Weber 26" Issues

[amr5152]

Hi all,

After months of debating, I finally got a Weber 26"​ Kettle to supplement my 22" Kettle (both with Slow n' Sears, of course ). However, I noticed something that I think is an issue and I'd like to hear all of your advice about it.

Below are 2 pictures of where the lid holder connects to the grill.



I'm fairly confident that I installed this correctly per the directions, but this doesn't look right. Obviously the washer isn't snug on the grill, and it also looks like the grill itself chipped a little bit after tightening the nut inside. Does anyone else have this issue with their 26", or did I do something wrong? Honestly, I have to think it's not a huge deal either way, but I can't help but be somewhat bothered by it. There's currently a tiny amount of smoke leaking from the holes, but I imagine it will stop after a few cooks.

Some part of me wants to remove the lid holder altogether and plug the holes using a bolt, nut, and 2 better washers. But, I'm not the most handy person so that gives me pause. I don't really use the lid holder anyway -- I always put the lid gently on the ground and try to trap as much heat within it as possible.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks!

[kmhfive]

I don’t have a 26, so I’m not sure how it’s supposed to fit, but I’d say the small amount of smoke escaping won’t have much impact on the cook. You could always call Weber. They seem responsive.

[Kweekley]

[jecucolo]

I would think I would snuggle up tight to the kettle. I don't have one but doesn't look right.

[Kweekley]

I can’t remember how it went together, but this is what mine looks like

[Huskee]

Is that just one side or both? I wonder if a dab of high heat silicone would help secure it. I honestly don't remember if it's supposed to be a formed washer or if they're loose like that when new until grease & soot secure them naturally or what, but can you just use that roller to hold it here, I believe that's what I did?

Mine's tight for what it's worth.

[HouseHomey]

Wow. What's all the fuzz on your kettle.

[Huskee]

HouseHomey Not entirely sure although science has tried to explain it, I'm still skeptical. Just like mosquitoes it just comes back every year.

[David Parrish]

WHITE MOLD! Don't worry... a high heat burn will get rid of it.

[RonB]

I'm with you - when I buy something new, I want it to be right. Having said that, I don't think it will cause any problems as is. Have you tried tightening the nuts on the inside again?

As I see it, you have 4 options:
1 - Leave it as is.
2 - Call Weber and ask for help.
3 - Remove the lid holder altogether and replace with ss bolts, washers, and nuts. (Should be very easy.)
4 - Add enough ss washers to the inside of the kettle to snug it up on the outside. (Should also be very easy.)

[amr5152]

Ugh... based on all of the pictures, I think what happened was I over-tightened the nuts *facepalm*. I say this because all of the pictures above suggest that the washer should be held tight against the grill with the little ridges on on lid holder.

RonB, I'm liking option #3, so I think I'm going to go with that. Thanks!

Does anyone know off the top of their head what size bolts, nuts, and washers I should get?

[RonB]

If you are not sure, take the nut that holds the bottom of the lid holder with you and get something similar or a bit smaller - as long as the washers will cover the hole, you should be OK.

[DWCowles]

I’m with you it doesn’t look right.

[JimLinebarger]

Yes, looks like over tightened. Loosen and try to pull outside washer back through so the washer is between the dog ear crimp and the kettle base. Since the washer is deformed it might not work. Replace the washers and hand tighten inside nut and washer and then only tighten until it is secure and not wobbling. If you can't get the old washer out just replace it with a new one and consider the old washer bling. I just made sure the lid holder was just tight enough not to flop around when used on my 22.5" Master Touch.

[HouseHomey]

Wow. I always use my lid holder. It's a fantastic feature.

I'm not handy either. I feel you. You got this!

[Attjack]

Yeah I think the lid holder is great especially since the lid on the 26 it pretty heavy. It almost operates like a hinge. My only complaint about the lid holder is that that bolts and nuts protrude far into the kettle and interfere with my Arteflame and the stock grate a little.

[Polarbear777]

After I got sick of those bolts being in the way on the inside I hit them with the angle grinder to shorten them up. Not in the way anymore.

[bardsleyque]

my lid holder is just a hook on the inside of the lid,must be an older unit,kinda like me....

[amr5152]

Problem solved, I believe. Won't be able to tell for sure until I use it and confirm there's no smoke leak, but I'd be shocked if there was.



Hard to tell because of the flash, but the nuts, bolts, and washers are all black, so they blend in nicely.

I also feel compelled to show a pic of the results of my first cook with it, despite the issues...

[JeffJ]

I would definitely focus on getting it right than forgoing the lid holder altogether. The lid for the 26 is heavy and the holder is very convenient.