Greetings

[paddyberger]

Hi, been reading the forum for a little while and decided to join up.

After my wife refused to eat off our old kettle BBQ I just picked up a Weber one touch premium which seem like a nice bit of kit. I've just set it up tonight, however, the vent find are misaligned and they don't close/open as per the markings which is unfortunate. I had planned to burn it in tonight and give it a road test tomorrow but I'll have to wait and see how the seller responds to my email.

I plan to try out some different methods, possibly try and smoke on it as it seems pretty versatile and have found the forum a great source of information so far.

Apart from burning the hell out of various types of meat in the past I'm hoping to up my game and give my family and friends the good food they deserve.

I live in Sidcup, Kent, keen to learn and could have just found myself a new hobby! Thanks and apologies in advance for an inevitable stream of daft questions.

[paddyberger]

Hi, they've just sent me the original kettle premium instead of the one touch!

I'm pretty annoyed now and waiting to hear back. Does anyone recommend me reconsidering my purchase and getting another BBQ model? I'll primarily grill but I am looking to do a bit of smoking also and the one touch looks to have a bit of flexibility. Cheers.

[BraaiMeesterWannabe]

Hi Paddy
I think You should stick with the Weber. I would contact them direct and tell them to sort it out and throw in a free cover, or something like that for your inconvenience.
My oldest Weber is probably 10 years old, always lived outside and still in great condition.
Happy BBQ'ing

[Kiska95]

Webers are good and last forever but if you want to give some proper bbq food not grilled get a uds

[paddyberger]

Thanks guys. They are saying that the original kettle premium is the same as the one touch premium now with same materials and some improvements (clip on legs, improved wheel covers for example).

To be honest, I gave it a review and the ash system was all rough edges and I've had such a poor experience I told them they can collect it and refund me.

I've just ordered the master touch for 18 pounds more so I'm hoping this will bring and end to the constant calls and chasing of the place I ordered from originally.

I do like the UDS option but this likely beyond my technical abilities!

[essexsmoker]

I just built mine over the weekend and have had a few issues too. I found the slot for the legs a bit chipped and the alu shroud is eliptical not round after fitting. Other than that it's a pretty sturdy unit. Think it should last a good few years.

You say they sent premium? Isn't it the 'one touch' and 'one touch premium'? You have the better one?

You can buy or build a smokenator for low and slow. or just use tin foil as a shield from the direct direct heat. Don't use too many coals to start or it runs too hot. i have a uds too and i have to say it is top notch for low and slow.

[CHokKA]

Hi and welcome to the forum! Sorry to hear that your first experience with your new BBQ hasn't been great!

Where did you buy it from? Did they send you the One Touch Premium or the Original Premium? From what I can see, the Original Premium is more expensive so if they've sent you that, then you're up! If there's any imperfection with the unit though then you definitely need to contact where you bought it from, or Weber themselves, to get it sorted out. If you contact Weber, their service is exceptional and they'll just send you out a replacement for what's not working. They'll do that next day.

[Kiska95]

A uds is only a drum with a few holes in and parts from Screwfix! not a lot of tech ability needed. No welding just mecanno kit experience

[paddyberger]

I just built mine over the weekend and have had a few issues too. I found the slot for the legs a bit chipped and the alu shroud is eliptical not round after fitting. Other than that it's a pretty sturdy unit. Think it should last a good few years.

You say they sent premium? Isn't it the 'one touch' and 'one touch premium'? You have the better one?

You can buy or build a smokenator for low and slow. or just use tin foil as a shield from the direct direct heat. Don't use too many coals to start or it runs too hot. i have a uds too and i have to say it is top notch for low and slow.

Hi, I ordered a one touch premium (now discontinued) and they sent me the original kettle premium as a replacement. Apparently it is comparable but for the messing around I've had with them I decided to let them collect it. I got it for a decent price 164 and secured a master touch for 22 pounds more (error earlier) from van hage website.

I did look at the smokenator which is about 50 pounds but I'd be interested in seeing alternatives including building one. I was going to attempt the snake method first and see how I get on!

[paddyberger]

Hi and welcome to the forum! Sorry to hear that your first experience with your new BBQ hasn't been great!

Where did you buy it from? Did they send you the One Touch Premium or the Original Premium? From what I can see, the Original Premium is more expensive so if they've sent you that, then you're up! If there's any imperfection with the unit though then you definitely need to contact where you bought it from, or Weber themselves, to get it sorted out. If you contact Weber, their service is exceptional and they'll just send you out a replacement for what's not working. They'll do that next day.

Thanks! They've been back and forward with weber apparently, two and half weeks and still not resolved. I've wasted too much time emailing, calling and chasing them. (I promise I'm not usually I moaner!) I think I've just been unlucky to date so I'm starting again. Everything I've read about Weber seems like they are great at customer service so I'm going to get the master touch, register it and hopefully get on with cooking something's flesh! (Spot the film quote as an added bonus)