Hey guys I just picked up a second hand 22" kettle premium for $170. It came with a chimney starter and a grate hook.
It has never been used but looks like it sat out in the weather a little bit. The bottom of the grill has some hard water on it, what's the best way to shine it up? It's also got a couple spots of rust on the bottom grate, I'm guessing that doesn't matter much?
Is there any specific accessories you guys recommend like specific grate scrubbers etc? I did order a thermopro tp25 for keeping an eye on temps.
Thanks!
by oakleyguy89
14 Comments
Get a slow and sear. I have this same grill, and my main accessories are the slow and sear (standard) and the SNS cast iron griddle/drip pan. You NEED the hot and cool zones. You can definitely do a bro and sear. I’m going to get the slow and sear grates soon. Tip if you need basic accessories like tongs and a spatula go to home depot they have a 4 pack for like 20 bucks. I also recommend for charcoal go to sams club or Costco. And finally Wal-Mart has great accessories for cheap, that is where I get my fire starter and chimney. Enjoy
It’s beautiful.
That looks more like pollen/dust build-up. Did you try wiping it clean with a wet towel? I’d clean up the rust from the charcoal grate, but it’s not a huge deal.
For the kettle, the accessories I use are: a TipTopTemp (goes over the top vent to control airflow), a SkyFlame stainless steel heat controller (it’s a large charcoal ring, heat diffuser, and grate riser tabs), and an off brand vortex.
I also have a Slow n Sear stainless steel cook grate that replaced the stock one once it was pretty worn out.
Heat resistant gloves, baskets, disposable aluminum trays, and a grill cover. Without a cover, the grates will rust.
Congrats! Looks lovely.
The vortex is probably my favorite kettle accessory, and I have quite a few including the SNS.
Looks pristine. As for the hard water spots just give it a good wash with some dish soap, vinegar, water and a scotch pad, should shine right up. Rust doesn’t matter much, especially on the charcoal grate.
Accessories, just buy as needed. You have the most important one already, a chimney starter. Maybe baskets or charcoal rails. Good call on the thermometer, you need the remote capability with the probes for meat and ambient grate temp since the lid thermometer isn’t all that accurate.
Enjoy!
She’s a beaut Clark
Key accessories for me are the charcoal chimney, and the Onlyfire pizza oven/rotisserie attachment. Congrats and welcome to the kettle club! It’s the only grill I’ll ever use. It does everything.
Edit to add: And a vortex. Forgot about that one.
I’d try cleaning vinegar on those spots. Honestly, anything that works well cleaning glass should work.
As for accessories? My list would include stainless grates (I love Hunsaker basic grates with no flaps or inserts) and baskets. I always dump my chimney into baskets and then move the baskets where I want them when I’m grilling burgers or steaks, even for big cooks. Usually two baskets together off to the side for searing and then the rest of the grate is either a warming zone or indirect cooking zone. You can do everything from low and slow to vortex-style cooking with the baskets, and then decide if you want to invest in an actual Vortex or a Slow n’Sear. Even with a Slow n’Sear, I use my baskets a lot.
Keep in mind that the color on your kettle is applied over an existing black porcelain, so be mindful when you bank coals against the bowl for snake method or 2-zone cooking. Extreme heat can cause cracks. Not saying it will, but it can. So if protecting the finish is important to you, make sure you’ve got something between the coals and the bowl.
Hell yeah! Congrats! I agree with the slow n sear, 100%. Vortex is good too but SNS is my number one recommendation. Other than a good thermometer (a must) and the usual tools.
She looking good 😉 grab a chimney and heat-resistant gloves! And a pork tenderloin to break her in… probably the easiest cook/taste/for money ratio out there. At least here in New Hampshire!
Ya buddy! I’ve been rocking that same one for 8 years!
A good vinegar scrub will get rid of the hard water stains!
Very nice looking 22!