22 Inch Weber Charcoal Grill

Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

Weber Original Kettle 22 inch Charcoal BBQ Grill Review

The 22-inch Weber Original Kettle Premium is short. The grates are just 27 inches from the ground. Compare that against the standard kitchen-counter height of 36 inches, and you quickly grasp the reality we experienced: Its a literal, if passing, pain in the ass to spend a lot of time working over the grates. Granted, you spend 90 percent of your grilling time standing around waiting for stuff to cook, not leaning over the coals. But the Napoleon, which we otherwise didnt love, is a generous 34 inches in height at the grate, and that made it a pleasure to work on. Given Webers attention to engineering details, we suspect the low height is by design. For the same reason, we believe Weber could do things differentlyand better.

The Weber grill has three legsan inherently stable design, because having three points of contact means the legs will automatically find their level even on bumpy ground. That said, the Napoleon models four legs felt just as stable, and more stiff, on a garden-variety concrete patioand also allowed Napoleon to install a big, square shelf underneath the grill. The Weber grill has a smaller, triangular shelf, but its far less useful.

Finally, the Weber model doesnt come with a grill cover. We think every grill should, even though most dont. Weber sells one for its 22-inch kettle for about $40, usually.

Competition: A Crowded Field

Sure, there are many options on the market. But once you factor in price, performance, and design, the Weber is the heavy hitter in the arena of charcoal grills. A high-end ceramic kamado grill, while a superior cooker thanks to its insulation, will run you $800 minimum. Barrel-style charcoal grills, while larger, can be more difficult to manage and harder to clean. There are cheaper versions of the kettle out there, but the Webers quality construction makes it a valuable purchase that should last you a long time.

Yes, buy it.

What are you waiting for? If you do not have a grill, the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22 Charcoal Grill is the place to start. For those new to cooking outdoors, the Weber makes it easy to learn to grill over a flame youll look like an old hand in no time. But even if you have a gas grill or a pellet smoker , sometimes the charcoal option is simply superior.

Weber Original Kettle 22 Inch Charcoal Grill Review

The grill that started a grilling revolution, the original kettle from Weber. Barely changed from its initial design in many decades, and for good reason. See why we and everyone else loves it in our hands on review of this charcoal grilling classic. Do we still think its value for money?

In this Weber Original kettle grill review, we look at the roots of home barbecue, and if they are worth getting back to?

For the 21st century griller, there is a dizzying array of barbecues available. Natural gas BBQs, propane grills, charcoal, pellet, and kamado grills and the list goes on. Where do you even begin?

Well, how about at the beginning with the first mainstream commercial BBQ brought into the world?

The classic kettle-style charcoal grill is the granddaddy of backyard barbecues. In fact, you might be tempted to break out a nice pair of loafers and light up a pipe standing in front of one.

But, if we ignore all the romance and nostalgia, is it worth owning one, or is a more modern barbecue a better choice?

Thats just one of the questions Ill answer in this review of the OG of Weber grills.

Contents

  • 10 Is this a Recommended Product?
  • Recommended Reading: How To Cook Prime Rib Steak On The Grill

    Construction & Ease Of Assembly

    The Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is infused with Webers telltale metallic quality. The lid and fire bowl have thick, heavy-duty layers of heat resistant porcelain to protect them from corrosion. The dampers are made from aluminum to reduce the heat transfer to the hands. The lid handle and the side handles are made from updated glass-reinforced nylon to help prevent accidentally burning your hands.

    When it comes to assembly, it doesnt take a lot of effort to put the Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill together. You dont need much beyond basic tools to get this charcoal fully assembled in under half an hour.

    Is It Worth Buying A Charcoal Grill

    Weber Original 22 inch Charcoal Kettle Grill Crimson

    A quality charcoal grill is certainly worth the investment. Due to their comparably simple construction, they tend to cost less than a similarly sized gas or pellet grill. Another powerful draw of these grills is the intense smoky flavor they create in the food they cook. They’re versatile too since they can use either traditional charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal as fuel.

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    Our Pick: Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

    Our pick

    *At the time of publishing, the price was $240.

    The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22 is our pick as the best charcoal grill for most people. Its a classic for good reason. In our tests it outperformed the other grills in cooking, ease of assembly, and user-friendly details. We got good results in one or another respect with the other models, but they didnt perform consistently great on everything the way the Weber did. From 12 well-seared burgers to an entire cut-up barbecue chicken to a perfectly cooked whole chicken and a killer rack of apricot-wood-smoked baby-back ribs, the Weber produced beautiful mealsand needed no expertise and no fussing on our part to do so. Its compact yet big enough to cook an entire elaborate meal for a family, a simple spread for a party, or even a whole Thanksgiving turkey.

    In cooking performance, the Weber was the best and most hassle-free grill in our tests.

    Its construction is simple and solid, and the materialsrust-proof aluminum legs, porcelain-coated steel for the body, and a nickel-plated steel grillare designed to last. And while the basic design has barely changed since 1952, Weber has added helpful new details over the yearsthis latest iteration has convenient tool hooks on the side handles, for example. Add that to its solid warranty and well-regarded customer service, and its hard to see a better value.

    Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill Review

    $232.80 Check Price

    Weber made their name in the 1950s by offering the first kettle grills to cater to people who adored the flame-kissed smoky flavor of charcoal-grilled meat. While a lot has changed in the world since then, not a lot has changed with the classic Original Weber Kettle Charcoal Grill. Other than the fetching copper paint job, this grill is very much unchanged over the decades, which is a powerful statement that Weber did indeed get it right the first time. It comes in Copper, Black , Green and Crimson colors.

    The 22-inch diameter chrome-plated grill grates are a hallmark of all Weber kettle grills. It provides you with 363 square inches of grate space. This perfect for grilling steaks, chops, or burgers for a family of four.

    The domed lid has a damper to let you control how much heat it holds. While the lower damper lets you adjust the incoming airflow to control just how hot the fire burns. Under the lower damper at the bottom of the fire bowl is an ash collector that makes for very easy cleanup.

    One place where Weber adds a little innovation to the original kettle grill is the hinges on the chrome-plated grill grates. They let you conveniently reload additional charcoal briquettes or smoking wood chips iin the middle of a long grilling session.

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    Heat Retention And Temperature Control

    Both grills are outfitted with a built-in lid thermometer to help grillers keep an eye on the internal temperature as they cook. This is a benefit that many kettle-style grills lack, and it comes in especially handy during indirect cooking applications.

    The premium construction and superior design of the Weber kettle grills help the units retain their heat for long periods of time. Because the air vents are made of rust-resistant aluminum, they can be moved easily, giving you better control over the temperature.

    The 22-inch unit also offers a low and slow vent setting, so this unit can pull double duty as a smoker. It can be difficult for amateurs to get a grasp on how this system works at first. Nonetheless, its an impressive feature that gives the smaller Weber the top prize in this department.

    Winner: 22

    Features: Back To Basics

    Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black Review

    While the Weber is a very basic cooker, it does have a few helpful features. Theres the elevated ash catcher, which makes dumping the remnants easier than with the original model .

    Not to beat a dead burger, but the aforementioned thermometer really did help me manage my fire better. The Weber also features a hook on the inside of the lid, which you can use to hang the lid off the side of the grill. This eliminates the temptation to put the lid on the ground, which can singe a circle in your lawn. Small hooks on the grills side handle are ideal for hanging tongs, spatulas, or a towel.

    Weber also offers a free app featuring grill guides for cooking various proteins and veggies, an explainer on how to position your fuel depending on your cook, and a timer to remind you when to check on or pull your food. To boot, the app boasts scores of recipes to keep your menu fresh and your family excited about trying new foods.

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    This Grill Allows You To Accessorize

    Believe me, I loved my Weber 18 One Touch Silver Grill and still use it to this day BUT you simply cannot purchase all of the accessories that you can purchase with the Weber 22 Inch Kettle Grill. You can buy the Weber BBQ System which includes a Weber Gourmet Sear Grate. You can also pick up the Weber Hinged Cooking Grate which allows you to add smoke wood or more charcoal to a hot grill. You can also enhance it with the Weber Charcoal Kettle Grill Rotisserie which I have not yet purchased but am considering it. The reviews are high for this accessory so its certainly a tempting purchase.

    Free Shipping On Orders Over $49

    Ship your entire order to your home for free, especially the big stuff! *Continental US only

    When will my item arrive?

    Once shipped, items usually arrive within 3-5 business days. While UPS and FedEx are our carriers for smaller items, be aware that larger items and orders are shipped via freight. The freight process is a bit more complicated than what weve all come to expect for small parcels, so its important that youre prepared and understand whats required of you well before delivery day.

    • Most freight products ship on a pallet
    • Some carriers will call to schedule a delivery window, while others will deliver the shipment to a reasonably accessible location closest to your residence .
    • Well specify which process you can expect in your shipping confirmation email.

    For carriers that schedule delivery appointments:

    Carriers that schedule delivery appointments require you to be home for delivery and provide your signature. The delivery is made with a semi-truck with lift gate services, and the shipment is dropped off at the curb. If you authorize the shipping company to leave the delivery without a signature, BBQGuys cant be held responsible for damages that occur during delivery. As complicated as this process may seem, weve only scratched the surface here please review our detailed guide to freight delivery so there are no surprises when a freight shipment heads your way.

    For carriers that deliver without an appointment:

    24 Hours

    $6.95 Flat-Rate Shipping

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    Ease Of Cleaning: Hot And Fast

    A clean grill is essential to flavor, and cleaning the Weber is a fairly simple affair thanks to the ash catcher. Even though it is solidly attached, the catcher pops off with ease, and its deep, bowl-like shape allows you to seamlessly pour the ashes into the trash without much spilling after they have cooled. I managed to get it all in the can every timesomething I cant say about the original plate-style catcher, with which I probably lost an average of about 40 percent of the ashes to the wind.

    To clean the grates, build a fire, heat up the grill, and then take a bristle-free wire brush and scrape. Every few cooks, I like to use a Shop-Vac to remove any greasy ashes stuck in the bottom of the grill. As a preventative, youll want to oil the meats and veggies before they go on to prevent sticking and extra scraping.

    Once you factor in price, performance, and design, the Weber is the heavy hitter in the arena of charcoal grills.

    Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 26

    Weber Performer 22

    Specifications

    • Dimensions-42.9 H X 27 W X 33 D
    • Diameter-26 inches
    • Total Cooking Surface-508 square inches
    • Grilling Grate-Stainless steel
    • Warranty-10 years

    Pros

    • Offers plenty of grilling space
    • Built-in lid thermometer
    • Legs can be tricky to attach when assembling the grill
    • Unit can be difficult to find

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    Weber : Charcoal Grills

    A charcoal grill is a great addition to your weekend BBQ or camping trip. The grill runs on lumps of charcoal or charcoal briquettes so that the food has that classic smokey flavor. This is also really good for searing meat and veggies as you can choose the way you want it cooked, whether it is low-and-slow or with high heat. With inbuilt ash catchers and temperature gauges, these grills are easy and convenient to use. You can smoke meat with the dedicated smoker feature so that it adds to the taste of your finished dishes. Charcoal grills often have porcelain-coated plates or porcelain-enameled burners so that the grill will last long and cook your veggies as intended for longer. Look at kettle grills, portable grills and more to find one that is perfect for your style of cooking and grilling. An outdoor charcoal grill is great since the cooking space is larger giving you the freedom to use it as you want. Browse through Target.com to select the next charcoal grill for your home.

    Why We Love Weber Grills

    Since the first Weber grill was released in 1952, they have been the biggest name in BBQ. From the Weber Original Kettle Grill to the latest Weber GENESIS Gas Grills and the SmokeFire Wood Pellet Grills, everyone immediately knows a Weber BBQ when they see one. Their well-known designs, tried and true cooking systems, and outstanding customer service have helped them become the company people have known and loved for generations.

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    Chicken And Indirect Medium Heat

    Next, we tested each grill’s medium heat cooking capability by roasting whole chickens. The trick here is to keep the grills at a hot enough temperature to cook a chicken for upwards of two hours.

    For our tests, each grill gets a full chimney of lit charcoal and a 6-pound chicken opposite the coals for indirect heat.

    Each grill got a chimney of hot charcoal.

    Cooking over charcoal takes longer than cooking with a gas grill, and we typically need to add more fuel during cooking to keep our grills above 350 degrees F for the full duration. Our favorite bird from this batch was the one cooked on the Weber, though it was a tough call. The bird cooked on the Nexgrill cart-style grill came in right behind, a close second in terms of flavor and texture.

    We cooked chicken over indirect heat until it reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

    The difference between the two was largely in the crispiness of the skin, with the Weber producing the superior results. Meat from the Nexgrill was delicious, with just a bit more flavor than the Weber. Between them, I’d say it largely depends on your budget and what style of grill you prefer for other meats like burgers or steak. Weber certainly had the superior sear in that category.

    The Best Charcoal Grill Weber 22 Kettle Grill Youtube Video Unboxing And Assembling

    How to use a Charcoal Grill | Weber Kettle Grill

    Almost exactly a year ago I created a video of me unboxing and assembling the Weber 22 Inch Charcoal Grill that has been widely viewed . I really wanted to help others set up their own Weber 22 Charcoal Grill because I love mine so much! You can check it out below. Since then I have used this Weber grill extensively for my charcoal grilling needs.

    Needless to say I love it and recommend it highly as the #1 charcoal grill that you can buy if you love to grill with charcoal as I do. So what is so great about the Weber 22 Inch Charcoal Kettle Grill?

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    Performance: Simple And Effective

    This Webers plated steel cooking grate is hinged so that its easier to load charcoal, even while cooking, onto the heavy-gauge steel grate below. Like many, I eschew lighter fluid, so for easy fire-starting, I opted to use Webers Rapidfire Chimney Starterjust one of several accessories you can purchase for this grill . With this method, the coals take about 10 minutes to light and another 10 for the grill to get hot.

    No matter what you slap on it, the Weber can cook ithot and fast or low and slow. Ive thrown pork, burgers, steaks, chicken, veggies, and even some pineapple on the Weber with fabulous results. Some foods call for direct heat right over the coals, but you can also position the fuel to the side to cook indirectly, something youll want to do if you are grilling a whole chicken or playing around with a beer can recipe. You can even use the Weber to slowly smoke more traditional barbecue by adding a little wood to the fire.

    Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial, and the Weber does this better than any other in its price range.

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