The Best Charcoal Grills by Weber in 2023 [Guide & Reviews]

  • By: Brendan

My current charcoal grill has served me well for over 10 years, so now needless to say is looking and performing as old as the charcoal in it!

I’ve owned a few Weber gas grills, but I’ve heard charcoal grills are the company’s specialty. That said, I’ve reviewed several top-rated models from the company’s product portfolio, and here’s my take on the best charcoal grills by Weber for 2022.

Best Weber Charcoal Grills


What are Charcoal Grills?

Just as the name would suggest, charcoal grills are outdoor grills that use charcoal as their source of fuel.

Grilling on a charcoal grill requires much more effort than a gas grill, starting right from the startup process.

However, on a brighter note, food items cooked on a charcoal flavor offer an incomparable smoky flavor that you just can’t experience with gas grills.

Apart from the distinct smoky flavor, there are several other benefits of cooking on a charcoal grill including high heat temperatures, the ability to grill, smoke, sear, and bake (depending on the grill’s design), dual-zone cooking, easy wood flavor, and less expensive compared to gas grills.


Different Types of Charcoal Grills by Weber?

Weber offers a massive portfolio of charcoal grills, which are four different types.

Original Kettle Series

Original Kettle Series

Invented by Weber’s founder, George Stephen, there are good reasons why Weber’s Kettle Series is a classic, most notably its compact footprint, and its ability to cook an entire elaborate meal for a family, a simple spread for a party, or even a whole Thanksgiving turkey.

Available in various sizes, charcoal grills in the Weber Original Kettle Series are available in several different sizes, and are equipped with the company’s innovative One-Touch cleaning system.

The Weber Kettle Series still remains the company’s popular grills today, and is loved by people across the world.

Original Kettle Premium Series

Kettle Premium Series

The Original Kettle Premium Series is billed as the slightly upgraded version of the Original Kettle Series, in that it rings in with three new features—a built-in lid thermometer, hinged grates, and a removable ash catch.

The lid thermometer is a handy accessory as it allows you to cook slow, long cook foods without having to open the lid of the grill often.

The hinged grate makes it easy to lift part of the grate up to add more charcoal, without having to pull the entire thing out.

The removable ash catch is great for those who don’t want to get their fingers dirty with ash. The Original Kettle Premium Series is the only kettle that can be ordered in an assortment of exciting colors.

Master Touch Series

Master Touch Series

The Weber Master Touch Kettle is the bigger brother of the Kettle Premium and adds gourmet BBQ system grates, a warming rack, and char-baskets.

The Weber Master Touch Series adds the wow factor to charcoal grills and is a great choice for searing the perfect steak or transformed into a smoker for smoking low-and-slow ribs or pork shoulder.

Adding to this, the Master-Touch Series by Weber is equipped with a charcoal ring for efficient cooking and is your answer to everything barbeque.

Performer Series

Performer Series

The Weber Performance Series stays true to its name and is designed for novice, as well as seasoned grillers.

Each grill in the performer range is fitted with a hinged gourmet BBQ system cooking grate, a One-Touch cleaning system with an ash catcher, and a side table.

The higher-end models in the performer Series portable timer and gas ignition, so you can easily ignite the flames in the charcoal grill.


Best Weber Charcoal Grills Review

1. Weber 741001 Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

The Weber 741001 Original Kettle is the modern version of the Kettle from where things took center stage. It’s fitted with a solid porcelain-enameled lid and bowl, which collectively provide superior heat retention.

The Weber 741001 Original Kettle comes with adjustable dampers for precise temperature control, and the company’s innovative One-Touch cleaning system for easy cleanup after a long grilling session.

The Weber 741001 Original Kettle doesn’t just look good with its rich black finish, it offers a large capacity cooking space that can cook up to 13 burgers at one time.

The lid of the Weber 741001 Original Kettle is fitted with a hook, so you won’t have to place the lid on the ground while grilling.

Further, the Weber 741001 Original Kettle measures 25 x 22.5 x 39.5 inches, weighs roughly 5 lbs and comes with two wheels at the bottom to easily move the appliance across spaces.

It is topped with a heat shield to prevent the lid from getting hot and comes with 3D interactive assembly instructions.

Pros:

  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
  • Adjustable dampers for precise temperature control
  • Can cook up 13 burgers at one time
  • Two wheels at the bottom
  • 3D interactive assembly instructions

Cons:

  • Limited to one color option
  • Cover sold separately

2. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

The Weber Original Kettle Premium charcoal grill can be ordered in a choice of three great colors—black, copper, and green, and is equipped with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that not only retains heat well but will never rust or peel.

Adding to this, the Weber Original Kettle Premium charcoal grill measures 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches, and can cook up to 13 burgers in one go!

It features Weber’s One-Touch cleaning system, which includes a high-capacity ash catcher, so you can cook more, and clean up without breaking a sweat.

The Weber Original Kettle Premium features a built-in lid thermometer to avoid the guesswork when your food is fully cooked.

Speaking of which, the Weber Original Kettle Premium grill is a great choice for cooking burgers to searing steaks on high heat and comes with a hinged cooking grate to easily add charcoal while grilling.

The Weber Original Kettle Premium can be used for both direct and indirect grilling and comes with a heat shield to prevent your lid handle from getting too hot.

It provides a great grilling experience, thanks to its tool hooks to hang your grilling essentials, durable wheels, and interactive 3D assembly instructions.

Pros:

  • Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
  • Weber’s One-Touch cleaning system
  • Can cook up to 13 burgers in one go
  • Can be used for both direct and indirect grilling
  • Tool hooks, durable wheels, interactive 3D assembly instructions
  • 3 color options
  • Lid mounted temperature gauge

Cons:

  • A little heavy at 30 lbs

3. Weber 14501001 Master-Touch Charcoal Grill

The Weber 14501001 Master-Touch charcoal grill is one of the best appliances in its segment for several reasons, starting with its large 443 square inches of cooking area—enough to cook roughly 13 burgers at a time.

Additionally, it measures 42 x 24 x 29.5 inches, making it fairly compact to fit into tight spaces. The Weber 14501001 Master-Touch charcoal grill features a tuck-away lid holder, which can be used to place the lid at the side of the grill rather than the floor.

It comes with a hinged cooking grate that’s compatible with GBS inserts, making it easy to add charcoal while grilling.

The Weber 14501001 Master-Touch charcoal grill is equipped with handy tool hooks to hang all your grilling tools like spatulas and tongs.

It features a built-in lid thermometer that displays the grill’s internal temperature, and two durable wheels to move the grill around.

The Weber 14501001 Master-Touch charcoal grill allows you to easily and efficiently organize your charcoal for direct and indirect cooking and is a joy to clean with its One-Touch cleaning system.

It comes with a heat shield to prevent the handle from getting hot and comes with a removable circular grate insert, which can be removed and replaced with a griddle, poultry roaster, pizza stone or any of the many Gourmet BBQ System inserts (sold separately).

Pros:

  • 443 square inches of cooking area
  • One-Touch cleaning system
  • In-built temperature gauge
  • Heat shield
  • Direct and indirect cooking
  • Comes with curved warming rack

Cons:

  • Assembly of legs to the grill may be a bit challenging

4. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

The Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe is in a league of its own, most notable due to its rich set of features. It comes with a removable LCD digital cook timer that lets you know the temperature inside the grill with a single glance.

The Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe charcoal grill comes with the electronic Touch and Go ignition system, which allows you to ignite the coals with the push of a button.

It measures 43.5″H x 48″W x 30″D and allows you to control the temperatures easily without even opening the lid.

The Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe charcoal grill is easy to clean with the company’s One-Touch cleaning system and can be used for direct or indirect grilling.

Furthermore, it comes with a weather-protected CharBin storage compartment to store your charcoal right beside the grill.

The Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe charcoal grill comes with a wire bottom shelf and separate work table to prep food, and/or keep platters, seasonings, and tools within arm’s reach.

The Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe charcoal grill is backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty on the cookbox, and a 2-year warranty the remaining parts.

Pros:

  • Removable LCD digital cook timer
  • Electronic Touch and Go ignition system
  • One-Touch cleaning system
  • Separate work table/wire bottom shelf
  • 10-year manufacturer warranty on the cookbox

Cons:

  • Tool hooks not compatible with all tools

Guide to Buying a Charcoal Grill

Even though charcoal grills offer no-frills operation, there are a few things to consider when shopping for the best charcoal grill.

1. Build quality

The build quality of a charcoal grill will dictate its durability. Charcoal grills made from robust quality materials can also withstand intense heat temperatures.

Most of the best Weber charcoal grills or any other brand grills are made from cast aluminum, cast iron or heavy-duty ceramic.

2. Size and Cooking Area

To determine the size and cooking area that’s right for you, ask yourself a few questions—how many people will I be cooking for, and how much space do I have to accommodate the grill.

If you’re usually grilling for a large crowd, choose a model that comes with a larger cooking area (measured in square inches), and a small grill if you have limited space.

3. Temperature control and stability

If you’re just getting started with grilling, you’re probably not a pro at taming the flame. Most Weber grills allow you to control the temperature easily, thanks to their hinged lid and ability to perform direct and indirect cooking.

4. Ease of Use

The best charcoal grill comes with several different convenience temperatures such as sturdy grill racks, tool hooks to hang your tools, and the ability to store the lid on the grill itself.

5. Ease of cleaning and maintenance

I’m not going to sugarcoat this—cleaning up after grilling on a charcoal grill can be a daunting task. But to make this job easier, some leading charcoal grill models come with an ash catcher that you can simply empty after grilling.

Also, take a closer look at the grill to see how easy it is to take apart so that you can clean the parts efficiently.

6. Warranty

All of the best charcoal grills are built to last for years to come, but it’s reassuring to have a manufacturer warranty of at least 5 years or longer.


Why to Buy a Charcoal Grill from Weber?

There are myriad reasons to buy a grill from a Weber stable. First, these grills are built with the highest quality materials, so you can rest assured they will last for years to come.

Adding to this, Weber charcoal grills come with the latest innovative features such as a One-Touch cleaning system, and ash catcher.

And best of all Weber grills are backed by leading warranties, which again is reassuring of their longevity.


History of Weber Company in Making Charcoal Grills

Weber has been making charcoal grills since 1952, and today manufactures grills, as well as has a chain of restaurants across the country.

The company today offers 7 different types of charcoal grills including Ranch and portable charcoal grills.


Are Weber Charcoal Grills Worth the Money?

Yes, yes, and yes! As mentioned earlier, Weber charcoal grills are priced right and are worth every penny. Needless to say, Weber grills come with a long list of key features, some only found in much higher priced models in its segment.


How to Clean and Maintain a Charcoal Grill from Weber?

Cleaning a Weber charcoal grill is much easier than other grills in this segment.

  1. The inside of the grill’s lid is coated with baked or porcelain enamel, therefore they won’t peel.

However, if you notice any debris, you can brush it off easily using a grill brush.

  1. Cleaning the inside of the Weber grill is easy, owing to the One-Touch system. You can also use a stainless-steel bristle brush to remove the excess debris stuck on the grill grates.
  2. After the grill is cool to the touch, wipe it down using a mild detergent soap or glass cleaner.
  3. Lastly, clean out the ash catcher, and voila—your grill is squeaky clean!

Do You Need to Purchase a Grill Cover? Which one?

Weber grills don’t usually come with a grill cover, so you will have to buy one separately. It’s is important to cover your grill when not in use, especially during the winter months to prevent rust.

There are several grill covers to choose from, but the one you buy should cover the grill completely and should sit tight on the grill.

Further, make sure the grill cover is water and UV resistant to protect the grill against the elements.

The iCOVER grill cover can be ordered in several different sizes, and is made from heavy-duty oxford polyester canvas fabric, and features a water-resistant PVC coating and water repellent finish.

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