know all of this, but in case anyone came to the same realizations after their puchase like me, I thought I'd note that purchasing the ash catcher and installing it on my newer model Kettle was pretty much a snap! Now I have the hinged grate that I bought from Academy and I have the ash catcher that I ordered from ereplacementparts.com: http://www.ereplacementparts.com/ash...p-1477085.html. Ended up costing just a few dollars more than if I'd just bought the Premium in the first place.

[CeramicChef]

I had a 22" Performer Gold (I think?) until about a year ago. I've had Weber Kettles on and off for years. They are simply hard to beat and they last forever.

Congrats and kudos on the upgrades. You'll not be unhappy with your "new" Weber.

[Danjohnston949]

@Ceramic Chef, Good to see you Posting CC hope all is well! You are right about the Weber Grill!
From a Back Yard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[Jon Solberg]

Sweet! Nice upgrade

[Huskee]

I have a friend who's getting a kettle, and asked me if I think the extra $50 for the ash bowl is worth it. Trying not to be too pushy, I told him yes I do, it's very worth it. Not only do you get the bowl, but you get a better way to adjust and monitor your bottom vents. He's trying to talk himself out of the Premium though. Your post just confirms to me that it's better to just get the Premium.

[JDenver]

Totally worth it. I wish I'd done more reading in the Pit before making my Weber purchase, but at least it was easy to remedy.

[Danjohnston949]

Huskee,@JDenver,@CeramicChef,@Jon Solberg, Good Morning Gents! After over 40 Years of Owning Weber Kettles, the Same Wife and Driving Model T Fords, it Must Occur To You that I don't get the Need to Upgrade Often! But the Later Kettle Ash Pan and Vent Control are a Must Have in Spite of Expense!
This by a Tight Griller of Scotch Descent?
Eat Well and Prosper! From Fargo ND, Dan

[Nate]

This is good to know. I picked up a kettle for cheap off craig's list and am about to maybe get another... they are both originals for $20.... this would make a great mod... already picked up hinged grate at wal-mart

[Atalanta]

Thinking about doing that to the grill I'm rehabbing. Hmmmmm