In this topic:
Determining The Age Of Weber Charcoal Grills & Smokers
- 1952-1978: No Date Code
- 1979-1993: A-P Code
- 1994-Today: “AUTHORIZED” Code
- 2013-Today: “CONSUMABLE” Code
- 2012-Today: “BLAQKSMIXH” Code
- What Does That Dot On The Damper Mean?
Determining The Age Of Weber Gas Grills & Griddles
- 1971-1993: No Date Code
- 1994-Today: “AUTHORIZED” Code
- 2005-Today: “BLAQKSMIXH” Code
- 2007-Today: “DECRYPTWON” Code
- 2012-Today: “GVIEJOYNUW” Code
- 2013-Today: “CONSUMABLE” Code
Determining The Age Of Weber Griddles
Determining The Age Of Weber Pellet Grills
Determining The Age Of Weber Electric Grills
The “C” Club
See examples of first year 1981 Weber Smokey Mountain Cookers.
What Is Weber’s Model Year?
The code schemes described below represent a grill’s model year, not a calendar year. Weber’s model year runs from October 1 to September 30. For example, a grill with date code DE is part of the 2009 model year and may have been manufactured anytime between 10/1/2008 and 9/30/2009. It’s also possible that for any given model year, a few remaining vent dampers from the previous model year were carried forward and used-up after the start of a new model year.
Determining The Age Of Weber Charcoal Grills
1952-1978: No Date Code
From 1952 to 1978, Weber charcoal grills were not marked to indicate date of manufacture or model year. Age can be estimated by certain features and physical characteristics of the grill itself.
- Bouy-shaped grills with flat lids, sometimes called “George’s Barbecue Kettle” or “George’s Bar-B-Q Kettle”, date to 1952-1955.
- Weber adopts the current dome-shaped lid and bowl design beginning in 1956.
- Grills with solid metal triangular base, metal lid handle, and metal bowl handle date to 1956-1959.
- Grills with wire triangular base, metal lid handle, and metal bowl handle date to 1959-1963.
- Grills with two-rivet wooden lid handle and metal bowl handle date to 1964-1980. Within this date range:
- “BAR-B-Q KETTLE” and no patent info on lid damper dates to 1964-1968.
- “BAR-B-Q KETTLE” and “PAT. PENDING” on lid damper dates to 1969-1972.
- “BAR-B-Q KETTLE” and “Pat. 3538906” on lid damper date 1973-1976.
- Stylized large “weber” logo and “Pat. 3538906” on lid damper date 1976-1978.
1979-1993: A-P Code
In 1979, Weber introduced a one-letter alphabetic code representing the model year of Weber charcoal grills. The code was stamped into the lid damper of each charcoal kettle; for the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, the code was stamped into the lid damper and all three charcoal bowl dampers.
Note that in 1987, Weber skipped the letter I and used the letter J instead.
| A: 1979 B: 1980* C: 1981** |
D: 1982 E: 1983 F: 1984 |
G: 1985 H: 1986 J: 1987 |
K: 1988 L: 1989 M: 1990 |
N: 1991 O: 1992 P: 1993 |
* Earliest dated Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
** First official model year of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
Example of 1981 C code on a WSM
Example of 1983 E code on a WSM
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker was first introduced for the 1981 model year, so most of the oldest cookers have a C code. A few have a B code, indicating they were manufactured in 1980 in the run-up to the 1981 introduction. There are also a few smokers that have no date code; it’s assumed these smokers are the result of manufacturing errors or they may be pre-production models.
1994-Today: “AUTHORIZED” Code
Starting with the 1994 model year, Weber switched to a two-letter alphabetic code representing the model year of Weber charcoal grills, using the word “AUTHORIZED” as the key. As with the previous code scheme, this two-letter code was stamped into the lid damper of each charcoal kettle. For the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, the code was stamped into the lid damper and all three charcoal bowl dampers. On some Performer grills, the code can also be found on labels on the rear panel of the grill or on bar code stickers under the control panel or stainless steel charbin cover.
| A | U | T | H | O | R | I | Z | E | D |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| EH: 1994 EO: 1995 ER: 1996 EI: 1997 EZ: 1998 EE: 1999 DD: 2000 |
DA: 2001 DU: 2002 DT: 2003 DH: 2004 DO: 2005 DR: 2006 |
DI: 2007 DZ: 2008 DE: 2009 AD: 2010 AA: 2011 AU: 2012 |
AT: 2013 AH: 2014 AO: 2015 AR: 2016 AI: 2017 AZ: 2018 |
AE: 2019 UD: 2020 UA: 2021 UU: 2022 UT: 2023 UH: 2024 |
Example of 1999 EE code on a WSM
Example of 2009 DE code on a Weber kettle
2013-Today: “CONSUMABLE” Code
Things got a bit more complicated in 2013 when Weber started laser-etching a nine-character alphanumeric code onto the lid damper alongside the two-letter alphabetic code. The code consists of two letters + seven numbers—two letters represent the model year using the word “CONSUMABLE” as the key and seven numbers as a serial number.
| C | O | N | S | U | M | A | B | L | E |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| CO xxxxxxx: 2012 CN xxxxxxx: 2013 CS xxxxxxx: 2014 CU xxxxxxx: 2015 CM xxxxxxx: 2016 |
CA xxxxxxx: 2017 CB xxxxxxx: 2018 CL xxxxxxx: 2019 OE xxxxxxx: 2020 |
OC xxxxxxx: 2021 OO xxxxxxx: 2022 ON xxxxxxx: 2023 OS xxxxxxx: 2024 |
Dual coding occurred during the 2013-2014 model years only. In 2013, grills were stamped with AT and laser etched with CNxxxxxxx; in 2014, with AH and CSxxxxxxx.
Example of dual-coded 2013 AT/CN 14.5″ WSM
Example of dual-coded 2014 AH/CS Weber kettle
In 2015, Weber stopped using the two-letter alphabetic code on almost all charcoal grills in lieu of the nine-character alphanumeric code. The only charcoal grills still using the two-letter alphabetic “AUTHORIZED” code are those with gas assist, including certain Performer grills and the Summit Charcoal Grill and Summit Charcoal Grilling Center.
Example of 2015 CU code on a Weber Performer
Example of 2016 AR code on a Weber Summit Charcoal Grilling Center
2012-Today: “BLAQKSMIXH” Code
Yet another nine-character alphanumeric code found on some Weber charcoal kettles consists of two letters + seven numbers—two letters represent the model year using the word “BLAQKSMIXH” as the key and seven numbers as a serial number.
Since this code scheme was also used for gas grills as early as 2005, it’s likely this code scheme was also used that far back for charcoal grills, too. But the earliest known example I’ve seen is this special edition 18.5″ Jim Beam kettle with date code BL from 2012.
The “BLAQKSMIXH” code scheme was used on the limited edition red 22.5″ original kettle premium grill that was made in China and hit the U.S. market in November 2017 for the 2018 model year. Weber built up a large inventory of these grills during the summer of 2017 for the fall release and continued building them after the October 1 start of the 2018 model year, so the grills delivered were stamped with both BM (2017) and BI (2018) codes.
Due to issues with the quality of the red porcelain finish on many of these limited edition grills, Weber manufactured replacement parts for these grills during the 2018 and 2019 model years. TVWB reader Dirk Verjans from Belgium reports buying one of these leftover grills from a Weber dealer in June 2020 that came with a damaged BM (2017) lid. The dealer ordered a replacement lid and when it arrived, it had a BX (2019) code on it.
My most recent sighting of this date code was on a 2021 LB code Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill.
| B | L | A | Q | K | S | M | I | X | H |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| HK: 2005 HS: 2006 HM: 2007 HI: 2008 HX: 2009 |
BH: 2010 BB: 2011 BL: 2012 BA: 2013 BQ: 2014 |
BK: 2015 BS: 2016 BM: 2017 BI: 2018 BX: 2019 |
LH: 2020 LB: 2021 LL: 2022 LA: 2023 LQ: 2024 |
Example of BM (2017) code on a limited edition red 22.5″ original kettle premium grill
Example of BI (2018) code on a limited edition red 22.5″ original kettle premium grill
Example of BX (2019) code on a replacement lid from Dirk Jervans
What Does That Dot On The Damper Mean?
You may have noticed the dot stamped into the damper of the dual-coded 2013 AT/CN 14.5″ WSM shown above. The dot indicates that this smoker was a pre-production version not intended for retail sale.
Determining The Age Of Weber Gas Grills & Griddles
1971-1993: No Date Code
Weber’s first gas grill was the Gas Barbecue Kettle, introduced in 1971 and sold until approximately 1985 when Genesis gas grills replaced them in the product line-up. The gas kettle came in three versions: a stand-alone kettle, a post-mounted kettle, and a cart-mounted kettle. These early gas grills had serial numbers, but we have no information to indicate that these grills were coded to indicate date of manufacture or model year.
In the early 1980s, Weber introduced a portable grill called the Hot Shot Table Top Gas Grill, the same grill we know today as the Go-Anywhere Gas Grill. We have no information to indicate that the early versions of these grills had serial numbers or were date coded.
In 1985, Weber introduced the Genesis 1/2/3/4/5 series of grills; in the early 1990s the Spirit series of grills; and in 1993 the Genesis 1000/2000/3000/4000/5000 series of grills. From 1985-1993, Weber gas grills were assigned serial numbers to indicate grill type/model and fuel source (liquid propane or natural gas), but they were not coded to indicate date of manufacture or model year.
Some owners say they’ve found date stickers on some of these early grills, so look closely for such stickers. Also, since 1993 was the only year that Genesis 1000/2000/3000/4000/5000 grills were not date coded, if you find any of these grills with a serial number beginning with “KL1” or “KN3” or “EK2” or “CL5” or similar, it’s more than likely a 1993 grill. Otherwise, without a sales receipt or a handwritten note in the Owner’s Manual indicating date of purchase, the age of grills made between 1985-1992 can only be estimated as follows:
- Genesis 1-5: 1985 to 1992.
- Genesis XX, XXI, Jr. (2-burner): Late 1980s to early 1990s.
- Genesis 1000-5000: 1993, then date coding begins in 1994.
- Spirit 500/700: Early 1990s.
If you’re interested, read this information I posted about deciphering old Weber gas grill serial numbers in the Weber Gas Grill forum at The Virtual Weber Bulletin Board.
Sorry, there’s no date information in these Weber Genesis 1, 2, and 1000 serial numbers
Date Code Molded Into Aluminum Castings
On many Weber gas grills, you’ll find a round date code molded into the cast aluminum firebox or lid panels for the month and year in which that part was manufactured. If you have an old Weber gasser without a serial number sticker, this round date code will get you close to the actual model year in which the overall grill was manufactured for sale.
Here’s an example from my 2002 Weber Summit 450 that I purchased new in August 2002. It’s got a 2002 DU serial number sticker, so I know it’s a 2002 model year grill. It’s my understanding that the eight dots around the perimeter represent August and the 1 in the center represents 2001. So while this cast aluminum lid part was manufactured in August 2001, the overall grill was assembled during the 2002 model year.
1994-Today: “AUTHORIZED” Code
Starting around 1994, Weber gas grills adopted the same two-letter alphabetic code used to represent the model year of Weber charcoal grills, using the word “AUTHORIZED” as the key along with a six- or seven-digit serial number. Many popular old Genesis, Spirit, and Summit gas grills utilized this date code scheme, as do today’s Summit, Weber Q, and Genesis II LX grills made in the USA.
Simply locate the grill’s serial number and compare the first two letters to the values in the table below. The serial number is usually found on a sticker found on the back of the grill or inside the enclosed storage cabinet, or sometimes on a bar code on the chassis under the control panel. Also, the serial number can often be found on the cover of the grill’s Owner’s Manual, if available.
| A | U | T | H | O | R | I | Z | E | D |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| EH: 1994 EO: 1995 ER: 1996 EI: 1997 EZ: 1998 EE: 1999 DD: 2000 |
DA: 2001 DU: 2002 DT: 2003 DH: 2004 DO: 2005 DR: 2006 |
DI: 2007 DZ: 2008 DE: 2009 AD: 2010 AA: 2011 AU: 2012 |
AT: 2013 AH: 2014 AO: 2015 AR: 2016 AI: 2017 AZ: 2018 |
AE: 2019 UD: 2020 UA: 2021 UU: 2022 UT: 2023 UH: 2024 |
Example of 1998 EZ code on a Genesis 1000 Owner’s Manual
Example of 2002 DU code on a Summit 450
Example of 2013 AT code on a Weber Q 1200
Example of 2017 AI code on a Genesis II LX S-640 made in USA
2005-Today: “BLAQKSMIXH” Code
This two-letter alphabetic code is used to represent the model year on some Weber gas grills, using the word “BLAQKSMIXH” as the key. My most recent sighting of this date code was on a 2021 LB code Go-Anywhere gas grill.
| B | L | A | Q | K | S | M | I | X | H |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| HK: 2005 HS: 2006 HM: 2007 HI: 2008 HX: 2009 |
BH: 2010 BB: 2011 BL: 2012 BA: 2013 BQ: 2014 |
BK: 2015 BS: 2016 BM: 2017 BI: 2018 BX: 2019 |
LH: 2020 LB: 2021 LL: 2022 LA: 2023 LQ: 2024 |
2007-Today: “DECRYPTWON” Code
In 2007, Weber introduced the Spirit E-210 and E-310 grills, and with them a new two-letter alphabetic code specific to these grills, using the word “DECRYPTWON” as the key along with a seven-digit serial number. In 2017 Weber also started using this code scheme on some Genesis II grills made in China.
The most recent sighting of this date code was on a 2021 ED code Weber Traveler portable gas grill.
| D | E | C | R | Y | P | T | W | O | N |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| NT xxxxxxx: 2007 NW xxxxxxx: 2008 NO xxxxxxx: 2009 DN xxxxxxx: 2010 DD xxxxxxx: 2011 DE xxxxxxx: 2012 |
DC xxxxxxx: 2013 DR xxxxxxx: 2014 DY xxxxxxx: 2015 DP xxxxxxx: 2016 DT xxxxxxx: 2017 DW xxxxxxx: 2018 |
DO xxxxxxx: 2019 EN xxxxxxx: 2020 ED xxxxxxx: 2021 EE xxxxxxx: 2022 EC xxxxxxx: 2023 ER xxxxxxx: 2024 |
Example of 2007 NT code on a Spirit E-210
Example of 2017 DT code on a Genesis II E-410 made in China
2012-Today: “GVIEJOYNUW” Code
In 2012, Weber started using another two-letter alphabetic code on some Spirit grills, using the phrase “GVIEJOYNUW” as the key along with a seven-digit serial number. In 2017 Weber also started using this code scheme on some Genesis II grills made in China and sold in the United States. In 2021, we had reports of Genesis II E-335 and Spirit E-330 grills in Germany with VW codes that were known to have been purchased in 2020.
| G | V | I | E | J | O | Y | N | U | W |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| GV xxxxxxx: 2012 GI xxxxxxx: 2013 GE xxxxxxx: 2014 GJ xxxxxxx: 2015 GO xxxxxxx: 2016 |
GY xxxxxxx: 2017 GN xxxxxxx: 2018 GU xxxxxxx: 2019 VW xxxxxxx: 2020 |
VG xxxxxxx: 2021 VV xxxxxxx: 2022 VI xxxxxxx: 2023 VE xxxxxxx: 2024 |
Example of 2015 GJ code on a Spirit E-210
Example of 2017 GY code on a Genesis II E-310 made in China
Example of 2020 VW code on a Genesis II E-335 made for the Germany/Austria market
2013-Today: “CONSUMABLE” Code
In 2013, Weber started using the same nine-character alphanumeric code on the Go-Anywhere Gas Grill as it uses on Weber charcoal grills. The code consists of two letters + seven numbers—two letters represent the model year using the word “CONSUMABLE” as the key and seven numbers as a serial number. The code is laser-etched on the gas burner.
| C | O | N | S | U | M | A | B | L | E |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| CO xxxxxxx: 2012 CN xxxxxxx: 2013 CS xxxxxxx: 2014 CU xxxxxxx: 2015 CM xxxxxxx: 2016 |
CA xxxxxxx: 2017 CB xxxxxxx: 2018 CL xxxxxxx: 2019 OE xxxxxxx: 2020 |
OC xxxxxxx: 2021 OO xxxxxxx: 2022 ON xxxxxxx: 2023 OS xxxxxxx: 2024 |
Example of 2013 CN code on a Go-Anywhere Gas grill
Determining The Age Of Weber Griddles
2023-Today: “GVIEJOYNUW” Code
In 2023, Weber entered the propane gas-fired stand-up griddle category with the creatively named Weber Griddle. Available in two versions—28″ wide with three burners running 36,000 BTUs and 36″ wide with four burners running 60,000 BTUs—these flattops feature a specially engineered burner system for fast, even edge-to-edge heating, searing temps to 500°F, two side tables, grease management system, tool hooks, and lid cover.
Weber Griddles have a nine-character alphanumeric code consists of two letters + seven numbers—two letters represent the model year using the word “GVIEJOYNUW” as the key and seven numbers as a serial number.
| G | V | I | E | J | O | Y | N | U | W |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| VI xxxxxxx: 2023 VE xxxxxxx: 2024 |
Example of 2023 VI serial number on a Weber Griddle owner’s manual on top of a retail point-of-sale advertisement.
Determining The Age Of Weber Pellet Grills
2020-2024: “AUTHORIZED” Code
In 2020, Weber introduced a new line of SmokeFire pellet grills, the 24″ EX4 and 36″ EX6. In 2022, the SmokeFire Stealth 24″ EXP4 and 36″ EXP6 were added to the lineup, and for 2023 the SmokeFire Sear+ 24″ ELX4 and 36″ ELX6 replaced the Stealth grills.
These grills use a nine-character alphanumeric code. The code consists of two letters + seven numbers—two letters represent the model year using the word “AUTHORIZED” as the key and seven numbers as a serial number.
| A | U | T | H | O | R | I | Z | E | D |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| UD xxxxxxx: 2020 UA xxxxxxx: 2021 UU xxxxxxx: 2022 |
UT xxxxxxx: 2023 UH xxxxxxx: 2024 |
Example of 2020 UD code inside SmokeFire pellet hopper lid
2024-Today: “GVIEJOYNUW” Code
In 2024, Weber introduced a new line of Searwood pellet grills, replacing the previous SmokeFire grills. Models included the 24″ Searwood 600 and 36″ Searwood XL 600.
These grills use a nine-character alphanumeric code consists of two letters + seven numbers—two letters represent the model year using the word “GVIEJOYNUW” as the key and seven numbers as a serial number.
| G | V | I | E | J | O | Y | N | U | W |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| VE xxxxxxx: 2024 |
Determining The Age Of Weber Electric Grills
2009-Today: “AUTHORIZED” Code
The Weber Q 140 electric grill was introduced for the 2009 model year, with the larger Q 240 introduced in 2012. In 2014, they were renamed Q 1400 and Q 2400, respectively.
These grills use a nine-character alphanumeric code. The code consists of two letters + seven numbers—two letters represent the model year using the word “AUTHORIZED” as the key and seven numbers as a serial number.
| A | U | T | H | O | R | I | Z | E | D |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| DE: 2009 AD: 2010 AA: 2011 AU: 2012 |
AT: 2013 AH: 2014 AO: 2015 |
AR: 2016 AI: 2017 AZ: 2018 |
AE: 2019 UD: 2020 UA: 2021 |
UU: 2022 UT: 2023 UH: 2024 |
Example of a 2021 UA date code for a Weber Q 1400 electric grill.
2023-Today: “GVIEJOYNUW” Code
Weber introduced the Lumin Compact electric grill and the larger Lumin Electric Grill for the 2023 model year. These grills target people with limited outdoor space, people living in places where charcoal and gas grills are not permitted, or people who prefer an electric grill for environmental reasons.
These grills use a nine-character alphanumeric code. The code consists of two letters + seven numbers—two letters represent the model year using the word “GVIEJOYNUW” as the key and seven numbers as a serial number.
| G | V | I | E | J | O | Y | N | U | W |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| VI xxxxxxx: 2023 VE xxxxxxx: 2024 |
Example of a 2023 VI date code for a Weber Lumin electric grill.
2018-Today: “DECRYPTWON” Code
The Weber Pulse 2000 electric grill arrived in the U.S. for the 2021 model with dual 120v heating elements. Back in 2018, for markets outside the U.S., Weber sold the smaller Pulse 1000 with a single 230V heating element and the larger Pulse 2000 with dual 230v heating elements.
These grills use a nine-character alphanumeric code. The code consists of two letters + seven numbers—two letters represent the model year using the word “DECRYPTWON” as the key and seven numbers as a serial number.
| D | E | C | R | Y | P | T | W | O | N |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| DW xxxxxxx: 2018 DO xxxxxxx: 2019 EN xxxxxxx: 2020 |
ED xxxxxxx: 2021 EE xxxxxxx: 2022 |
EC xxxxxxx: 2023 ER xxxxxxx: 2024 |
The “C” Club
The Smokey Mountain Cooker made its debut as part of Weber’s 1981 model year. Most of those first-year grills were stamped with a “C” date code, but a smaller number were stamped with a “B” because they were manufactured in 1980 leading into the 1981 model year.
The “C” Club was established as a fun way to recognize the proud owners of these first-year Weber smokers. Unfortunately, the club was named many years before we understood that there were some “B” smokers out there! Oh well, too late to change the name now! We’re sticking with The “C” Club.
To join this exclusive club, send me an e-mail including your name, city/state, some background on how you got your WSM, and a digital photo of your cooker with “B” or “C” clearly stamped on the vent damper, and I will add you to the list below.
Kelly Coplen, Olathe, KS
Date Code: C
Kelly writes, “I saw an ad on Craigslist 60 miles from Olathe, Kansas. I arrived to see it and learned it was missing a water pan and had rust. The seller lowered the price to $30 and am glad I bought it. Cleaned it up and ready to use it.”
Matthew La Rou, The Netherlands
Date Code: C
“I found one here in The Netherlands and it looks like the real deal,” says Matthew. “With super orange peel enamel!” You can see the orange peel effect in the reflection on the lid in the second photo. Many people find this orange peel effect a desirable characteristic of older Weber grills.
Scott Zoellner, Sandwich, IL
Date Code: C
Searching Craigslist one day, Scott says, “I came across this beautiful ‘C’ code 18.5″ WSM. It’s in great shape with just a little rust on the legs and missing the access door knob. It was being sold as part of a pre-estate sale by a great guy. He sold it to me for $30. Needless to say I’m very happy with the find and the condition.”
Clark Hodgson, Wyocena, WI
Date Code: B
“I was driving past my neighbor’s place in Wyocena, WI on Memorial Day weekend 2006 while they were having a garage sale. I saw what I thought for sure was a WSM sitting in his driveway. It was a little rusty, the access door and legs anyway, but appeared to be in excellent condition otherwise.
“My neighbor had a price tag on it of $20.00. He said, ‘Don’t buy that because then you’ll have to cook!’ I told him I used my Brinkmann to cook all the time. Since I am his neighbor, he said $10.00 would take it away. I couldn’t pass up that deal.
“So I came back with my truck, loaded it up, took it home and gave it a good cleaning. All of the porcelain was in really good shape. The grates were all rusty, but a wire brush took care of that. Since it did not have a thermometer, I searched the Web for retrofit ideas, which is how I happened on your site and learned about the date codes.”
Clark cleaned up the old steel legs as best he could, but took a wire brush to the steel access door and sprayed it with black barbecue paint to make it look better.
Clark Hodgson, Wyocena, WI
Date Code: C/D
“Last year (2012), I picked up a ‘C’ WSM from Craigslist and finally got around to cleaning it up and getting some pics. Of course, I can’t just find any ‘C’ WSM. No, it has to be one with anomalies.
“I have attached three pics for your viewing pleasure. One shows the top vent with an unmistakable ‘C’ stamp and a partial ‘D’ stamp. One shows a bottom vent with very visible ‘C’ and ‘D’ stamps. The other is just a shot of the WSM out in the yard.
“It has some condition issues, porcelain chips, a little rust on the legs, banged up water pan, but all in all it’s in good shape, and now has a good home.”
Michael Mcintryre
Date Code: C
“(My WSM is) currently serving vacation duty near Yosemite,” says Michael. “I think I paid $150 for it back then. Over 20 years, and still a friend.”
Catherine Lambrecht
Date Code: C
“I bought mine at the Ace Hardware store in Lake Forest, IL at the end of the season for around $100. It was their floor model, which was already assembled.”
Mike DiRubbio
Date Code: C
“Here is a picture of my old bullet. My wife seems to think we bought the smoker in Spring 1982.”
John Wells, Overland Park, KS
Date Code: C
“I had to laugh when I saw the note about the ‘C’ club on New Years Day 2005. I was smoking a turkey and realized when loading the charcoal, that I need a new charcoal grate. It’s FINALLY giving out. I was checking your website and saw the thing about the letters stamped into the vents.
“This has been one great smoker, consistent and easy to use! I can’t remember where I got it or what I paid for it, but I’ll buy another for sure—when this one can’t be used anymore!”
Edward Dannewitz, Overland Park, KS
Date Code: C
“Although it’s not in top shape, my ‘C’ model WSM still cooks up a storm. My father found this gem for me approximately 12 years ago sitting in a moving sale. Asking price was $15.00 and he talked them down to $5.00. Didn’t fully appreciate what he had gotten me until I found out what it was and what real Q’ing was about. I now own three, and all are being used in competitions yearly.”
Greg Urganus
Date Code: C
“Just joined TVWB and thought I’d send in my application for the ‘C’ Club. I inherited it several years ago from a friend going through a bad divorce. She was just going to put it out with the trash, getting rid of all his stuff. She gave it to me for free, just had to go and pick it up. Since then I’ve put it to extremely good use.”
Jim Pfefferle, Pewaukee, WI
Date Code: C
“I rescued this bad boy from the back porch of my sister’s place, where it had gathered dust since my father’s passing five years ago. Before looking, I was pretty confident it would be a ‘C’ model, since my Dad was always trying out new grills and loved Weber products. I now consider this WSM a family heirloom.”
Bill Nipe, Birchwood, WI – Model 1880
Date Code: C
“I was attending an estate auction when I came across a box which appeared to have a small charcoal grill in it. Upon further inspection, I noticed it was a Weber smoker.
“I was sure someone was gonna outbid me, but I won at $18. When I got home, I removed the smoker from the box and found out that it had never been used. I did not know much about the art of smoking or about these smokers until I stumbled across your site.
“Well, I have been smoking this little guy every weekend since and the whole family loves the meals this thing turns out. This smoker has been a blast to use along with your site, and it will be smoking for a long time to come.”
Craig Smith, Chattanooga, TN
Date Code: C
“I was talking at work about building a drum smoker and a girl I work with overheard me. She said her husband had an old smoker that doesn’t get used at all and offered to call him to see if it was something he wanted to get rid of. Turned out that he was, and this smoker has the date code of “C”.
“Thanks for putting a website like this up and thanks for all the info to use my new to me old Smokey Mountain.”
Clay Houser, Topeka, KS
Date Code: C
“I was looking at Big Green Eggs online, but I was appalled at their price and weight, so I was searching for a better alternative when I came across The Virtual Weber Bullet. The site convinced me (pretty easily) that a WSM was what I needed, so I started searching Craigslist and found one for sale about 60 miles away in Kansas City. The pictures looked great, and when I got there the next day I found a well-used but wonderfully maintained WSM, so I paid the man and took it home!
“The previous owner was a BBQ enthusiast and he’d already changed to a Brinkmann water pan and installed a Tel-Tru thermometer, so I was ready to go as soon as I got home and I haven’t slowed down since. It was a huge surprise to find out that this WSM left the factory two years before I was born and it still cooks like a dream!”
Lu Bennett, IL
Date Code: C
“We found your website after we had the pleasure and excitement of finding a Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker at an estate sale. We love our Weber Performer but have always wanted to have a smoker.
“This smoker is designated with a ‘C’ on the vent. It was purchased by a man who died before he could ever use it and his family was selling it at their estate sale. It is unused and in mint condition. We can’t wait to use it.”
Postscript
Lu contacted Weber about this pristine WSM and agreed to trade it for a new 2009 WSM. Lu says that “it just feels right” for this “C” WSM to return to Weber headquarters in Palatine, IL where it will take its place alongside other historic Weber charcoal grills. Way to go, Lu!
Frits de Jonge, Nijmegen, Netherlands – Model 1880
Date Code: C
“Today I saw an advertisement for a WSM on a second-hand website in the Netherlands,” writes Frits. “From the pictures, it was clear that it was a small Model 1880. When I phoned, they told me that the letter C was stamped on the top vent. I immediately closed the deal and jumped in the car to collect it.
“Although it has some imperfections—the enamel on the bottom rim is not perfect, the bottom grill is missing, and it’s not perfectly round anymore—the rest it still looks great. The original booklet was present as well.
“The owner told me that he had received this smoker from his sister in Scotland, but they never used it. As you can imagine, I am very pleased to own such an old, special WSM.”
Roger Fecher, Cincinnati, OH
Date Code: C
“After deciding that a Weber Smokey Mountain was the best bet for great BBQ at a reasonable price, I set off to find a smoker. I found this smoker through an online estate auction. The colored manual pictured in the auction led me to believe that it was an early model. As I read more, I got excited that I could be looking at an early 1980s model of the WSM. A few others drove the price up to $80, which I was glad to pay.
“When I picked up the item I was pleased to find that the only parts that needed to be replaced were the food grates. It even came with the original teak wood handle in good condition as well as the original assembly guide and full color manual. I got excited when I saw the C date code stamp. I opted to purchase a new door since the original had obvious air gaps and was rather rusty due to its time in the elements. (Uncovered on a patio for who knows how long.) I was amazed at the wonderful condition of the rest of the unit. The legs are rusted over, but the porcelain finish is still in great condition. The charcoal grate is a bit rusty, but perfectly usable.”
Ryan Couse
Date Code: C
“I bought this from a relative for $40.00. It belonged to my late brother in law, he was the one who got me hooked on grilling and smoking. It’s in great shape except for needing a new handle.”
Marcus Hsia, Austin, TX
Date Code: C
Marcus writes, “I have a Craigslist search for all things ‘Weber’ and this unit popped up one day for $10! Even though I already had two WSMs, I immediately texted the seller to see if I could pick it up. He said, ‘Well, someone is already coming by after work to pick it up…’ to which I said, ‘What if I were to come NOW and give you $20 instead?’ Apparently that was too good of a deal to pass up, so he agreed.
“I installed a thermometer, installed handles on the side of the unit, replaced the legs, and used the door from my other WSM. I changed out the grill grates and replaced the pan with a Brinkmann water pan. The unit itself was in tremendous shape—it looked like it had never been cooked in before.
“I didn’t realize the treasure I was blessed to discover until I found this page on the site to figure out why this unit had a wooden handle instead of a plastic one. Now that I know this is such a special WSM, I’m going to make it my main smoker.”
Kevin Steers, Cedarburg, WI
Date Code: B
Kevin says, “Days after an estate sale in my neighborhood in northern Wisconsin, this WSM was found in the bushes, where it had been abandoned. The new homeowner told me to take it, as he knew I was a barbecue guy. I will need to reverse a mod, as the original owner converted it to propane, I believe, as evidenced by the holes in the base.”
In the first photo, you can see the propane valve attached to the front leg of the charcoal bowl. In the third photo looking inside the charcoal bowl, the rectangular hole is probably access for the propane burner; the small hole in the bottom is probably a weep hole for water.
Tyler Vickstrom
Date Code: C
“I bought my C code 14.5″ WSM off of Facebook Marketplace for 30 bucks! Also, that kettle in the back was made somewhere between 1976 and 1978.”
Photo of 2019 BX code on replacement red kettle lid: 2020 by Dirk Verjans
Photo of 2007 NT code on a Spirit E-210: 2017 by Bruce
Photo of 2012 BL code on 18.5″ Jim Beam kettle: 2023 by Dietrich Beck
