Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Review: A Charcoal Classic
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill is a timeless backyard staple, trusted by generations of grillers for its simplicity, reliability, and performance. If you’re looking for an affordable, durable, and versatile charcoal grill, this iconic kettle remains one of the best choices on the market.
Key Features:
- 22-inch diameter cooking grate (363 sq in total cooking area)
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid for heat retention and rust resistance
- One-Touch™ cleaning system with a high-capacity ash catcher
- Built-in lid thermometer gives you a quick read on internal temperatures without opening the lid and letting out heat.
- Hinged cooking grate for easy charcoal access
- Aluminum dampers for precise heat control
Performance & Usability
Whether you’re searing steaks or slow-smoking ribs, the Weber Kettle delivers. The rounded bowl promotes airflow, allowing even heat distribution throughout the cooking chamber and the hinged grate makes it easy to add more charcoal or wood chips during longer cooks without disturbing your food.
The kettle design of the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22 is one of the key reasons it has remained a gold standard in charcoal grilling for decades. Here’s a deeper look at why the kettle shape works so well and how it contributes to superior grilling results.
The Kettle Grill Design: What Makes It So Effective
1. Efficient Heat Circulation
The round, dome-shaped body of the kettle acts almost like a convection oven. Heat rises from the burning charcoal at the bottom and reflects off the curved lid, circulating evenly around the cooking chamber. This design minimizes hot and cold spots, allowing for even cooking whether you’re grilling burgers or slow-smoking ribs. The body and lid are made from porcelain-enameled steel, which holds in heat exceptionally well. This creates such an even cooking environment that users routinely use their Weber Kettle for:
- Baking
- Roasting
- Smoking
2. Natural Airflow & Ventilation
The kettle features adjustable aluminum dampers at both the top and bottom. This setup encourages a consistent upward airflow: cool air enters from the bottom vents, fuels the charcoal, and exits through the top, bringing smoke and heat with it.
You can control the temperature by simply adjusting the vents — no electronics required.
Want a hot sear? Open both vents wide.
Doing low-and-slow? Close them slightly to maintain lower temps.
3. Deep Bowl = Charcoal Versatility
The depth of the kettle bowl gives you the space to:
- Bank charcoal to one side for indirect cooking (great for roasts and whole chickens)
- Use a charcoal basket or snake method for low-and-slow BBQ
- Add wood chunks for smoking meats
It’s incredibly flexible — something flat-bottom grills just can’t match.
4. Compact Footprint, Big Cooking Area
Despite its compact size, the 22” kettle gives you 363 square inches of cooking space. That’s enough for:
- 13 burgers
- 2 racks of ribs (with a rib rack)
- 1 spatchcock chicken + sides
And when not in use, the rounded design takes up less space on your deck or patio compared to other bulky grills.
The One-Touch cleaning system is a clever design. With a simple sweep of the lever, ashes fall neatly into the enclosed aluminum ash catcher. This convenience is a game-changer for anyone tired of messy cleanup.
Build Quality & Durability
This grill is built to last. The porcelain enamel coating prevents rust and cracking, even after years of use. The three-leg design ensures stability on most surfaces, and the wheels make it easy to roll around your patio or deck.
Ideal For:
- Beginners wanting a simple charcoal setup
- Grill enthusiasts who appreciate traditional flavor
- Anyone with a small to medium-sized outdoor space
Value for Money
Starting around $220, the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22 hits a sweet spot in pricing. You get outstanding performance and longevity without spending a fortune. It’s available from retailers like Amazon, BBQGuys, and Home Depot — often with fast shipping and bundle deals.
Weber has also done a great job at designing accessories that complement their original kettle such as grill covers, tool hooks, etc.
Final Verdict:
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22 is more than just a grill — it’s a rite of passage for anyone serious about backyard BBQ. It’s the grill many started with and the shape alone brings back memories from those early days. With unbeatable value, proven performance, and classic design, it’s still one of the best charcoal grills you can buy today.
Pros:
- Affordable and long-lasting
- Excellent heat control and airflow
- Easy to clean with One-Touch system
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- No side shelf or built-in storage
- Learning curve for temperature control (common with all charcoal grills)
