Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill Review: The Backyard Legend
There’s something almost magical about cooking over charcoal. I’ve been grilling for years, and I still get a little excited every time I fire up my Weber kettle. The Weber Original Kettle Premium has been around for decades, yet somehow remains both timeless and relevant in today’s world of fancy grilling gadgets. I’ve had mine for about three summers now, and honestly, it might be the best investment I’ve made for my backyard.
This 22-inch model hits that sweet spot between size and practicality. Big enough to cook for a family gathering, but not so enormous that it dominates your patio space. I think what’s most impressive is how something so seemingly simple can produce such consistently excellent results. But is it actually worth the price when cheaper options exist? Let’s dive in.
- Porcelain enameled lid, bowl, and center section retain heat and won’t rust or peel
- Two cooking grates provide ample room for smoking two large items at once
- Silicone temperature grommet monitors the internal temperature of your smoker
- Control the temperature of your smoker by easily adjusting the dampers. Smokey Mountain large aluminum fuel door allows grill masters to easily add charcoal
- Fuel door comes off to make adding charcoal or wood easier while smoking
Classic Form, Perfect Function
The design of the Weber kettle grill is iconic for a reason – it just works. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are built to last and retain heat incredibly well. My favorite design feature might be the One-Touch cleaning system with that high-capacity ash catcher. It’s one of those things that doesn’t seem important until you’ve dealt with the messy alternative. The hinged cooking grate is perhaps the most practical design element – you can add charcoal mid-cook without removing everything, which is honestly a game-changer for longer smoking sessions.
The angled lid hook is another thoughtful touch. Instead of putting your lid on the ground (we’ve all been there), it hangs neatly on the side of the grill. And while it might sound minor, that heat-resistant handle has saved my fingers more than once when I’ve absentmindedly reached for the lid during an intense grilling session.
Performance That Impresses
What really sets the Weber apart is its versatility and performance. I’ve used mine for everything from quick weeknight burgers to slow-smoked ribs, and it handles it all beautifully. The temperature control is surprisingly precise for a charcoal grill. The dampers work efficiently, allowing you to dial in your desired heat level with a bit of practice. I’ve found that mastering these vents gives you much more control than you might expect from charcoal.
The 363 square inches of cooking space is generous enough for most needs. To put that in perspective, I’ve comfortably fit about 12-13 burgers on it at once for a party. Or you can easily grill a couple of chickens or a medium-sized turkey with room to spare. The heat distribution is remarkably even, though you’ll naturally have hotter and cooler zones depending on your charcoal arrangement – which is actually a feature once you learn to use it to your advantage.
The Technical Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 39.5″ H x 22.5″ W x 27″ D |
| Cooking Area | 363 square inches |
| Weight | 32.3 pounds |
| Materials | Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl, aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty on bowl and lid, 5 years on plastic components, 2 years on remaining parts |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
The Good and The Not-So-Great
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality with impressive durability
- Versatile cooking capabilities (grilling, smoking, indirect heat)
- The ash catcher makes cleanup so much easier
- Hinged grate for adding charcoal during cooking
- Great heat retention and distribution
- Portable enough to move around the yard
- Outstanding value for the quality
- Generous warranty coverage
Cons:
- Built-in thermometer isn’t the most accurate (I use a separate digital one)
- Assembly takes about 30-45 minutes and some patience
- Wheels could be more durable for rough terrain
- Learning temperature control takes some practice
- No side table included for prep space
What Real Owners Say
The Weber Original Kettle enjoys an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from thousands of reviewers on Amazon. Owners consistently praise its longevity and performance.
One reviewer writes: “This is my third Weber kettle in 40 years. The first two are still in service with other family members. They simply don’t wear out if you take care of them.”
Another customer mentions: “After struggling with gas grills that constantly flare up or cheap charcoal grills that fall apart after a season, I finally invested in this Weber. Should have done it years ago. The temperature control is excellent once you get the hang of it.”
The few critical reviews typically mention the assembly process or wish for extras like a side table. As one reviewer noted: “Great grill, but I immediately had to buy accessories to make it functional for my cooking style. Plan on spending a bit more than just the base price.”
Is This Grill Right For You?
For Beginners: Absolutely suitable. The Weber kettle is forgiving enough for newbies while offering room to grow your skills. The temperature learning curve exists but isn’t steep. You’ll make mistakes, but the grill is designed well enough that those mistakes rarely ruin a meal entirely.
For Intermediate Users: Perfect. This is where the Weber really shines. Once you’ve mastered basic temperature control, you can start experimenting with different cooking zones, smoking, and indirect heat methods. The grill will keep up with your growing skills.
For Advanced Users: Still highly recommended. Many competition pitmasters still use the Weber kettle alongside their more expensive equipment. Its simplicity becomes an advantage at the expert level, where understanding fire management fundamentals matters more than fancy features. That said, those cooking for very large groups might eventually want something bigger.
You Might Also Like
If you’re getting into charcoal grilling, you might also want to explore electric smokers for those times when you want smoky flavor with less hands-on attention.
Ready to Transform Your Grilling Experience?
The Weber Original Kettle Premium isn’t just a grill—it’s the beginning of a charcoal cooking journey that could last decades. If you’re ready to experience what real charcoal flavor is all about with a grill that’s built to last, this Weber deserves a spot in your backyard.
- Porcelain enameled lid, bowl, and center section retain heat and won’t rust or peel
- Two cooking grates provide ample room for smoking two large items at once
- Silicone temperature grommet monitors the internal temperature of your smoker
- Control the temperature of your smoker by easily adjusting the dampers. Smokey Mountain large aluminum fuel door allows grill masters to easily add charcoal
- Fuel door comes off to make adding charcoal or wood easier while smoking
