The Weber grill has three legs—an inherently stable design, because having three points of contact means the legs will automatically “find their level,” even on bumpy ground. That said, the Napoleon model’s four legs felt just as stable, and more stiff, on a garden-variety concrete patio, and also allowed Napoleon to install a big, square shelf underneath the grill. The Weber grill has a smaller, triangular shelf, which is far less useful.
They’re also made from premium materials, guaranteed to last a long time. For that reason, Weber offers generous warranties; years for the cookbox on almost all their full-sized models. Other grill parts, like the knobs, grates, and burner tubes have slightly shorter warranties, ranging from three to 10 years. The durable, dual-walled insulated steel and unlimited potential of the Summit® Kamado S6 Charcoal Grill Center lands it in a class of its own. It quickly reaches desired temperatures, maintains heat for all-day smoking, and the gas ignition makes lighting charcoal as easy as pushing a button. With an extra-large 24” cooking area, Summit® Kamado is ready to handle any size feast.
There’s truth to the idea that you get what you pay for – and what you overpay for. When you examine most of Weber’s offerings, you’ll find that they’re simple and well engineered, not over-engineered. Most of us want to find quality materials, with the best design, for the least amount of money, and many Webers fit that bill. Weber’s grills under $100 tend to skew that idea, though, by not delivering on the engineering, the materials, or both. So, if you want quality and longevity, you should probably go with a high-grade model. It’s not just the nostalgia talking; for value and performance, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill really delivers in both areas.
With a cooking area of 189 square inches, the Q 1200 holds about four burgers. It’s small enough to pack and transport easily, and it was pretty easy to clean. Its biggest design flaw is its weight, coming in at 31 pounds.
Despite its small size, its grilling surface can hold up to 15 burger patties at once, perfect for quick solo meals or family gatherings. Its convenience factors — like one-handed setup and automatic lid lock — make this the ultimate on-the-go grill. For example, the SmartFire uses a motorized fan to control air flow through the Kettle. It also lets you monitor pit temperature and set a target temperature for your cook. Additionally it comes with two food probes to keep an eye on what your cooking. You’ll do that through an app on your phone that you can use anywhere you have Wi-Fi.
Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial, and the Weber does this better than any other in its price range. You can thank the porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, which are heat retention pros, for that. Still, keeping an eye on the thermometer will help you determine if you need to add more coal, wood, or even adjust the airflow using the rust-resistant aluminum dampers. These vents are also useful when extinguishing the fire, as closing them cuts off oxygen. Whether they were charcoal or propane, stationary or portable, all of our favorite Weber grills had some things in common. 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).
If you’re looking to buy on a budget, and/or favor a smoky flavor and scent while grilling, consider Weber’s charcoal grill options. If efficiency is on your list of grilling must-haves, consider a gas grill, which takes less time to heat up. You want to find a grill made of quality materials to ensure longevity, heat dispersal, and heat retention. Weber uses a variation of enamel-coated metal for the body of most grills, which is suitable for all of those factors. Enamel-coated cast iron grates are excellent for their non-stick properties, searing, and easy cleaning, but they’re heavy.
Whether smoking, grilling, or even baking, the Summit® Charcoal Grilling Center is the answer to any craving and the ultimate backyard kitchen. For example; if the temp has been constant at 300 degrees for 30 or more minutes this means the coals are burning constant so the temp is not in the process of climbing or dropping. If the temp is stabile just a slight change to weber charcoal grill the top vent (open or closed by about 1/8) will change the temp plus or minus degrees. And every time a change is made to the vents it takes about minutes for the kettle to restabilize at the new temp. This is because the coals have to either perk up or cool down. And a dial or lid thermometer will also need to adjust to the change in temp which can take minutes or so.
There are a few models under the Q line, but prices generally only climb with higher power levels and for options that come with fold-out side tables. The Ranch kettle comes in one size and it’s absolutely enormous at 37 inches across. Easily the largest of Weber’s kettle-shaped weber portable grill grills, the Ranch is overkill for all but Weber brand loyalists that need to make more than 40 burgers at a time. It’s not a difficult technique to master, but if you want something simpler, you’ll find other products that promise to make the process effortless.
To learn how we use your information, see our privacy policy. The brand started in Illinois, and Weber continues to make its grills in Huntley, Illinois, while they’re designed and engineered in the Chicago quarters. Stack your charcoal briquettes in two rows that are each two bricks deep along the inner wall of the grill. The charcoal snake method is a very effective way to cook low and slow on your Weber Kettle. The classic Weber Kettle grill can treat racks of ribs right. Weber sells one for its 22-inch kettle, usually for about $40.