If I would ask you to draw a picture of the first charcoal grill that comes into your mind, there’s a good chance that you would come up with some version of a kettle type grill. According to the Weber company’s website, this much-imitated grill model was invented by George Stephen in 1952 at the Weber Brothers Metal Works in Chicago.
The Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill is a classic and iconic charcoal grill renowned for its performance and durability. It’s designed to bring the authentic taste of charcoal-grilled food to your backyard or outdoor adventures and does a wonderful job at accomplishing just that.
In this Weber Kettle Grill Review we will have a look at some of the best features of the grill, as well as the pros and cons. In the end this grill is perfect for anyone who enjoys the rich, smoky flavors of charcoal-grilled food and appreciates the simplicity of a well-crafted grill. Whether you’re a seasoned barbecue enthusiast or a novice griller, the Weber Original Kettle is versatile and user-friendly.
Product highlights
Product Name: Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill
Model Number: 441001, 741001.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Place to Buy: Amazon.com
Size/Dimensions: 18” or 22” diameter
Cooking area in square inches: 240, 363
Guarantee: 10 years on bowl and lid
Overall Rating: 9 out of 10
From temporary solution to my go-to charcoal grill
About 10 years ago, my not-so-great charcoal/gas grill combo rusted out and was nothing more than a heap of scrap metal. We were about to move to a different state and didn’t want to drag a monster gas grill across the country in a U-Haul. As you will understand, I simply can’t live without a grill in my back yard, and I started looking for a cooker to bridge the gap.
It didn’t take long for me to decide, and I ended up buying an 18-inch Weber Original Kettle Grill. This has been one of my best purchases when it comes to barbecuing, and I’m still using this kettle as my go-to charcoal grill.
Here are some of the reasons why this is such a great grill:
Superb Flavor: This grill excels at infusing your food with that unmistakable charcoal flavor, elevating your grilling game to new heights. This proves you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy excellent barbecue with your friends and family.
Versatility: Its spacious cooking area accommodates various cuts of meat and different cooking styles, from direct grilling to indirect smoking. It can also be used as de-facto outdoor oven to roast Cornish hens, or a campfire to roast marshmallows. When it first came to market, Weber representatives even roasted turkeys in the kettle during demonstrations at retail stores!
Durability: Built with high-quality materials, this kettle is very stable, which is an important safety factory as discussed in my post Barbecuing Safety Tips. It can withstand the test of time and weather, ensuring years of enjoyable grilling. Storing it inside or under a cover when not in use pretty much makes this a lifelong piece of equipment.
Ease of Use: The simple design makes this a great grill for beginners and experienced cooks alike. The adjustable vents at the bottom of the kettle and in the lid let you control the airflow to the hot coals and provide quite precise temperature control.
Cost-Effective: Considering its performance and longevity, it’s an excellent investment that pays off with every delicious meal. As with all products, the Weber Original Kettle costs a bit more than the knockoffs, but you invariably compromise some of the benefits when trying to save a few bucks.
Accessories: Since this is such a widely used product, there’s a plethora of accessories and add-on products available. Examples are the smokenator, which turns the kettle into a legitimate smoker and the kettle pizza, which lets you bake pizza over a wood fire. I will introduce you to some of those products in future reviews but let me know if you have any questions about a particular product.
Pros and cons
To sum it up, here are some of the pros and cons of the Weber Original Kettle.
Pros:
Superior Grilling Results: The Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill consistently delivers exceptional grilling results with even heat distribution.
Iconic Design: Its classic kettle shape is not only visually appealing but also functional, providing optimal air circulation.
Portable: It’s lightweight and has convenient handles, making it easy to move for various outdoor occasions.
Quality Construction: Weber’s reputation for quality materials and craftsmanship is evident in this grill’s build.
Affordable: It offers high-end grilling performance at a reasonable price point.
Lid hook: There’s a hook on the inside of the lid that lets you hang the lid on the side of the kettle when not in use.
Cons:
Limited Workspace: The grill lacks extensive work surfaces and storage, which might require additional preparation tables.
Weber now also makes various “Performer” versions of the kettle with a small workspace attached on the side and a storage rack underneath.
Ash Cleanup: Like most charcoal grills, ash cleanup can be a bit messy and requires regular maintenance. The high-capacity ash catcher on the premium models alleviates some of this issue.
No Lid Thermometer: Some models may not include a built-in lid thermometer, which could be a minor inconvenience. However, as described in my Know Your Cooking Temperature post, lid thermometers aren’t necessarily reliable, and I recommend using a thermometer at grate level.
Recommendation
Once again, the Weber Original Kettle is my go-to charcoal grill and I wholeheartedly recommend it as an addition to your equipment setup. Its unmatched ability to impart smoky flavor, versatility, durability, and affordability make it a standout choice in the world of charcoal grills, even though it’s been around for over 70 years.
If you still have any questions about this grill, please leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help you out. Also, if you’re wondering about any of the accessories that are available, drop me a line and I’ll have a look. If I don’t have it yet, that will give me an excuse to buy it!
Thank you for visiting my site and talk to you soon,
Herman