Compared to gas grills, the anatomy of charcoal grills is quite simple. They’re essentially containers for coal with racks and lids. To help you choose the right one, we tested the most popular models, spending weeks cooking outside to properly test a grill’s temperature control, heat retention, and post-meal cleanup. We also assessed how easy it is to set up out of the box, and if any features help or hinder your barbecue experience. This Weber grill features a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl for optimal heat retention across the 363 square inches of space. We’ve tested this model twice, cooking everything from ribs to pineapple, and found that it’s consistently a great choice for beginners and seasoned pros.
The best charcoal grill for steak searing in our lineup was the Weber Classic Kettle. The steak had nice grill marks while keeping a medium doneness on the inside. The worst was our Tacklife review unit, which didn’t hold much heat and didn’t sear while cooking.
I mean I didn’t even have the fancy lid thermometer that I have now and did everything with a old meat probes hanging from exhaust vent near the meat. A good example is the Slow N’ Sear deluxe (read my review here) – which is an add-on for kettle grills weber charcoal grill that essentially creates a quintessential two-zone fire (pictured below). You’ll also want to wipe down the inside of the lid and bowl using a mild soap. There are several ways to light a charcoal grill, but the best option is to use a chimney starter.
High-quality Weber grills are easy to assemble (although as with most other brands, the charcoal grills have fewer parts and are simpler to put together than gas models). The best grills are intuitive to use, without confusing bells and whistles. The heat source is consistent, as well as simple to adjust and add to while cooking. We favor Weber grills for their efficiency in managing multi-zone cooking, and for their generous warranties that stand out from their competition.
Throughout, we also tested accessories such as spatulas, tongs, grill brushes, and sheet pans, and picked our favorites. Doing so also helped us identify a few design strengths and flaws of the grills. We also spoke with more than a dozen experts, backing up our reporting with comprehensive research and hands-on time with the grills. Easy to Clean- With the patented One-Touch Cleaning System in Weber Grills, charcoal ash can be removed quickly with one hand. The porcelain-enamel blast-fired coating allows for effortless removal of soot with just some soapy water.
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Cheers to the Original Kettle – a grill that was made for every backyard. Once the coals have extinguished, dinner is served, relax, and let the conversation ensue. Combustion by-products produced when using this product contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Email updates from our community of grill masters, food enthusiasts, and lovers of outdoor cooking. We noted similar temperature performance from the Nexgrill, along with similar rib results. Cooking ribs low and slow on the Nexgrill required just 4 hours, 30 minutes. Its rack came out well too, though like the Napoleon, its bark was more pronounced than what the Weber produced. Stack your charcoal briquettes in two rows of two deep along the inner wall of the grill. As you can see, there is a lot to like about the Weber Kettle.
Co-founder Matt Van Horn is the president of June while the company’s other co-founder, Nikhil Bhogal, is the senior vice president, technology and connected devices of Weber. Van Horn continued to focus on the June Oven while Bhogal works with Weber R&D programs and new products. I’ve struggled with my weight most of my life, constantly back and forth between losing and gaining. Back in 2014, I decided to pay more attention to the things I was cooking. I have a huge sweet tooth so I also gave myself the challenge of creating delicious tasting sweet treats that were lightened-up. I took to Instagram to share my creations and from there this blog was born.
Its ultra-durable, porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, while the dampers can be easily adjusted for precise temperature control. At $139, Weber’s original, kettle-style charcoal grill continues to stand the test of time. In our high-heat searing tests, Weber delivered the best balance of seared exterior and medium-rare interior steak.
The Weber® Original Kettle™ Premium Charcoal Grill features a 363 sq. Cooking area, the aluminized-steel, One Touch™ cleaning system and a removable, high-capacity aluminum ash catcher for simple cleaning. This grill offers a rust-resistant aluminum damper and 2 glass-reinforced nylon handles with tool hooks. Since Weber Grills released the iconic Weber Kettle Grill in 1952, they have become the biggest name in BBQ. For over 60 years, Weber has been a leader in the BBQ industry, and for good reason.