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Both grills are under $200. Both are tiny. Both have cult followings among campers and tailgaters. But one is charcoal and one is gas, which makes them very different tools for very different cooks.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Weber Smokey Joe Premium ($59) if you want the cheapest possible Weber and you love charcoal flavor. Buy the Weber Q 1000 ($199) if you want propane convenience in the smallest possible Weber gas grill.
The Contenders
Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14
$59
Charcoal lovers who want the cheapest, most portable Weber ever made
Check PriceWeber Q 1000
$199
Quick-trip cooks who want propane convenience in the smallest Weber gas grill
Check PriceCategory Breakdown
Setup & Speed
Winner: Q 1000Q 1000 wins decisively. Twist propane, light, cook in 5 minutes. The Smokey Joe requires lighting charcoal — 15-20 minutes minimum.
Flavor
Winner: Smokey JoeSmokey Joe wins. Real charcoal flavor that propane can't replicate. For purists, charcoal flavor is non-negotiable.
Portability
Winner: Smokey JoeSmokey Joe wins. 9 lbs vs the Q 1000 at 27 lbs. The Smokey Joe is genuinely backpack-portable; the Q 1000 needs a car or cart.
Cooking Area
Winner: Q 1000Q 1000 wins. 189 sq in vs the Smokey Joe's 147 sq in. Small difference but real for cooking 2 vs 3 burgers at once.
Value
Winner: Smokey JoeSmokey Joe wins decisively. $59 is the cheapest competent grill in the world. The Q 1000 is great but you can buy three Smokey Joes for the price.
Final Verdict
Buy the Smokey Joe if you love charcoal and want maximum portability for under $60. Buy the Q 1000 if you want propane convenience and the smallest Weber gas grill available.
Buying Advice
Honestly, the Smokey Joe is one of the great deals in grilling. Even if you have a bigger grill, having a Smokey Joe in your trunk for camping, tailgating, or beach trips is hard to argue with at $59.
