How to Kickstart Your Weber Kettle Journey with Essential Accessories

Congratulations on your new Weber kettle! Embracing outdoor cooking opens up a world of flavors and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re just starting or have some experience, this guide will highlight essential accessories that can elevate your grilling game to the next level.

Essential Accessories for Your Weber Kettle

Charcoal Chimney Starters

If you're serious about charcoal cooking, a chimney starter should be among your first accessories. This simple yet effective tool eliminates the hassle of lighting charcoal. It gets your coals hot and ashed over in just 15 to 20 minutes, which is far quicker than traditional methods.

Our heavy-duty stainless steel chimney is built to last. It distributes heat evenly, resists rust, and handles harsh conditions, making it a wise long-term investment. On a budget? The Heat Beads Chimney Starter is also a solid alternative. With a bit of care, it’ll provide you with great service and reliable results.

CLD Fabrication heavy-duty Regular chimney on top of a Heat Beads Booster

KONE: The Affordable Air Fryer Alternative

If air frying aligns with your cooking style, consider the Krispy Kone. This compact accessory mimics an air fryer while infusing your food with that delectable charcoal flavor. Fill the KONE three-quarters full with hot coals, arrange your food around the outside, and let the magic happen. The center serves as a sear section, allowing you to achieve both crispy exteriors and tender interiors.

Imagine roasting crispy Brussels sprouts or air-frying juicy chicken wings with this versatile tool. You can create nutritious meals while enjoying the rich taste that only charcoal grilling provides.

Krispy Kone in use showing the cooking space you can gain with a Kone

Offset Plates: Versatile Baking and Searing

If baking is your passion, offset plates are a must-have accessory. They often feature both a sear area and an indirect heat section. This versatility makes them perfect for various cooking tasks such as baking, low n slow, searing and everything else in-between.

If your going to buy just one accessory for your Kettle this is our number 1 pick!

Stainless Steel Offset in use in a 22" Kettle

Rotisserie/Pizza Ring

Let’s shine a spotlight on my most-used accessory: the rotisserie/pizza ring from Kettle BBQ Bits. This versatile tool allows you to spin a whole chicken, rolled pork, or kebab meats. It achieves perfectly crispy skin while letting smoky flavors seep in.

That's not all! The rotisserie doubles as a pizza ring. Imagine homemade pizzas with crispy crusts cooked to perfection. For even better results, consider incorporating a pizza steel or stone to ensure a restaurant-quality experience right in your backyard.

Low n Slow Cooking: Mastering the Art

If you lean towards low and slow cooking, offset plates are budget-friendly options for this method. To set it up effectively, fill the sear section with unlit coals and add around 10 to 12 lit coals to one corner. Adjust your vents to manage airflow and maintain a consistent temperature.

For those looking for a reliable setup, the "snake method" can significantly improve your Low n Slow game. Though applicable with any kettle, pairing it with The Snake Pit and a deflector plate makes the whole grill a stable indirect cooking zone. This method is perfect for large cuts of brisket or pork shoulders; I've easily fit 8kg+ briskets while using The Snake Pit.

Beef Cheeks being Low'n'Slowed with an Offset plate

Griddles and Grills: Endless Cooking Possibilities

To unlock the full potential of your BBQ setup, having the right hot plate can make all the difference. Whether you're frying eggs for breakfast, searing smash burgers, or whipping up a quick stir-fry, we have plate options to suit nearly every cooking style.

One of my go-to setups is the 1/3 smash/grill plate. It gives you the best of both worlds—on one side, you can lay down strips of bacon and press out juicy smash burgers. The other section lets you toast burger buns to achieve that ideal char and texture. It’s also great for giving sausages or chicken skewers that classic flame-kissed finish without switching gear.

If you’re cooking for a crowd or simply like to spread out, the full flat plate is an absolute workhorse. It offers a large, even cooking surface ideal for big breakfasts, pancakes, or stir-fries loaded with veggies and meat.

No matter which plate you choose, having the right setup allows you to go beyond just steaks and sausages. From sunrise to sundown, griddles and grill plates open up endless possibilities on your BBQ.

Embrace the Adventure of Outdoor Cooking

Starting your Weber kettle journey may feel overwhelming at first, but the right accessories will make mastering outdoor cooking enjoyable. While none of these accessories are essential, they can make your cooking easier and quicker.

Remember, great grilling comes down to experimentation. Outdoor cooking is not just about perfecting techniques but also about expressing your creativity. Join communities, ask questions, and engage with others. BBQ is a community where most are willing to help.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the CLD Fab team. Happy grilling!