How to Use a Weber Kettle
Charcoal grills have become a fixture in the back yards of many homes around the country. While many companies produce charcoal grills, the original and most imitated design is the barbeque kettle, designed by George Stephen Sr. in 1951 and sold by the Weber-Stephen Products Co., better known simply as Weber. With a simple, efficient design, the Weber kettle is easy to use and maintain. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Weber kettle
- Hard-bristled grill brush
- Charcoal
- Lighter fluid
- Long-handled matches
- Basting brush
- Paper towels
- Cooking oil
Instructions
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1
Assemble the Weber kettle. Make sure the box contains all the parts before you begin assembly. Parts will be listed in the owner's manual. Follow the assembly instructions in the manual.
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2
Take the top off and remove the top grill. Pour charcoal into the kettle and arrange. To grill with direct heat, arrange the charcoal into a pyramid-like pile in the center of the bottom grill. Bank the charcoal on either side of the bottom grill to use indirect heat. Cooking with indirect heat will take longer than direct heat.
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3
Pour lighter fluid onto the coal pile or banks. Apply fluid evenly and lightly throughout the charcoal and allow it to soak in for 30 seconds. Use the long-handled match to light the charcoal, starting several small fires along the bases. Stand back for a bit and let the charcoal burn.
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4
Allow the flames to die down and smolder in the coals, and wait until the briquettes are mostly or completely covered in white ash. This burning away of the charcoal surfaces will burn away the lighter fluid and keep the cooked food from having a petroleum flavor. Apply a light coating of cooking oil to the top grill with a brush or oil-soaked paper towel, and place the top grill back into the kettle, before adding the food to be grilled.
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Clean the grill regularly, especially following heavy use. Remove the ash-catcher and empty it before it gets full. Scour the grill surface with a hard-bristled brush to remove burnt or melted on foods. Store your kettle in the garage or under a canvas to protect it from weather corrosion.
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Tips & Warnings
Place water-soaked wood chips onto the hot charcoal briquettes to add smoke flavor to your grilled foods.
All kettle surfaces will be very hot during cooking. Use hot pads or oven mitts to protect your hands while handling kettle parts.
