Sticky Vent

[Charles Howse]

Hello All! the top vent on my Weber Original Kettle 22" is very difficult to turn.
Is there a way to loosen it up a little that doesn't involve a "non-food grade" substance like WD40?
Or is that kind of stuff ok to use on my kettle?

 

[Mark Foreman]

Get the kettle hot then rotate the vent back and forth.

 

[Mike Freel]

Like Mark implied, it is most likely a residue build up from the smoke. Rotating it while hot will probably dislodge the residue. Also a good cleaning from the top and bottom sides helps free up my vents.

 

[Chris Allingham]

Vinegar will help loosen gunk under the vent and is food safe. Combine vinegar and heat and you'll be good to go.

 

[Timothy F. Lewis]

The vinegar is a great suggestion, a few drops on the vents and let it penetrate a bit, I might lay a paper towel dampened with vinegar on the vent and then put a wet towel on to keep it as moist as possible. Then work it back and forth and maybe put a drop of mineral oil on it.

 

[Charles Howse]

Chris and Timothy, thanks for the info, I'll do that. Got a big cook coming up this week!