Is a Weber kettle really worth the extra money over a cheap barrel grill?

Across the reviewers we read, the consensus is yes for most buyers. Specialist subreddits like r/grilling and r/webergrills repeatedly frame the 22-inch Weber kettle as the cheapest non-disposable charcoal grill on the market, with replaceable parts and porcelain-enameled steel that holds up for years. Barrel grills like the Royal Gourmet undercut Weber on price and cooking area but reviewers cite thinner steel and shorter lifespan.