Weber 22" Original Kettle Premium
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The Weber Kettle is to grilling what the Les Paul is to guitars — the design was perfected decades ago, and everything since has been a variation on the theme. At $175, this is the most capable grill per dollar you can buy.
What We Love
- +Incredibly versatile — grill, smoke, roast, bake
- +One-Touch cleaning system works brilliantly
- +Hinged cooking grate for easy charcoal access
- +Built-in thermometer on Premium model
- +Ash catcher makes cleanup simple
- +Massive aftermarket accessory ecosystem
Watch Out For
- −Requires charcoal management skills
- −No workspace or side tables
- −Wind affects temperature control
- −Learning curve for beginners
Specifications
Cooking Area
363 sq in
Diameter
22 inches
Material
Porcelain-enameled steel
Grate
Hinged plated steel
Weight
32 lbs
Warranty
10 years
The Full Review
Every griller should own a Weber Kettle at some point. I grew up with one in Australia, and now I run one in Minnesota — and it performs identically in both climates.
The genius of the Kettle is its simplicity. A bowl, a lid, two vents, and a grate. That's it. But with those four elements, you can sear steaks at 700°F, smoke brisket at 225°F for 12 hours, bake bread, roast a turkey, or make pizza. The versatility is genuinely unmatched.
The Premium model adds a hinged grate (essential for adding charcoal during long cooks), a built-in lid thermometer, and an ash catcher. These upgrades are worth the extra $50 over the base model.
Temperature control comes down to vent management. Top vent controls oxygen outflow, bottom vent controls intake. Once you understand this relationship, you can dial in any temperature you want. It took me about three cooks to get comfortable.
I've done everything from reverse-seared tomahawks to 14-hour pork shoulders on this Kettle. With a Slow 'N Sear insert (reviewed separately), it becomes a legitimate competition-quality smoker.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest charcoal grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber 22" Original Kettle Premium (this) | 4.6 | $175 | Fifty-plus years of proven design. |
| Expert Grill Premium 22-Inch Kettle | 3.8 | $70 | The $70 Walmart kettle that gets the job done. |
| Weber Performer Deluxe | 4.7 | $399 | Everything great about the Original Kettle plus a worktable, charcoal storage bin, and gas-assisted ignition. |
Who Is It For?
Every single person who cooks outdoors. Beginners who want to learn real fire management. Experienced cooks who want a no-nonsense charcoal setup. Budget-conscious buyers who want maximum versatility.
Final Verdict
The Weber 22" Kettle Premium is the single most important grill ever made. At $175, there's no excuse not to own one. It will teach you more about cooking with fire than any gas grill ever could.
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