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Whether you’ve damaged your current ash catcher or want to upgrade it, adding a new ash catcher is the solution. But when you want to add ash catcher to Weber kettle, it arises a lot of questions.
Is it even possible to replace the existing ash catcher? If it is, how to do that? Which ash catcher is a better choice compared to others? You will get all your answers today.
Can You Add Ash Catcher To Weber Kettle
You can’t add an ash catcher to all Weber kettles. However, if your kettle has clip slots, you can certainly upgrade to the newer ash-catching system. The best thing is to check your grill or the manual it came with.
Usually, all Weber kettles manufactured after 2004 will have clip slots. So, you need to ensure that your kettle is not older than that.
“Using the Ash Catcher in your Weber charcoal grill is like maintaining a clean canvas for your culinary masterpiece – it ensures a fresh start every time you grill.”
Jeff Koss
How To Add Ash Catcher To Weber Kettle
If your kettle comes with clip slots, it’s easy to add ash catcher to the Weber kettle. Let’s see how.
- Remove the lid and everything else from the inside of the kettle.
- Trip your kettle to a horizontal position.
- Insert the ring of the ash catcher and align the notches.
- Make sure all the notches are in place on the bottom of the kettle.
- Press firmly till the ring gets secured in place.
- Bring the kettle back to the upright position.
- Use the pan to secure it inside the ring using proper placement.
- Make sure that the pan is perfectly locked inside the ring’s locking slot and you’re done.
Also Read: 3 Best Weber Extension Ring for 22.5 Kettle Grills: A Must-Have Accessory
Weber Ash Catcher – My Top Picks
Once you’re certain that you can add an ash catcher to the Weber grill you have, it’s time to choose one.
The two most popular weber models owned by grill lovers are the 22.5” Weber grill and the 18.5” Weber grill. So, let’s take a look at two ash catchers for these models.
Ash Catcher for 22.5″ Weber Grills
If you have a 2015 Weber model, this is a replacement part offered by Weber. Because it’s from the brand itself, you know that you can rely on its quality. Another great thing about this ash catcher is that it’s compatible with older models as well.
So, even if you don’t have a 2015 model, as long as the dimensions are similar, this will fit just fine. Let’s see what other features you can enjoy if you decide to upgrade to this ash catcher.
Top Features
- Safer to use
- Easy to install
- Makes cleaning easier
- Fits a variety of model
- Upgrades your older Weber kettle
For older Weber grills, this upgrade can be just the thing you need. It’s comparatively a lot safer to use. Besides, the cleaning procedure becomes a lot easier when you have this enclosed ash-catching system.
If you don’t want to get a new grill but looking for an upgrade to the older one, this is one of the most amazing parts to purchase.
Besides, the customer service of Weber is excellent. So, if you’re struggling to find out whether your grill is compatible with this part or not, you can contact them for a prompt response.
Also Read: What Size Vortex For 22.5 Weber Kettle Grill? Sizing Up Your Vortex
Ash Catcher for Weber 18.5 Inch Grill
If you have an 18.5-inch grill from Weber, this is the ash catcher you should get. Whether you’re replacing an ash catcher for a Weber kettle or upgrading your old grill, it’s always recommended to get the part from the same brand.
Weber offers this high-quality ash catcher for facilitating the grilling experience. It may cost you a bit but the results will certainly be worth it.
Top Features
- Hassle-free installation
- Convenient to use and clean
- Increases safety while grilling
- Compatible with many models
- High-quality material and durable
If your grill already had an ash catcher, you know how safe it is to use one. If you didn’t have one, you will be surprised to see the results after installing one.
The brand has always kept its quality consistent and this ash catcher is no exception either.
You can enjoy a modern-day grilling experience with your old Weber grill only by installing an ash catcher.
Besides, it will make your cleaning easier too. And above all, it’s safer to use this ash catcher compared to other options, especially on a windy day.
Also Read: Mastering the Minion Method on Weber Kettle Grills
Is Buying A New Weber Ash Catcher Worth The Extra Bucks?
Buying a new Weber ash catcher can be costly. It may look like the extra cost is not worth it. But let me tell you something. Anyone who has tried these ash catchers has reported that the extra bucks were well worth the result.
You can enjoy a more secure grilling experience when you have this ash catcher. Even when the weather is windy, there won’t be any ash flying around making grilling more dangerous than it already is.
Besides, it also makes cleaning easier compared to the older options. So, the answer to your question is yes. Buying a new Weber ash catcher is absolutely worth the extra bucks.
Alternative Ash Catcher For Weber Kettle Grill
There are other brands that offer ash catchers for Weber grills. You may even get a better deal compared to the ones offered by Weber. However, cheaper is not always the better.
If you invest in an ash catcher that is not durable enough to withstand all the grilling sessions you are about to go through, then it’s a complete waste of money.
That’s why it’s better to be certain about the ash catcher you’re adding to your Weber grill, even if it costs a few extra bucks.
Choosing an ash catcher from the same brand as your grill will certainly exceed your expectations in terms of quality, durability, and functionality.
Also Read: Chicken Thighs On Weber Vortex – How To Cook?
Is There An Easier Ash Catcher For Weber Kettles
There isn’t an easier ash catcher than the ones I mentioned in this article. There might be cheaper ones, but you won’t be able to find a more convenient one compared to these. They’re safe and easy to use.
Besides, the installation and replacement procedure is also pretty straightforward compared to other ash catchers.
How To Empty Ash From Weber Kettle
If you are new to using the ash catcher, it’s normal to wonder how to empty the ash from it. Rest assured that you can’t find an easier method.
Let’s take a look at the process.
- There should be a handle on the ring of the ash catcher. Moving it sideways will allow the ash to fall into the ash catcher.
- Now, locate the handle of the ash pan. Squeezing the handle will allow you to remove the pan from the ring.
- Empty the pan and clean it.
- Squeeze the handle again and insert the pan back into its place. Release the squeeze and the pan will be locked in place.
How Do You Install A Weber Kettle Ash Catcher?
Installing the ash catcher is easy if your grill model allows it. See if your grill has clips for the ash catcher’s ring. If it does, you can install the ash catcher without any complications.
First, you will have to align the clips to the notches of the ring. Then, you will have to firmly press the ring until it sets into its place.
Then you can insert the ash catcher into the ring. There will be a place for the handle to get inserted. You can squeeze the handle to fit it inside the place and then release the handle so that it stays locked in place.
How Do You Remove The Ash Tray From A Weber Kettle?
Many users have reported having difficulty removing the ashtray from their Weber kettles. Even though the design is pretty straightforward and easy to understand, some may face difficulty squeezing the ash pan.
In such cases, you can either contact customer support or solve the issue yourself. Sometimes lifting the pan a bit while squeezing the handle has solved the issue of removing the pan.
Another solution is to lube the ash pan joints so that it releases from the place without having to put much effort. If you think it’s not supposed to be this hard to squeeze, you can contact Weber customer service for an efficient solution.
How To Use Weber Ash Catcher – Weber Ash Catcher Instructions
Weber ash catcher and easy to use. As long as you’re doing everything right, this ash catcher will serve you a lot longer than you anticipated.
Let’s take a look at a few things you should keep in mind while using the Weber ash catcher.
- Always refer to the user manual before installing and removing the ash catcher.
- Make sure to check the dimensions of the ash catcher and match them with your grill. If you’re uncertain about the sizing, contact customer support to get the precise product for your grill.
- Clean the ash catcher regularly to make it more durable.
- Make sure everything is secure in place after installing the ash catcher. Only then, proceed to grill.
How Often Should You Clean The Ash In The Weber Kettle?
You must clean the ash in the Weber kettle after each use. If it’s too much hassle or not possible at that moment, make sure to empty the pan before another grilling session.
The method is easy and will not require deep cleaning. You simply remove the ash pan from the ring, empty the ashes, and put the pan back in place.
The one-touch ash cleaning is also convenient. You slide a lever on the ring back and forth to transfer any remaining ash to the pan before disposing of it. Make sure to deep clean the pan once a year or more frequently if possible.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean The Ash On Your Grill?
Not cleaning the ash has some serious side effects. Two of them are more significant than the others. The first side effect you will experience is corrosion.
Ashes capture moisture that leads to corrosion. So, if you want to protect your ash catcher, there is no alternative to getting rid of the ashes.
The second side effect is that it prevents air from flowing inside the grill. So, you will have less efficiency when cooking with old ashes on the pan.
What Do You Do With Ashes On A Weber Grill?
If you’re using untreated charcoal, you can use the ashes for your garden. They’re a good source of Potassium Carbonate.
However, if you are using treated charcoal, it’s better not to put them on the soil because it can be toxic to plants. You should dispose of the ash as residual waste to prevent any damage.
Benefits Of Using Ash Catcher On Weber Kettle
There are a lot of advantages of using an ash catcher compared to traditional ash pans. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
- Ash catchers are a lot safer to use because of their enclosed systems. It prevents ashes from flying around when the weather is windy.
- It makes cleaning a lot easier. You can use a lever to dump the ash into the pan and then empty the pan. The grill will be ready for the next session in no time.
- The ash catcher is easy to install and remove. So, using it is as easy as it gets.
- Because it’s easy to use, it can help reduce your cooking time.
What Is A Weber Ash Catcher?
A Weber ash catcher is an upgraded version of the previous models. All models that were manufactured after 2004 come with clips to install an ash catcher. It’s an enclosed ash-catching tool that reduces the risk of grilling, even in challenging weather. In addition, it also introduces you to a one-touch cleaning of the ashes.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. I have included everything you need to know about adding an ash catcher. If you’re convinced that you want to add ash catcher to Weber kettle, there’s no reason for you to wait. Get your ash catcher today and experience premium efficiency while grilling with your same old Weber grill.
