
Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill
Reviewed by Patricia Lee • November 1, 2025
Our Review
The Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch Charcoal Grill has remained largely unchanged for over 70 years because the original design got so much right. This latest iteration maintains the classic kettle shape while incorporating subtle improvements that enhance usability without compromising the authentic charcoal grilling experience. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid are built to withstand decades of outdoor use, resisting rust and weather damage while retaining heat efficiently. The 363 square inch cooking area strikes the perfect balance—large enough for family meals and small gatherings (up to 13 burgers) while remaining manageable for everyday use. The plated steel cooking grate creates excellent sear marks and is easy to clean. The adjustable dampers on the lid and bottom provide intuitive temperature control. During our testing, we found it easy to maintain steady temperatures for low-and-slow smoking or crank up the heat for high-temperature searing. The one-touch cleaning system is brilliantly simple—rotating the handle sweeps ash into the removable aluminum catcher, making cleanup quick and mess-free. The hinged cooking grate allows easy charcoal addition during extended cooks without removing food.
Pros
- •Iconic design proven over 70+ years of production
- •Porcelain-enameled construction resists rust and weather
- •363 sq in cooking area perfect for families
- •Intuitive damper system for precise temperature control
- •One-touch cleaning system simplifies ash removal
- •10-year warranty demonstrates build quality confidence
Cons
- •Requires charcoal and fire starter for each use
- •20-30 minute heat-up time longer than gas grills
- •More cleanup involved than gas alternatives
- •No built-in side tables or storage shelves
Specifications
- Cooking Area
- 363 square inches
- Diameter
- 22 inches
- Material
- Porcelain-enameled steel
- Grate Material
- Plated steel
- Lid Material
- Porcelain-enameled steel with built-in thermometer
- Weight
- 32 pounds
- Special Features
- One-touch cleaning system, hinged cooking grate
- Warranty
- 10 years
Our Testing Process
We conducted extensive testing over four months with over 60 cooking sessions. Testing included direct grilling at high heat, indirect cooking for whole chickens and roasts, and low-and-slow smoking of ribs and pork shoulder. Temperature control was evaluated using multiple thermometers placed at grate level. We measured charcoal consumption rates and heat-up times under various weather conditions. The one-touch cleaning system was assessed after each use, and we monitored the porcelain enamel for any signs of degradation.