Offset smokers, secondary cooking surfaces, and larger main grills put charcoal grills on par with the best propane- and wood-burning alternatives. Some even offer advanced features like wifi connectivity to control your grill’s temperature from a distance. These are just a small selection of things that I love to make on my Weber charcoal grill. This grill makes me happy—it looks like a classic Weber grill (the core design—inspired by nautical buoys—is timeless) but has a few updates that earn big points for user-friendliness.
Because of its dominance, the Weber kettle has spawned a lot of copycats. In our research, most proved to be cheap knockoffs that weren’t worth the minor savings. We resolved instead to find a kettle that could compete with the Weber on performance, price, and value. weber genesis 2 But we also opened our search to include charcoal grills of different designs. The fact that the kettle shape dominates the charcoal-grilling field doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the ideal. Our last test is grilling barbecued ribs, specifically baby back pork ribs.
Other grills we tested either ran hotter and overcooked the hamburgers, or they weren’t hot enough and barely seared or cooked the meat. Traditional charcoal grills use a simple metal bowl, lid, and a steel grate to create what’s essentially a second-generation fire pit. Lightweight construction and effective fuel consumption made these the go-to for cookouts and tailgates for generations. Today, modern takes on this classic design have given us a nice variety of ways to cook with charcoal.
Toss this charcoal grill in with the rest of your camping or tailgating gear to bring the flavor of summer with you. My new Weber Smokey Joe grill was easily assembled in about 10 minutes & is the perfect size for 2 people. The Big Green Egg, which debuted in the 1970s, is a kamado grill that also burns charcoal but with a more airtight design and a bigger basin. The Egg has inspired a cultlike following and many copycat cookers.
The Kamodo Joe Classic II brings charcoal grilling to an entirely new level. It all begins with the same 18-inch round grate you’re used to, with premium upgrades weber genesis 2 at every turn. The grate itself is split in half and installed at two different heights so you can cook each item at the appropriate distance from hot coals.
We backed this reporting up with comprehensive research—the in-depth, professional reviews at AmazingRibs.com being a standout source—and hands-on time with grills at the big hardware chains. Once the grates were hot, we put two steaks on each grill. Is a lighter, a bag of charcoal and your favorite ingredients. In no time you’ll be reaping the rewards of an easy meal with true smoky flavor.
The Weber Charcoal Kettle has been the king of the backyard BBQ since the 1950s. A few improvements have been made over the years, but the grill has always stayed true to its roots. The Weber parts listed here are Genuine Weber Parts sourced directly from the manufacturer. We strive for the perfect balance of workplace and community to create a fun, enjoyable environment for all of our employees. BBQGuys does more than test and sell grills — we show you how to use them, too. Our experts provide the recipes and skills you need to be a grill master.