Interested if anyone has one and how they’ve found it to use. I really like the idea of it for parties.
by Familiar-Guess-8624
14 Comments
Delco_Delco
Always wanted one. Was at a party before where a few succulent pigs were cooked on one. One day I’ll make my deck bigger and buy one
ettonlou
Let me start with I don’t have one, nor do I want one. Too big. Takes up a lot of space. Not practical unless you’re always cooking for a crowd, or you’re a collector and it’s the missing piece.
I know there are some videos on YouTube comparing the 26″ kettle and the Ranch kettle. You may want to check out some of those videos.
Earth-Sauce918
I want one so bad. The only problem is that I rarely ever host parties or anything of that type at my place. I can’t justify spending that type of money for a grill I’ll maybe use twice a year.
brentemon
Too big in my opinion unless you exclusively cook for large parties. I never cook for more than 10 people, but my 22″ does just fine with some apps and batch cooking. I’ve never used one, but I feel like it’s too much space to effectively heat for a simple family cook. Though I guess size doesn’t matter if you only direct grill.
26″ is probably the sweet spot though if you’re not interested in all the accessories that are made for the 22″. Not too big that you can’t use it for a family dinner, but not so small that you’d have to rely on a lot of batch cooking.
Low_Transportation36
As others have said, it just isn’t practical for use unless you cook for large gatherings regularly. I know someone who bought one maybe 6-7 years ago. It’s been used probably less than 10 times since. Very few times will the average joe need more grill space than the 26″.
Think of it this way. A sledge hammer is bigger than a framing hammer but isn’t very practical if I am just doing everyday stuff like hanging a picture on a wall.
mkejdo
I have one. Bought it used, for about half price. Reportedly only used once. I’ll use it for parties or meal prep, but it uses too much charcoal for day to day use. I very much enjoy cooking on it, but fuel consumption is a thing, and the lid makes a lot of noise unless you are mindful about opening and closing it.
It is great at indirect cooking and since it has three lower vents and the large central top vent it gets great airflow and can produce incredible bark. It definitely is a conversation starter with people who aren’t familiar with the Weber line of products.
Capamerica88
Too expensive for what it is. You could buy 2 26” and still come out half the price.
Environmental_Law767
HAve you ever stood next to one? They’re freaky HUGE. Watch some yootoobies on the topic to see how much fuel they require to do minimum cooks or to max it out for a big bash. But that’s the question I must ask myself for any and all new cooking tools: Will I use it? (related: Where will it be stored?):
Pitmaster4Ukraine
Great machine to work with. Holds pot and pans while smoking and grilling meat.. 😍
Nedstarkclash
Go for it, post pics. We will celebrate you!
gloe64
Over priced. I have the 26 inch, and it’s has plenty of space.
grillntech
If you neeeed the space it’s unbeatable. If not the master touch is the better grill.
WaldoDeefendorf
Steve Raichlen used to cook a lot on a ranch kettle. Check some of his videos. Also check out the Whalen King Kettle. It was a Weber Ranch knock off. I saw one at a jobsite I was at years ago and it was every bit as solid as a Ranch.
Jkingsle
always have wanted one, but in reality would probably only need something this size 1-2x / year…. so two kettles will suffice.
14 Comments
Always wanted one. Was at a party before where a few succulent pigs were cooked on one. One day I’ll make my deck bigger and buy one
Let me start with I don’t have one, nor do I want one. Too big. Takes up a lot of space. Not practical unless you’re always cooking for a crowd, or you’re a collector and it’s the missing piece.
I know there are some videos on YouTube comparing the 26″ kettle and the Ranch kettle. You may want to check out some of those videos.
I want one so bad. The only problem is that I rarely ever host parties or anything of that type at my place. I can’t justify spending that type of money for a grill I’ll maybe use twice a year.
Too big in my opinion unless you exclusively cook for large parties. I never cook for more than 10 people, but my 22″ does just fine with some apps and batch cooking. I’ve never used one, but I feel like it’s too much space to effectively heat for a simple family cook. Though I guess size doesn’t matter if you only direct grill.
26″ is probably the sweet spot though if you’re not interested in all the accessories that are made for the 22″. Not too big that you can’t use it for a family dinner, but not so small that you’d have to rely on a lot of batch cooking.
As others have said, it just isn’t practical for use unless you cook for large gatherings regularly. I know someone who bought one maybe 6-7 years ago. It’s been used probably less than 10 times since. Very few times will the average joe need more grill space than the 26″.
Think of it this way. A sledge hammer is bigger than a framing hammer but isn’t very practical if I am just doing everyday stuff like hanging a picture on a wall.
I have one. Bought it used, for about half price. Reportedly only used once. I’ll use it for parties or meal prep, but it uses too much charcoal for day to day use. I very much enjoy cooking on it, but fuel consumption is a thing, and the lid makes a lot of noise unless you are mindful about opening and closing it.
It is great at indirect cooking and since it has three lower vents and the large central top vent it gets great airflow and can produce incredible bark. It definitely is a conversation starter with people who aren’t familiar with the Weber line of products.
Too expensive for what it is. You could buy 2 26” and still come out half the price.
HAve you ever stood next to one? They’re freaky HUGE. Watch some yootoobies on the topic to see how much fuel they require to do minimum cooks or to max it out for a big bash. But that’s the question I must ask myself for any and all new cooking tools: Will I use it? (related: Where will it be stored?):
Great machine to work with. Holds pot and pans while smoking and grilling meat.. 😍
Go for it, post pics. We will celebrate you!
Over priced. I have the 26 inch, and it’s has plenty of space.
If you neeeed the space it’s unbeatable. If not the master touch is the better grill.
Steve Raichlen used to cook a lot on a ranch kettle. Check some of his videos. Also check out the Whalen King Kettle. It was a Weber Ranch knock off. I saw one at a jobsite I was at years ago and it was every bit as solid as a Ranch.
always have wanted one, but in reality would probably only need something this size 1-2x / year…. so two kettles will suffice.