Weber Charcoal Kettle Review

by RonK
(Boston, MA US)

The Weber Charcoal Kettle is one of the most popular charcoal grills. Its distinct shape works perfectly for focusing heat to the cooking surface.

I’ve owned several of these grills over the years. I’ve found the best prices at the local “big box” home goods store. The grill stands sturdily on a tripod of legs. Getting the fire started is usually easy. There is a vent control near the bottom of the kettle. Opening it up lets air enter from below the coals to feed the fire.

A small squirt of lighter fluid on a pile of charcoal centered on the grate is all that is usually needed before using a long match to ignite the fire. Coals are usually white hot and ready to use in about ten minutes.

The same vent control can be used to help regulate the heat. Closing it down reduces the airflow and thus the heat of the coals. The upper grill surface is large enough for a family with guests and accommodates about a dozen good sized burgers at a time. Because of the curved design of the kettle, the heat is focused up and can sometimes become too high causing food to char. I have found that distributing the coals around the perimeter or under half the grill gives more flexibility in adjusting cooking temperatures.

The top of the kettle can be put on to get a smokier quality to your cooking. Adding some wet wood chips in with the coals can add some luscious flavors to fish, meat and chicken. The top has an adjustable vent to allow heat and smoke to escape. Using fewer coals also allows for slower cooking for large items like turkeys or roasts.

I have found that coating the grill bars lightly with some olive oil keeps meat from sticking. Cleanup is easy with a wire grill brush. The outer surface of the grill is very durable and doesn’t tend to scratch easily. Treated well, my grills have lasted about four or five seasons.

Overall, I enjoy grilling on my Weber charcoal kettle and will certainly purchase another next time.