John-Peterson
TVWBB Fan
So, I've wanted a Ranch Kettle ever since I saw Steven Raichlen on BBQ University. He had one in the background, and used it a few times on the show. Although as cool as it would have been, it was very hard to justify the price. Last summer at a local garden house, who is a Weber dealer, I saw the 26". I thought this would be a nice grill to "settle for". I always eyed it up when we went into the store. After getting my WSM from my wife for fathers-valentines-birthday-sweetest-and any other day day, she had said that maybe close to summer, I could get the 26.
My justification, like I said in other posts, is that when I use my 22, I run out of room fast. I dont really have a "cold zone". I usually will cook burgers, brats, and hot dogs for the week for lunches. Theres usually alot on there at one time. Bottom line is like I said, I run out of room.
Knowing how much I wanted a Ranch Kettle, my wife decided to surprise me with one. Although, she couldnt keep the secret too long and told me about it. Needless to say I was prety happy
As a side note, being the dork that I am, I scoured the internet looking fo pictures of Ranch Kettles while awaiting its arrival. I came up pretty short, I found some but not many, so, heres my contribution to the internet. And what better place the TVWBB:
This is how it arrived from the freight company
I didnt think it weighed that much
Heres a 22" hinged grate on the box... it is really that big
22" hinged grate.... IN THE ASH PAN!!!!
The 22" hinged grate makes another appearance on the RK grates for comparison
I did have a problem with the wheels though. They sent 2 different types, with different date codes. Although they are both for a Ranch Kettle, with the same part number they are different. They come with the stupid grey covers like all the new Webers have, which I dont like. I acutally like the one with the white trim on it. Removal of the grey trim gave me a part number. Also the tread on the wheels is a little different, not a big deal, but I kinda have a small case of OCD. And for this much money... well you get the point. A quick call to Weber, and problem solved. They are sending me 2 new wheels. Heres some pics of the wheel difference
One of the wheels didnt come with the white trim ring. If it had, I might not have noticed.
I was also short, one 5/16 nut. Not the end of the world as I actually had one, well a lock nut, but its just one of those things.
Here it is, all assembled. It was pretty straight forward.
Here the link to my album with some more pics of packaging and etc.
Album Link
My justification, like I said in other posts, is that when I use my 22, I run out of room fast. I dont really have a "cold zone". I usually will cook burgers, brats, and hot dogs for the week for lunches. Theres usually alot on there at one time. Bottom line is like I said, I run out of room.
Knowing how much I wanted a Ranch Kettle, my wife decided to surprise me with one. Although, she couldnt keep the secret too long and told me about it. Needless to say I was prety happy
As a side note, being the dork that I am, I scoured the internet looking fo pictures of Ranch Kettles while awaiting its arrival. I came up pretty short, I found some but not many, so, heres my contribution to the internet. And what better place the TVWBB:
This is how it arrived from the freight company
I didnt think it weighed that much
Heres a 22" hinged grate on the box... it is really that big
22" hinged grate.... IN THE ASH PAN!!!!
The 22" hinged grate makes another appearance on the RK grates for comparison
I did have a problem with the wheels though. They sent 2 different types, with different date codes. Although they are both for a Ranch Kettle, with the same part number they are different. They come with the stupid grey covers like all the new Webers have, which I dont like. I acutally like the one with the white trim on it. Removal of the grey trim gave me a part number. Also the tread on the wheels is a little different, not a big deal, but I kinda have a small case of OCD. And for this much money... well you get the point. A quick call to Weber, and problem solved. They are sending me 2 new wheels. Heres some pics of the wheel difference
One of the wheels didnt come with the white trim ring. If it had, I might not have noticed.
I was also short, one 5/16 nut. Not the end of the world as I actually had one, well a lock nut, but its just one of those things.
Here it is, all assembled. It was pretty straight forward.
Here the link to my album with some more pics of packaging and etc.
Album Link
