VerdictAI
#1 in Best Charcoal Grills

Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black – Classic Outdoor BBQ Grill with One‑Touch™ Cleaning System & Precise…

Best for

Best overall

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.8(10,132)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreExcellent
92/ 100

Based on 2 trusted sources

Current price

$149.00

Check Price

Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read

Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black – Classic Outdoor BBQ Grill with One‑Touch™ Cleaning System & Precise…

Sources behind this verdict

11 reviewers weighted by source trust

Methodology →

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, the Weber Original Kettle 22-inch is the default recommendation for anyone buying their first serious charcoal grill. nytimes.com's charcoal-grill testing features the Weber kettle line, and high-trust r/grilling threads repeatedly call it "the cheapest, most reliable, non-junk grill," praising how easily it sets up for two-zone cooking and how predictably it responds to heat control. A 4.8-star average across more than 10,000 Amazon reviews lines up with that community consensus.

What reviewers liked

  • nytimes.com testing and high-trust r/grilling threads converge on it as a top reliable charcoal grill
  • Easy two-zone setup and responsive heat control cited repeatedly by verified reviewers
  • 4.8-star average across more than 10,000 Amazon reviews backs the expert consensus
  • Inexpensive and widely available with strong long-term reliability reports

Where it falls short

  • No lid thermometer and a basic ash system versus the Premium and Master-Touch trims
  • r/grilling reports newer units have shorter, non-welded legs that feel less sturdy
  • 18-inch alternative is too small for families; some say you should size up to the 22-inch
  • Not designed for serious low-and-slow without accessories

Embed our score

Sell this product? Show off the rank.

Free badge for the brand, retailer, or anyone covering this product. Copy the snippet and paste it anywhere HTML works. Updates automatically when the ranking changes.

VerdictAI score badge for Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black –…

Includes a credit link back to this page. No tracking; no JavaScript.

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, the Weber Original Kettle 22-inch is the default recommendation for anyone buying their first serious charcoal grill. nytimes.com's charcoal-grill testing features the Weber kettle line, and high-trust r/grilling threads repeatedly call it "the cheapest, most reliable, non-junk grill," praising how easily it sets up for two-zone cooking and how predictably it responds to heat control. A 4.8-star average across more than 10,000 Amazon reviews lines up with that community consensus.

The disagreement reviewers surface is mostly about size and trim level, not quality. Some r/webergrills posters argue the pricier Master-Touch and 26-inch models are worth it for the hinged grate, taller legs and insulated damper, while others insist the basic 22-inch cooks identically for far less money. One widely-cited r/grilling thread also flags that newer units ship with shorter, non-welded legs that sit lower and feel less sturdy than older models.

The net of the synthesis: for grilling and light smoking on a budget, the reviewers we read consider this the safe, do-everything pick, with the main trade-offs being a basic ash system and no lid thermometer compared with the Premium and Master-Touch versions.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
This Weber kettle grill has space to hold up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; The durable-plated steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel, offers a resilient surface that stands up to the demands of frequent grilling
Easy Ash Cleanup
The One-Touch cleaning system included in the black charcoal grill has an aluminized steel ash catcher, allowing for efficient removal of ash from the bottom of the grill and ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion
Durability and Flavor Retention
Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are engineered to withstand high temperatures and retain heat; Bowl and lid combination on outdoor grill and BBQ resist rust and won't peel
Glass-Reinforced Nylon Handles
Kettle grill's handles were crafted with precision and durability in mind; Reinforced with high-quality, glass-infused nylon, ensuring they can withstand the demands of frequent use and exposure to heat
Longevity and Control
Rust-resistant aluminum damper offers effortless regulation of airflow; Angled lid hook allows you to hang the lid while grilling; All-weather wheels provide easy mobility; Tool hooks help you store grilling tools
Warranty
This Weber Original Kettle Charcoal grill has a 10 year limited warranty

What customers say

3 verified voices
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›…
Trustedvia The New York Times
First and foremost, the legs are shorter. The grill seems about 6 inches lower to the ground. The legs are no longer attached to welded-on ...
Trustedvia r/grilling
It's a great affordable charcoal grill that can be easily setup for 2 zone cooking, which separates the men from the boys when it comes to ...
Trustedvia r/grilling

Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →

Video review

0 views

Weber Original Kettle 22 inch Charcoal BBQ Grill Review” · YouTube

If the consensus convinced you

Check current price on Amazon

Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.