Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill (18-Inch, Black) Instruction Manual

1. Important Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety warnings before assembling or operating this grill. Failure to follow these instructions could result in fire, explosion, or burn hazard, which could cause property damage, personal injury, or death.

• For outdoor use only. Do not operate indoors or in an enclosed area.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill at all times.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot components.
• Ensure the grill is placed on a stable, non-combustible surface.
• Keep flammable materials away from the grill.
• Do not use gasoline, kerosene, or alcohol for lighting charcoal. Use only charcoal starter fluid compliant with local regulations.
• Allow charcoal to cool completely before disposing of ash.

California Proposition 65 Warning:

This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Combustion byproducts produced when using this product contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

This product can expose you to soot, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and carbon monoxide, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

2. Product Overview

The Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill is designed for outdoor cooking, offering durability and precise temperature control. Its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are built to retain heat and resist rust.

Figure 1: Complete view of the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 18-Inch, Black.

Key Features:

• Durable Cooking Grate: Plated steel construction for longevity.
• Porcelain-Enameled Lid and Bowl: Provides superior heat retention and rust resistance.
• One-Touch Cleaning System: Facilitates easy ash removal.
• Glass-Reinforced Nylon Handles: Designed for safe and comfortable handling.
• Lid Hook: Conveniently hangs the lid on the side of the grill.
• All-Weather Wheels: Ensures easy mobility.

3. Setup and Assembly

While the grill is designed for straightforward assembly, some steps are required to ensure proper function and safety. Refer to the included pictorial directions for detailed guidance. Tools required typically include a hammer, a block of wood, and a Phillips screwdriver.

Assembly Steps:

1. Unpack Components: Carefully remove all parts from the packaging and verify against the parts list.
2. Attach Legs: Securely attach the three legs to the grill bowl. Ensure they are firmly seated.
3. Install Wheels: Mount the all-weather wheels onto the designated leg assembly.
4. Assemble Ash Catcher: Attach the aluminized steel ash catcher and the One-Touch cleaning system lever to the bottom of the grill bowl.
5. Place Grates: Insert the charcoal grate into the bottom of the bowl, followed by the plated steel cooking grate.
6. Attach Handles: Secure the glass-reinforced nylon handles to the lid and bowl.

Figure 2: Detail of the all-weather wheel, designed for easy grill mobility.

Initial Preparation:

• Before first use, wash the cooking grate with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
• Perform a "burn-in" by lighting a small amount of charcoal and allowing it to burn for 20-30 minutes with the lid closed and vents open. This helps to remove any manufacturing residues.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Lighting Charcoal

1. Arrange Charcoal: Place charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal on the charcoal grate. For direct grilling, spread evenly. For indirect grilling, arrange charcoal on one side or in a ring.
2. Use a Chimney Starter (Recommended): Fill a charcoal chimney starter with the desired amount of charcoal. Place crumpled newspaper or a fire starter cube under the chimney and light it.
3. Transfer Charcoal: Once the charcoal is covered in a light gray ash (approximately 15-20 minutes), carefully pour it onto the charcoal grate in your desired configuration.
4. Alternative Lighting: If not using a chimney starter, arrange charcoal, apply a small amount of charcoal starter fluid, and light immediately. Allow the fluid to burn off completely before placing food on the grate.

Figure 3: Properly lit charcoal, ready for cooking.

4.2 Temperature Control

The Weber Original Kettle uses adjustable dampers on the lid and bowl to control airflow, which in turn regulates the cooking temperature.

• Increasing Temperature: Open both the top (lid) and bottom (bowl) dampers fully to allow maximum airflow, increasing the charcoal's heat.
• Decreasing Temperature: Partially close the dampers to restrict airflow, reducing the charcoal's heat.
• Extinguishing Charcoal: Close both top and bottom dampers completely to cut off oxygen supply, allowing the charcoal to cool and extinguish safely.

Figure 4: Adjustable top damper on the grill lid for temperature regulation.

4.3 Cooking Grate and Lid Hook Usage

• Cooking Grate: Place food directly on the plated steel cooking grate. For best results, preheat the grate before adding food.
• Lid Hook: When checking or turning food, use the integrated lid hook to hang the lid on the side of the grill bowl. This keeps the lid off the ground and within easy reach.

Figure 5: The lid hook allows convenient placement of the lid during cooking.

5. Maintenance and Care

Regular cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of your Weber Original Kettle grill and ensure optimal performance.

5.1 Ash Removal (One-Touch Cleaning System)

1. Ensure all charcoal is completely extinguished and cool before cleaning.
2. Move the One-Touch cleaning system lever back and forth to sweep ash from the bottom of the grill bowl into the aluminized steel ash catcher.
3. Remove the ash catcher and dispose of the cooled ash responsibly.

Figure 6: The One-Touch cleaning system simplifies ash removal.

5.2 Grill Grate Cleaning

• After each use, while the grate is still warm, use a grill brush to scrape off any food residue.
• For a deeper clean, remove the grate and wash with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent rust.

5.3 Exterior Care

• Wipe down the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
• Regularly check and tighten any loose hardware.
• Store the grill in a dry, covered area when not in use, especially during inclement weather, to protect it from the elements.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your charcoal grill.

7. Specifications

Detailed specifications for the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 18-Inch, Black.

Figure 7: Dimensional diagram of the Weber Original Kettle 18-inch grill.

8. Warranty Information

This Weber accessory is warranted against defects for two (2) years. For full warranty details, please refer to the manufacturer's manual or contact Weber customer support.

The warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use and service. It does not cover damage resulting from misuse, abuse, alteration, or improper assembly.

9. Customer Support

For further assistance, parts, or warranty claims, please contact Weber customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the official Weber website or in the packaging materials.

When contacting support, please have your grill's model number (441001) and purchase date available.

You can visit the official Weber website for additional resources and support: www.weber.com