The most significant difference that stood out to me was that all the handles on the new models have plastic instead of wood. The wood on the 1970s and 80s versions really classed things up. There’s nothing quite like the simple pleasure of cooking over charcoal on a nice grill like this.
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. Although it’s priced higher than most basic, entry-level grills, we feel it’s worth the upgrade for the XL size and included prep area. Also of note are its beginner-friendly features, like the propane starter. It’s easy to clean, too, with a push-button to empty ash into a catch below the kettle. Neither the coal grates nor cooking grates are adjustable, but that’s a check in the “pro” list for this not-too-complicated, high-performing grill.
The handle slides easily and stays cool to the touch—no need to put on gloves or use a towel. What really sets the Premium version apart from the standard 22-inch kettle is the enclosed ash catcher, which eliminates concerns about stray embers and makes cleanup easy. If you don’t install the three-leg assembly supporting the kettle correctly the first time, there’s no going back.
The lack of a simple lid hook feels like a design oversight and removing and replacing the ash catcher isn’t as smooth as it should be because the damper handle gets caught on the legs. There’s no function for pushing the ashes into the catcher, either, so it has to be done manually with a grill brush or other tool. I also worry about weber bbq longevity, mainly because the handles, ash catcher, and lid damper are identical to the same parts on the worst grill we tested. 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.
It produced a “very nicely cooked” steak without any sticking or flare-ups. Simple construction means there aren’t too many parts to assemble or too many features to handle while cooking. A vent on the lid controls airflow and a well-designed ash tray weber portable grill beneath the Weber grill facilitates easy cleanup. Unfortunately, the Napoleon grill’s assembly was overly complex and potentially dangerous. The legs were also difficult to attach, exposing us to sharp edges that shaved the skin off our knuckles.