Going back to the '50's, every Weber Kettle has had a highly durable porcelain enamel coating applied over the steel lid and bowl. Sometimes, people think we paint them, but that's never been the case.
First, a layer of black enamel powder is sprayed onto the steel, and then heated in industrial kilns at over 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. The high heat melts the enamel powder and makes an impenetrable, rust-proof surface over the steel, which can last decades, and cleans very easily.
For color models, a 2nd layer of color enamel powder is sprayed over the black lids and bowls. Then, they are sent back through the kiln a second time.
Depending on the model kettle, it's not uncommon to notice a bit of the black porcelain undercoat or a bare spot in certain areas.
All of the following is considered normal.
- Black porcelain undercoat along the lip of the lid and bowl - color kettles
- Black porcelain undercoat along the edges of the lid damper vent holes - color kettles
- Black porcelain undercoat near where the bowl handle is welded on - color kettles
- Black porcelain undercoat along the upper edge of the bowl handle strap - color kettles
- Black porcelain undercoat along the edges of the holes for lid bale hardware - color kettles with built-in lid bales
- Bare spot along the edges of the leg coupling or ash catcher brackets - all kettles
Seeing the black porcelain undercoat in certain locations happens because each lid and bowl has the porcelain enamel powder sprayed on by hand in our manufacturing facilities.
This means that every lid and bowl have their own unique characteristics, and no two kettles are exactly the same. Seeing a little bit of the black undercoat here and there, or minor dimples and dots are normal, and no cause for concern.
The reason you may see a bare spot along the edges of leg coupling or ash catcher brackets is because each bowl rests upon those points during the manufacturing process.
If, however, the porcelain enamel is chipped, scratched, or otherwise damaged in a location other than the ones mentioned above, then replacing the lid or bowl maybe necessary, and you can reach our consumer care team here or at 1-800-446-1071.