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Weber Kettle Original 22 Charcoal Grill (Review)

The Weber Kettle Original 22 Charcoal Grill is the product that launched a company. It is large enough for most food items, easy to use, and showcases the classic Weber design.

Weber Kettle Original 22 Charcoal Grill
Weber Kettle Original 22 Charcoal Grill

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Specifications

  • 22-inch diameter cooking surface (363 square inches)
  • Glass-reinforced nylon handles that are heat-resistant and long-lasting
  • Aluminum vents and ash catcher
  • Three leg design
  • Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid
  • Plated steel cooking grates
  • 10-year warranty
  • Made in the United States by the Weber Stephen Products Company

Derrick Riches

Construction Quality
Temperature Control
Features
Versatility
Durability

4.5

PROS

  • Large Capacity
  • Versatile Cooking Abilities/Accessories
  • Simple Operation

CONS

  • Unstable Leg Design (newer models)
  • Ash Clean-Up

Full Review – Weber Kettle Original 22 Charcoal Grill

Several decades ago, a company manufactured buoys, which are large metal balls that act as road markers for water. Bouys are made by pressing a round piece of steel into a half sphere, then two of these spheres are welded together. One day, an employee of this buoy-making company decided he wanted he wanted a hot lunch instead of a cold sandwich. He dumped charcoal in the bottom of half a buoy, placed a wire rack over the top, and cooked his meal. After a few years of playing with the design, the Weber Kettle Grill was born.

Weber Kettle Success

The Weber Kettle is one of the most successful outdoor grills in history. There are areas where Weber is synonymous with grill, much like Kleenex is synonymous with tissue. This brand recognition is based solely on the simplicity of its design. The Kettle is basically half a ball with a vent in the bottom, a lid with a vent on the top, one grate for coals, and another for grilling. Its design seems rudimentary, and certainly, engineers have tried to improve it. But no other manufacturer has made a better kettle-shaped charcoal grill.

Two Zone on a Charcoal Grill

There are a dozen models of the Weber Kettle available today, but this stripped-down version, without any extras, yet large enough for most cuts of meat, is the one to buy. It can hold cooking temperatures as low as 200 degrees F while still hitting grilling temperatures above 700 degrees. This unit is easily set up for direct and indirect grilling. It roasts, smokes, and even makes a great pizza oven. The modern Weber company produces an endless array of accessories, from woks to rotisserie units, so there isn’t a form of cooking that this grill can’t do. Best of all, it is less expensive than any gas grill on the market.

Bottom Line

For the first-time griller or experienced cook, this is the perfect charcoal grill. Sure, charcoal isn’t as convenient as gas, but if you want authentic flavor, a touch of smoke (or a lot), and the ability to rotisserie a prime rib or grill delicious great burgers, this is the only grill you actually need. It does it all and can last for years.

Affiliate Disclosure: This article and the website it appears on use sales affiliates to cover the cost of operation. If you choose to purchase a product through the links provided, a portion of that sale will go to me. It helps me create content, so I can help you and others have the best barbecue experience. I am grateful to all my readers over the years that have been so kind as to assist me in my exploration of outdoor cooking. Thank you.

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