Walt's Corner

Every now and then, Weber puts out an exclusive version of their iconic BBQ Kettle.

Years ago, I was skeptical of kettle BBQs. I looked down on them. I saw them as a beginners’ grill. I was way past a beginner. I skip-shifted to what I viewed as the higher grills and smokers.

However, after seeing Malcolm from HOW TO BBQ RIGHT getting down on his trusty Weber my views started to change and I eventually picked up the cheapest model to check it out. I was so wrong. Pretty much after my first cook I upgraded to a Master-Touch model and gave away the other one.

Soon after I bought the high end Weber Performer Deluxe which is just their kettle mounted to a hefty cart and includes a gas-fueled lighter to get your coals lit.

I’ve smoked everything from my standard brisket and pork shoulders to the occasional chicken shawarma or gyro meat spikes. I even turned my old Master-Touch into a pizza oven.

I haven’t used my Old Country BBQ stick smoker in the last 2 years and anyone that knows me knows I’m constantly smoking brisket and pork shoulders. I need to sell it. Someone will be happy to get a deal on it.

I’ve even picked up some smaller versions of Weber’s kettle for camping, whether it’s just a couple wieners or burgers for the two of us (Smokey Joe) or something small but slightly bigger/capable than the Smokey Joe (Jumbo Joe). I also have a the small Weber Go Anywhere propane grill for those times when charcoal grilling is banned due to fire-restrictions in the forest.

Which brings me to my subject – The Star Spangled Kettle. Sold exclusively at the Walmart, I had mine delivered for $150. Just a standard low end BBQ kettle but with the red stripes on white background on the bowl and the lid is blue with white stars around the edges. Beautiful. But being the low end kettle, it lacks the advanced ash catcher though it still has the standard pan. Also missing from this tier of kettle is the build in thermometer. Regardless of the lack of features it is still a beautiful kettle and I wanted it.

I ordered a cart similar to the Performer cart, a (red, white and blue) thermometer to install in the lid, some handles for the three daisy wheel dampers son in the bowl, and Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System I have many of the inserts for this system on my Performer and wanted to have the same options available without having to swap grates.

End result turned out grate! I mean GREAT!

‘MERICA!