I hadn't cooked over charcoal in over 20 years before picking up the Weber Kettle Premium. Getting back to it was a revelation. Simple, versatile, and genuinely fun to cook on — here's why this classic deserves every bit of its legendary reputation.
✓ Highly Recommended — a true backyard essential
There's a reason the Weber Kettle has been the gold standard of backyard grilling for decades — it's just a great grill. Simple design, reliable performance, and a 22-inch cooking surface that gives you more room than the 18-inch kamados and kettles that cost significantly more.
The Premium upgrade over the base model is worth it specifically for the ash collector. Instead of a standard ash catcher, you get a closed 'pot' system that contains the ash and dramatically reduces the mess. If you've ever had ash blow across your patio, you'll appreciate this immediately. Combined with Jealous Devil lump charcoal and a Weber XL chimney starter, getting this grill fired up is quick and clean.
I've added the Weber charcoal baskets to set up dual-zone grilling — direct heat on one side, indirect on the other. This opens up the Kettle for more than just searing; I've done some solid smoke sessions with wings on game days using this setup. The top and bottom airflow system is effective for temp control once you learn it, though the vents could be better marked for guidance. Once you dial it in, it becomes second nature.
The green color on my unit is sharp — a nice alternative to the standard black. It's also completely movable anywhere — no gas line, no electricity needed. Just charcoal and fire. That simplicity is a feature, not a limitation.
| Cooking Area | 363 sq. in. |
| Diameter | 22 inches |
| Fuel | Charcoal — lump or briquette |
| Ash System | One-Touch closed pot system (Premium) |
| Grates | Plated steel cooking grate, hinged charcoal grate |
| Lid Thermometer | Built-in |
| Portability | Fully mobile — no connections needed |
| Color Options | Black, Green, Red, and more |
The Weber Kettle is for everyone — seriously. Whether you're a first-time grill owner or a seasoned backyard cook, this grill belongs in the rotation. At the price point, nothing gives you more cooking versatility and pure enjoyment per dollar.
If you're already deep into pellet smoking or gas grilling and you've never gone back to charcoal, the Kettle will remind you why fire matters. It's not the most convenient option, but it's the most satisfying. Steaks and wings have never tasted better.
Our preferred charcoal for the Kettle. Burns hot, clean, and longer than briquettes — great for searing steaks or doing longer indirect cooks.
The fastest way to get lump charcoal fully lit. No lighter fluid, no mess — just newspaper and 15 minutes. Affiliate link coming soon.
Works well on the plated steel grates. Hit the grates while they're still hot for the easiest cleanup.
Essential for dual-zone setups. Push charcoal to one side for direct heat, leave the other empty for indirect. Game changer for smoking and reverse sears on the Kettle.
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