Editor’s note: Originally published December 2020. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
Quick answer
- For picnics, camping and tailgating, pick a Smokey Joe 14 (smallest) or Jumbo Joe 18 (more room, locking lid).
- For a straightforward backyard grill, the Original Kettle 22 is the classic choice; the manufacturer listed about 363 square inches of cooking space, room for roughly 13 burgers.
- Spend a little more on the Original Kettle Premium if you want a hinged grate and an enclosed ash catcher; the 26-inch version was listed at 508 square inches.
- Choose a Performer model if you want a work table and storage; only the Performer Deluxe adds a gas-assisted charcoal ignition.
Weber kettle grills range from the tiny, portable Smokey Joe to the Performer Deluxe with its built-in work table and gas-assisted charcoal starter. Every model in the line cooks on the same basic kettle design, so the right choice comes down to how many people you cook for, whether you need to carry the grill, and which convenience features are worth paying for.
This guide covers nine models, grouped by use, based on the features and specifications Weber listed at the time of writing:
- Portable: Smokey Joe 14, Jumbo Joe 18
- Original Kettle: 18-inch and 22-inch
- Original Kettle Premium: 22-inch and 26-inch
- Performer: Performer 22, Performer Premium 22, Performer Deluxe 22
If you are still deciding between fuel types, see our guide to the pros and cons of charcoal vs gas grills.
How to choose a Weber kettle grill
- Portability: the Smokey Joe and Jumbo Joe are low, compact grills made for the car trunk or truck bed. They are the most budget-friendly models in the line.
- Value backyard grill: the Original Kettle grills skip the extras and focus on the core kettle design at a modest price.
- Convenience: the Original Kettle Premium costs a little more and adds a hinged grate (for adding charcoal mid-cook) and an enclosed ash catcher (less ash blowing around).
- Work space and storage: the Performer line adds a table, storage and four-wheel stability. These are the priciest kettles, with the Deluxe at the top.
Weber kettle models at a glance
| Model | Best for | Hinged grate | Ash handling | Work table | Notable extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smokey Joe 14 | Camping, picnics, small spaces | No | Ash collects in bowl | No | Smallest, most portable |
| Jumbo Joe 18 | Cooking for a group on the go | Not listed | Aluminum ash catcher | No | Locking lid for transport |
| Original Kettle 18 | Small family backyard | No | One-Touch, open catcher | No | Lid hook, wheels |
| Original Kettle 22 | Classic backyard grill | No | One-Touch, open catcher | No | About 363 sq in |
| Original Kettle Premium 22 | Backyard with more convenience | Yes | One-Touch, enclosed canister | No | Tool hooks |
| Original Kettle Premium 26 | Large groups, smoking | Yes | One-Touch, enclosed canister | No | 508 sq in, 8-inch wheels |
| Performer 22 | Work space without a big footprint | Yes | One-Touch, enclosed canister | Fold-out | Four-leg rolling frame |
| Performer Premium 22 | Style and storage | Yes | One-Touch, enclosed catcher | Yes | LCD timer, CharBin |
| Performer Deluxe 22 | Easiest charcoal lighting | Yes | Enclosed catcher | Yes | Gas-assisted ignition |
Portable Weber kettle grills
For camping, picnics and tailgating, Weber’s small kettles are built to handle rough rides in a trunk or truck bed and still cook burgers, hot dogs or even a whole chicken.
Weber Smokey Joe 14
The Smokey Joe is the smallest kettle in this guide and a common first charcoal grill. It is short enough to sit on the ground camp-style or on a fire-safe surface, and small enough to store on a balcony or patio without taking up much room. If you set it on a picnic table, protect the table with a heat-safe pad and foil to catch any ash.
With its modest price and long warranty, the Smokey Joe is a sensible way to try charcoal grilling and leaves more of the budget for the steaks and burgers.
Weber’s damper system lets you adjust the heat by opening or closing the vents. Ash collects in the bowl, so empty it regularly to stop the wind from blowing it around.
Listed specifications
- 14-inch kettle
- Triple nickel-plated cooking grate
- Porcelain-enameled lid to help prevent rust and fading
- Glass-reinforced nylon lid handle that resists heat
- Ten-year warranty, according to the manufacturer at the time of writing
Pros
- Very portable and easy to store
- One of the most affordable Weber grills
- Responsive damper system
- Porcelain-enameled coating for even cooking
- Heat-resistant nylon handle
Cons
- Lid thermometer is not very accurate
- No hinged grate
- Shallow ash area, so wind can blow ash around
- Needs a protective pad on a table
- No side handles for moving it when hot
- Lid does not latch, so it can be bumped off
Weber Jumbo Joe 18
The Jumbo Joe gives you much more grilling space while staying portable, so it suits anyone who wants to cook for a larger group away from home. A locking lid keeps everything together in transit, and the low stand sits steadily in a trunk or truck bed.
Despite the bigger cooking area, it keeps the compact, low profile of the Smokey Joe. It can be used as a grill or a smoker. Open the vents fully for hot direct grilling, or close them about halfway for the lower, smoldering heat used for smoking. Because the grill itself is inexpensive, some buyers put the savings toward accessories such as specialty cooking grates.
Listed specifications
- 18.5-inch cooking area
- Locking lid for transport
- Glass-reinforced nylon handle
- Rust-resistant aluminum dampers and ash catcher
- Ten-year warranty, according to the manufacturer at the time of writing
Pros
- Large cooking area for a portable grill
- Locking lid for the road
- Works as a smoker or a grill
- Durable and versatile
Cons
- No height adjustment for the grate, so it tends to cook hot
- Ash can escape from the tray
- Handle can get hot if the wind blows heat onto it
Weber Original Kettle grills
The Original Kettle is the standard backyard charcoal grill. It doesn’t have many extras and it isn’t designed to make a style statement; it is built to grill well and last. Pick your size and start cooking.
Weber Original Kettle 18
The 18-inch Original Kettle is big enough for family cookouts but easy to roll into a shed or corner of the patio. Weber’s One-Touch cleaning system sweeps ash and debris into an ash catcher underneath, which you empty whenever you like.
The 18-inch size works well if you usually cook for a household rather than a crowd, and it uses less charcoal than the 22-inch model.
The grate handles high heat for direct grilling as well as indirect cooking, and the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl hold heat well. You control the temperature with the dampers without lifting the lid; closing them cuts the oxygen and cools or extinguishes the coals. A lid hook lets you hang the lid on the side of the grill while you cook.
Listed specifications
- 18-inch cooking grate rated for high-temperature direct grilling
- One-Touch cleaning system with ash catcher
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
- Lid hook and wheels
Pros
- Good cooking area for a modest price
- One-Touch cleaning makes emptying ash easy
- Grate withstands high temperatures
- Precise damper control
Cons
- Ash catcher can be awkward to remove
- Open ash catcher lets ash blow around
- Uses more charcoal than the portable models, which is wasteful for a few burgers
Weber Original Kettle 22
The 22-inch Original Kettle is the size most people picture when they think of a Weber. It gives you enough room to cook for a crowd while still storing away easily.
Because the One-Touch system clears ash during and after cooking, the coals keep burning evenly and cleanup at the end is quick.
It shares the 18-inch model’s One-Touch cleaning, heat-retaining grates that leave good sear marks, and the option to cook direct or indirect. A heat-shielded handle, an angled lid hook and durable wheels round out the feature list.
Listed specifications
- 22-inch kettle with about 363 square inches of cooking space (room for around 13 burgers)
- One-Touch cleaning system
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
- Heat-shielded handle, angled lid hook and wheels
Pros
- Lots of cooking space for the price
- One-Touch cleaning for easy ash disposal
- Durable, easy-to-clean grates that handle high heat
- Porcelain-enameled lid and body retain heat
Cons
- Lid handle can rust if often left out in the rain
- Legs feel less sturdy than the Performer’s frame
Weber Original Kettle Premium grills
The Premium models cost a little more than the Original Kettle and add a hinged grate and an enclosed ash catcher. Since a Weber kettle is meant to last for years, those upgrades may well be worth it.
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22
The hinged grate lets you reach the coals to add or move charcoal without disturbing your food, which helps if you want different heat zones during a cook. Instead of a shallow open pan, the One-Touch system dumps ash into a deep, enclosed canister that holds a lot and is easy to empty, so less ash blows around on a breezy day.
Listed specifications
- 22-inch hinged cooking grate
- One-Touch cleaning with enclosed ash canister
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Tool hooks, lid hook and heat shield on the lid handle
Pros
- Hinged grate for adding and tending coals
- Enclosed ash canister
- Tool hooks for grilling accessories
- Grate withstands high temperatures
Cons
- Built-in lid thermometer is not very accurate
- Lid holder can get in the way of the grill
- You need heavy gloves or tongs to move the hot lid to the hanger
- Assembly instructions could be clearer, though assembly isn’t difficult
Weber Original Kettle Premium 26
The 26-inch Premium is for cooking the main course and the sides at once for a big group. The large size and tight seal make it suitable for smoking as well as grilling, and Weber sells accessories such as rotisserie and pizza attachments for it.
It is not a cheap grill, so if you regularly cook for neighbors, it may be worth asking them to chip in.
The hinged grate matters more at this size, because you will often add charcoal during a long cook. A heat shield keeps the handle comfortable, the lid can be set to the side of the grill rather than on the ground, and the porcelain enamel resists rust, peeling and cracking.
Listed specifications
- 508 square inches of cooking space (room for up to 19 burgers)
- Hinged grate
- One-Touch cleaning with a high-capacity enclosed ash catcher
- Eight-inch rubber wheels and tool hooks
- Warranty listed at the time of writing: 10 years on the lid and bowl, 5 years on the cleaning system and plastic components
Pros
- Room for up to 19 burgers
- Tight seal suits smoking as well as grilling
- Large rubber wheels
- One-Touch cleaning with enclosed ash catcher
Cons
- Costs more than the Original Kettle
- Wastes charcoal if you only cook small meals
- Heavy lid can be hard to handle
- Ash catcher can be fiddly to screw back on
Weber Performer grills
If you want a work surface built into your charcoal grill, look at the Performer line. The standard Performer has a fold-out table that saves space, while the Premium and Deluxe models add a full side table, storage and extra features.
Weber Performer 22
The Performer 22 suits anyone who wants a stable grill with a work surface but doesn’t want to store a large cart. The table folds down when you need it and out of the way when you don’t. Four legs with wheels mean you can roll the grill without tilting it, even with food on it, which is handy if a rain shower blows in.
Hooks keep your tools and the lid off the ground, the hinged grate makes it easy to add charcoal, and the enclosed ash canister stops ash from blowing out. It costs more than the Original Kettle 22 or Original Kettle Premium 22, so decide whether the table and stability are worth it to you.
Listed specifications
- 22-inch hinged cooking grate
- Fold-out work table
- Four-leg frame with wheels and a storage basket
- One-Touch cleaning with enclosed ash canister
- Tool and lid hooks
Pros
- Fold-out table gives work space without crowding the patio
- Stable four-leg design rolls while food is cooking
- Hooks for tools and lid
- Enclosed ash canister with One-Touch cleaning
Cons
- Costs noticeably more than an Original Kettle of the same size
- Center of the grate is hard to lift when hot
- No obvious place to push from when moving it
- Shelf feels a little cheap, though it is sturdy
Weber Performer Premium 22
The Performer Premium pairs a stylish design (a copper kettle was offered) with a long, stable cart. A wide side table keeps seasonings and platters within reach, and the storage grate below holds supplies so you can roll everything to where you grill.
Hang your grilling tools on the hooks and keep charcoal dry under the grill in the weather-protected CharBin, so it is there when you need it. The removable backlit LCD timer can stay on the grill or come inside with you.
The cooking grate has a removable circular center that can be swapped for accessories such as a poultry roaster, griddle or pizza stone. Instead of a lid hook, the lid slides back onto a support, which is easier to use.
Listed specifications
- 22-inch kettle with porcelain-enameled lid
- Grate with replaceable circular insert
- Removable backlit LCD cook timer
- Weather-protected CharBin charcoal storage container
- Side table, tool hooks and slide-back lid support
- One-Touch cleaning with enclosed ash catcher
Pros
- Attractive design, with a copper kettle option
- Work table and plenty of storage
- Stable four-leg cart with wheels
- Removable LCD cook timer
- Weatherproof charcoal bin
Cons
- Expensive for a 22-inch grill
- Manual could be better, though assembly isn’t difficult
- No gas ignition; that is only on the Deluxe
- Takes up a fair amount of patio space
Weber Performer Deluxe 22
The Performer Deluxe has everything the Performer Premium offers, plus a charcoal ignition system that uses a small amount of gas so you can light the coals at the push of a button. If struggling to start charcoal is what puts you off, this is the model to consider.
Use the mounted timer to keep track of cooking times, whether you stay at the grill or step inside.
You still get damper temperature control, a heat-shielded handle, the wide prep table, tool hooks, the mounted timer and the slide-back lid bar.
Listed specifications
- 22-inch kettle
- Gas-assisted push-button charcoal ignition
- Watertight charcoal storage container
- Mounted timer, side table and tool hooks
- Enclosed ash catcher and slide-back lid bar
Pros
- Gas start makes lighting charcoal easy
- Attractive design with plenty of work surface
- Watertight charcoal bin
- Rolls easily, even with food cooking
- Enclosed, easy-to-empty ash catcher
Cons
- Most expensive kettle in the line
- Smaller caster wheels; larger wheels on all four legs would roll better
- Ash catcher can be hard to refit
- Grate can be awkward to put on when hot
Tips for any Weber kettle
- Several models’ lid thermometers are not very accurate. A separate meat thermometer is the reliable way to know when food is done; see how to choose a meat thermometer.
- Cook to safe internal temperatures: 145°F for whole cuts of beef and pork (plus a 3-minute rest), 160°F for burgers and other ground meat, and 165°F for all poultry. Our safe internal cooking temperatures chart has the full list.
- Empty the ash regularly, especially on models with an open ash pan.
Bottom line
Every Weber kettle uses the same proven design, so you are mostly choosing size and convenience. Take a Smokey Joe or Jumbo Joe on the road, buy an Original Kettle 22 for straightforward backyard grilling, step up to the Premium for the hinged grate and enclosed ash catcher, and choose a Performer if you want a built-in work station. Wondering whether the investment pays off? See how long Weber grills last.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Original Kettle and the Original Kettle Premium?
The Premium adds a hinged cooking grate, so you can add charcoal mid-cook, and an enclosed ash canister instead of an open ash pan. It costs a little more than the Original Kettle of the same size.
Which Weber kettle is best for camping?
The Smokey Joe 14 is the most compact. The Jumbo Joe 18 has more cooking area and a locking lid for transport.
Which Weber kettle has a gas starter?
Of the models in this guide, only the Performer Deluxe 22 has the gas-assisted charcoal ignition.
