Backyard SmokeMaster BBQ

The Ultimate Guide To Upgrading Your Weber Kettle

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Thinking about getting a Weber Kettle or already have one and want to unlock its full potential? You’re in luck! The Weber Kettle is a quintessential barbecue tool, and with the right accessories, you can transform your grilling experience from basic to extraordinary. The host of the Backyard Smoke Master Barbecue podcast, Kenyatta Robinson, recently shared his top picks for essential and game-changing upgrades for the Weber Kettle.

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    The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your Weber Kettle

    Thinking about getting a Weber Kettle or already have one and want to unlock its full potential? You’re in luck! The Weber Kettle is a quintessential barbecue tool, and with the right accessories, you can transform your grilling experience from basic to extraordinary. The host of the Backyard Smoke Master Barbecue podcast, Kenyatta Robinson, recently shared his top picks for essential and game-changing upgrades for the Weber Kettle.

    Basic Must-Have Accessories

    Before diving into advanced modifications, Kenyatta recommends a few fundamental accessories that every charcoal griller should own.

    • Charcoal Baskets: Most Weber Kettles come with two charcoal baskets, which are invaluable for organizing your charcoal and managing temperature control. These baskets give you versatility and help you avoid a “raging hot fire”. If your grill didn’t come with them, or if you’re looking for an upgrade, companies like Kick Ash make high-quality aftermarket baskets designed to maximize airflow.
    • Chimney Starter: To get your fire started quickly and cleanly, a chimney starter is a must-have. Using a fire starter, like Royal Oak Tumbleweeds, is a great way to ignite the charcoal without resorting to lighter fluid, which can give your food a “nasty taste”.
    • Heat-Resistant Gloves: Safety is paramount when dealing with high temperatures. Good heat-resistant gloves are essential for protecting your hands, whether you’re handling hot grates or moving charcoal.
    • Long Tongs: Long tongs are crucial for handling food and stray pieces of charcoal safely. They also have the added benefit of making you look “official” while grilling.
    • Instant-Read Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is vital for ensuring your food is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Kenyatta recommends digital models for a quick and accurate reading.
    • A Tool Caddy: Keeping your essential tools organized in a caddy makes it easy to grab everything you need at once.
    • An Apron: A good apron is essential for protecting your clothes from grease and splatters.

      • Game-Changing Mods and Upgrades

      Once you have the basics down, these next-level accessories can seriously enhance your Weber Kettle’s capabilities.

      • Slow ‘N Sear: This is a charcoal basket with a built-in water reservoir that allows you to cook low and slow, or achieve a high-temperature sear. It’s a “fantastic accessory” that adds incredible versatility to your kettle.
      • The Vortex: Shaped like a funnel, the Vortex allows you to concentrate heat in one area for high-temperature searing or to create a two-zone cooking environment. Kenyatta loves using it to make “super crispy wings”.
      • Hinged Grates: Upgrading to a hinged grill grate makes it easy to add more fuel or wood chunks without having to remove the entire grate.
      • Wireless Thermometers: For next-level temperature monitoring, a wireless thermometer is a great investment. Brands like Thermoworks and Fireboard offer probes that provide accurate internal and ambient temperature readings, which you can monitor from your phone or a separate display.
      • Rotisserie Attachment: Weber makes a rotisserie attachment for the Kettle that works exceptionally well for things like chicken.
      • Heat Deflectors: Using a heat deflector helps to stabilize temperatures for long, low-and-slow cooks. Weber offers a low and slow kit that includes a ring to contain charcoal and a heat deflector.
      • Temperature Control Systems: For the ultimate in hands-off cooking, a temperature control system like the Spider Grills Venom can turn your Kettle into a “computerized” cooker. These systems use a fan to regulate airflow and maintain a set temperature.

        • DIY Solutions

        Many grillers use creative do-it-yourself solutions to get the most out of their Weber Kettle.

        • Foil Pans: A simple foil pan can be used as a water pan for adding moisture during long cooks.
        • Bricks: You can use bricks to create a wall and divide your charcoal for a two-zone cooking setup, or for an extended low and slow cook.
        • Charcoal Storage: A small trash can or a plastic storage container can be used to store open bags of charcoal and protect them from the elements.

          • Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Weber Kettle’s versatility and the wide range of available accessories make it a fantastic choice for any barbecue enthusiast. By adding a few of these upgrades, you can take your grilling game to a whole new level.

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          Backyard SmokeMaster BBQBy Kenyatta T. Robinson