This is my review of the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill.
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill may be the best charcoal grill ever made.
Not much has changed since the original kettle was born in the 1950”s. It has been a cornerstone in American backyards ever since, and for good reason.
It is a versatile and reliable grill that can handle everything from quick grilling to slow-smoking.
When I say it may be the best, I’m speaking based on 15 years of experience using mine.
This charcoal grill is a great choice for those just starting out with charcoal barbecuing. You don’t have to deal with all of the complicated bells and whistles that come with other charcoal grills.
In this review I will highlight the features of this grill and how they benefit you. I will also discuss design, build quality, and ease of use. And I will also touch on the “you can’t lose” warranty that comes from Weber.
So, keep reading to find out more.
Overview of the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill
Hmm. Where can I start? Let’s see.
When I think about my Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill words like GOAT and ICON come to mind. It’s given me 15 good years of grilling and smoking and hasn’t missed a beat.
That’s longer than most relationships last these days!
It is a timeless classic that will stand out in any backyard or patio. The design is iconic and its performance is second-to-none. And it stills looks as good as it did the day I bought it.
The Weber Original Kettle Premium’s simple but well-thought-out features make it a true workhorse that will go the distance to meet your grilling needs.
Weber Original Kettle Premium Features
The 22-inch diameter cooking area of the Weber Original Premium Kettle adds up to 363 square inches of grilling space. It gives you more than enough space for both direct and indirect grilling methods, a feature that enhances its versatility.
It’s the perfect size for both large and small cookouts. I have even cooked a whole turkey and bone-in ham at the same time with plenty of room to spare on my kettle
This kettle stands out for its One-Touch cleaning system. With a simple swipe, you can move the ash into the removable, high-capacity ash catcher. This feature makes cleaning and ash disposal effortless, saving grillers from the oft-dreaded cleanup process.
There is a built-in lid thermometer that lets you track the internal air temperature for perfect results every time. And you don’t even have to open the grill to do it. I have found that that the thermometer measures grill temperature pretty accurately.
The cooking grate is hinged on both sides. This makes it easy to add more charcoal if needed. And the hinged grate really comes in handy when barbecuing using the snake method.
The 22″ Weber Original Kettle Premium has a heat-shielded lid handle. The handle is a practical addition. So you won’t have to worry about those painful accidental burns.
The lid has angled hook on the side of the grill. Whenever I have to take the lid off when cooking I use it. This helps me keep the lid clean by keeping it off the ground.
What’s in the box
Weber kettle: The kettle is made of high-quality materials and built to last, ensuring you get the most out of your investment
22-inch diameter cooking grate: The Weber Original Kettle Premium comes with a 22-inch diameter cooking grate. It is made of steel, which is weather resistant and easy to clean. T
Ash catcher: Rust resistant aluminum. The ash catcher is designed to collect ash and debris from the bottom of the kettle.
Limited warranty: The Weber Original Kettle Premium comes with a limited warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship.
Owner’s manual: The manual provides you with all the information you need to get started.
Assembly
I did not have any problems at all with assembly.
Assembly of the Weber Original Premium 22″ Kettle is straightforward. Instructions are clear, making the grill set-up an easy task, even for those not typically inclined towards DIY.
For the more technically inclined 3D interactive assembly instructions are available through the free BILT app.
Specifications of the Weber Original Kettle Premium
- Cooking Area: 363 square inches
- Diameter of Cooking Grate: 22 inches
- Fuel Type: Charcoal
- Material: Premium grade Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid
- Lid Handle: Glass-reinforced nylon
- Dampers: Aluminum
- Cooking Grate Material: Plated Steel
- Lid Hook: 1
- Built-in Thermometer: Yes
- One-Touch Cleaning System: Yes
- Ash Catcher: Yes
- Wheels: 2
- Dimensions (lid closed): 22.5 inches H x 22.5 inches W x 27 inches D
- Weight: 37 lbs.
Design and Build Quality
When man invented the BBQ grill, he had the Weber Original Kettle Premium grill in mind. It looks as good as it cooks.
It is designed to resist corrosion, rusting and peeling. You get multiple worry-free uses over a long period of time in all types of weather conditions.
And, the build quality is second to none in its price range.
The core of its construction is a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid. This provides excellent heat retention and longevity.
Sturdy wheels and shelf assembly give the grill stability and makes it easy to move. So you don’t have to worry about it tipping over and spilling hot coals on you. Ouch!!
Ease of Use
The Weber Original Premium Kettle is easy to use and control.
There are two air dampers to control the grill temperature. They are located on the lid and bottom bowl.
All you do is adjust your damper settings based on your temperature requirement to get the best cooking performance.
There’s also an optional charcoal basket that helps to better distribute charcoal inside the bowl.
The built-in lid thermometer has received high marks from users for its straightforward functionality. It lets even novice grillers easily monitor and maintain heat levels inside the grill.
However, I recommend using a meat thermometer for measuring actual meat temperatures. It is important that your food is cooked to a safe temperature for maximum flavor and prevention of food-borne illness.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The 22″ Weber Original Premium Kettle is also easy to clean and maintain. With its high resistance to corrosion and peeling, it is designed to stay clean and shiny with basic care.
There are only three components to consider when cleaning. They are the cooking grate, grill lid, and bottom bowl.
The cooking grate is made of durable stainless steel. I clean it easily with a standard grill brush.
I normally clean the grate after cooking while the grill is still hot. That way all the cooked-on debris just falls off. So the next time I cook on the grill, all I do is give it a light wash with mild soap and rinse before use.
After several uses creosote will build up inside the lid and bowl. It is easy to remove it with a soft bristle brush and or plastic scraper. Creosote should be removed periodically to prevent it from flaking off onto your food.
And the one-touch cleaning system easily removes ash from the bowl.
The ash catcher is an upgrade made by Weber many years ago. It holds a lot of ash. Just rotate the handle to remove it when needed.
As I said earlier, I have been using a Weber Original Premium 22 inch Kettle for 15 years. Maintaining it over the years has been a breeze.
There is no peeling or rust anywhere to be seen. And, I’ve always kept it outside in the elements.
For more protection, I do use an all-weather grill cover though.
Warranty and Support
Weber offers an exceptional warranty that provides serious peace of mind.
For starters the bowl and lid are protected against burn-through and rust-through for 10 years.
The one-touch cleaning system also comes with a 5-year burn-through and rust-through warranty.
All plastic components are also covered for 5 years (excluding fading or discoloring). Weber warranties all remaining parts for 2 years.
What is there to lose with a warranty like that!
If you ever need help with your Weber Original Premium Kettle, the official website is the first place to go. There you can find assistance with your specific issue, browse through extensive FAQs and videos, and even download a copy of the grill’s owner manual and schematics.
And if you need to order any replacement parts, you can easily do so through the website. If you prefer speaking to an actual person, Weber’s toll-free number is available 7 days a week
What We Like
- Versatile cooking capabilities: The Weber Original Kettle Premium is great for grilling, smoking, and roasting a variety of foods.
- Classic design: The iconic kettle shape of the Weber grill is recognizable and aesthetically pleasing to many people.
- Durable construction: The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, aluminum damper, and plated steel cooking grate are built to last.
- Easy to clean: The One-Touch cleaning system and ash catcher make it easy to clean up after use.
- Good value: The 22″ Weber Original Kettle Premium is priced competitively compared to other charcoal grills with similar features.
- Superior heat retention: It holds heat very well due its high quality construction. The air dampers allow for precise temperature control.
- BILT App: Provides 3D interactive assembly instructions with voice and text guidance for easy product assembly.
What Can Be Improved
- Limited cooking space: The 363 square inches of cooking space on the Weber Original Kettle 22-inch Premium Kettle may not be enough for large gatherings or big families. However, it’s 26-inch big brother will definitely get the job done..
- Weight immobility of the unit: Since it can weigh up to 40 pounds when it’s filled with charcoal, it may prove difficult for one person to move around.
- No grates near handles: Every now and then a smaller item may fall into the fire because of the gap between the handle and the hinged cooking grate.
Alternatives – A look at the competition
By chance the 22″ Weber Original Kettle Premium doesn’t fit your needs, there are some capable alternatives to consider. Each is highly rated by users.
PK Grills PK Original Outdoor Charcoal Portable Grill & Smoker
This grill is popular for its unique design, portability, and great heat retention. It features an all aluminum construction. Reviewers like its durability and ease of use but point out that it might have a steeper learning curve for temperature control.
Napoleon NK22L-LEG-2 Charcoal Kettle Grill
The Napoleon NK22L-LEG-2 is praised for its heavy-duty construction and its hinged cooking grates that make adding charcoal during cooking easy. It also features a built-in temperature gauge and an ash catcher. Some reviews, though, mention that it can be challenging to assemble.
Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill
As another entry from Weber, the Master-Touch provides a few upgrades over the Original Premium, like the Gourmet BBQ System cooking grates. Users often appreciate these added features but note that these come with a slightly higher price tag.
Cuisinart CCG-290 18” Kettle Charcoal Grill
Its dual venting system allows for easy temperature control, and it features a hinged cooking grate for hassle-free charcoal addition, a removable ash catcher for quick cleanup, and a built-in thermometer for real-time temperature tracking. Additional design elements include a handy bottom storage shelf, three lid locks for secure transportation, and two wheels for easy mobility.
Theo Klein – Kids Weber Kettle Barbecue Premium
The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is so iconic that Weber permitted Theo Klein to make a toy model just for kids 3 years and up. And it looks just like the real thing. But it is safe – there is no fire to worry about.
My wife bought a Kids Weber Kettle Premium toy for my future grill master grandson. He’s always grilling on it.
It comes with all the things a little one needs to have lots of fun while perfecting his grilling skills. You get play food, light up charcoal, a lighter, grates and tongs.
The sound effects are great too. So whenever my grill is sizzling outside, his grill is sizzling inside.
Should You Buy a Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill
Yes, it is definitely a star in the BBQ world.
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill delivers powerful performance.
It combines great features, craftsmanship, and performance into an iconic, all-American package. It’s no wonder that this charcoal grill is highly rated!
Because of its porcelain enamel finish, it is durable and won’t corrode or chip easily when exposed to heat and moisture.
And the one-touch cleaning system makes clean-up a breeze.
You can grill steaks or convert it to a smoker to cook some ribs.
This is a worthy investment. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to treat yourself by grabbing yourself one of these bad boys today!
