You want fire, smoke, and sear marks on a Tuesday night after work, or maybe on a tailgate before kickoff. The trouble is that “barbecue grills” covers everything from a classic backyard kettle to a tiny portable you can fold into a hatchback. Choosing wrong usually shows up as burnt air. Pick the right grill and cooking outdoors becomes routine rather than a production.
The Lineup, Simplified
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22-Inch
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 22-Inch
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18-Inch
Grillart Bristle Free Grill Brush 18-Inch
Grillart SteamWizards Grill Brush Bristle Free
Grillart Replaceable Head Bristle Free Brush 17″
Old Smokey Charcoal Grill #18 Medium
La Bolata 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
La Bolata 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill 30,000 BTU
Taking A Closer Look At The Options
The 22-inch Weber Original Kettle Premium takes the silhouette that backyard cooks have trusted for decades and layers a few thoughtful upgrades on top. A hinged cooking grate (a section of grate that swings up so you can add fuel without lifting the entire rack) makes mid-coal top-ups easy, which matters during long indirect cooks when you don’t want to lose heat. Compared to the plain Original Kettle reviewed next, this Premium adds convenience where it counts without changing the cooking character you came for.
For households grilling two to four nights a week, the porcelain-enameled bowl and lid hold heat well and shrug off rust. The angled lid hook is the small touch that makes weeknight cooking feel less like juggling, since you can rest the lid against the bowl instead of finding a clean patch of patio. Owners commonly appreciate how the high-capacity ash catcher traps debris for tidy disposal.
Practical Advantages
- Hinged grate lets you add charcoal mid-cook without lifting the whole rack
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid resist rust through seasons of rain and sun
- One-Touch cleaning system sweeps ash into a high-capacity catcher for fast cleanup
- 22-inch cooking area fits roughly nine burgers, enough for family meals
- Angled lid hook gives you a clean spot to rest the hot lid
Things To Consider
- Premium trim costs more than the base Original Kettle, so casual weekend cooks may not feel the upgrade
- Charcoal-only design means longer lighting time than a propane alternative like the La Bolata 4-Burner
Quick Facts
Who Will Love This
Charcoal enthusiasts who host weekend cookouts for a household of four and want a kettle they can leave outside year-round.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Tailgaters and apartment dwellers should look at the Weber Jumbo Joe, which folds down tighter for transport and storage.
The base Original Kettle is the silhouette most backyard cooks picture when they think “charcoal grill,” and for good reason. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid retain heat through long cooks, while the bottom and lid dampers slide open or closed to tune airflow without lifting anything hot. Compared to the Premium version reviewed above, you trade the hinged grate for a simpler fixed design, which keeps the cost lower and the learning curve shorter.
The One-Touch cleaning system sweeps ash into a container you can pull out for emptying, a feature that matters more than it sounds after a cook full of drippings. Aluminum dampers won’t rust through damp storage, and the glass-reinforced nylon handles stay grippy when the lid is hot. For most households, this is the kettle that just keeps working.
Where It Delivers
- Time-tested 22-inch silhouette, a familiar size for family cooks
- One-Touch ash catcher trims cleanup time after long cooks
- Aluminum dampers resist rust and slide smoothly for airflow control
- Glass-reinforced handles stay cool enough to grip with bare hands
Worth Noting
- Fixed grate means lifting the whole rack to add charcoal mid-cook
- No warming rack, so finished food has to rest on a plate indoors
- Larger footprint than the Weber Jumbo Joe, less friendly to small patios
Made For
Home cooks who want a reliable charcoal kettle for weekend use without paying for premium-tier upgrades.
Look Elsewhere When
Shoppers who cook for bigger crowds and want a side burner or griddle should consider the La Bolata 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill.
The Jumbo Joe is the answer when a full-size kettle is overkill but a disposable aluminum tray feels like a downgrade. With an 18.5-inch plated steel grate, it still delivers roughly 240 square inches of cooking area, enough for six to eight burgers at a time. The bowl and lid carry the same porcelain-enameled finish as the larger Original Kettle, so heat retention and rust resistance carry over.
Where it really wins is portability. Aluminum dampers and an ash catcher keep the body light, and the whole grill fits into a trunk or back seat for a tailgate, campsite, or beach day. Compared to the Old Smokey #18 reviewed later, the Jumbo Joe trades a bit of rugged simplicity for Weber’s damper precision and a more refined lid handle.
Useful Strengths
- 18.5-inch grate fits a full meal for a small group
- Plated steel cooking surface holds heat for decent sear marks
- Aluminum dampers resist rust in coastal or humid climates
- Light enough to carry with one hand for short distances
Points To Note
- No lid hook, so the lid goes on the ground during fuel refills
- Smaller grate means longer batch cooking for groups larger than six
- Plated steel grate needs oiling to slow surface rust over time
Feature Snapshot
Best Suited To
Grillers who travel to cookouts, whether that means stadium parking lots, campsites, or a small apartment patio.
Not Your Match When
Families hosting large weekend dinners should step up to the Weber Original Kettle Premium for more grate real estate.
Wire bristle brushes have a quiet hazard: a loose bristle can end up on your food and into a meal, which is the reason bristle-free brushes have grown so popular. This Grillart model replaces bristles with a coiled stainless scrubber that flexes across the grate rather than snapping loose. The 18-inch handle keeps your hands a comfortable distance from the heat, useful after a long sear session on a Weber or La Bolata grill.
The wide scraper edge at the front clears carbon buildup along the bars of the grate, where most of the gunk hides after a fatty cook. Owners commonly report that preheating the grill for ten minutes softens residue enough that a few passes does most of the work. For porcelain-coated grates especially, the softer contact avoids the scratching risk of wire brushes.
The Good Stuff
- Bristle-free design removes the wire-shard risk entirely
- Wide scraper edge clears buildup along grate bars in fewer passes
- 18-inch handle keeps hands away from a hot cooking surface
- Works across porcelain, stainless, and cast iron grate types
Trade Offs
- Coiled stainless head wears down with heavy scrubbing over time
- Less aggressive on cold, rock-hard carbon than a stiff wire brush
Right Fit For
Grillers who clean after every cook and want a safer tool around porcelain enamel and family meals.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Cooks who want a replaceable head rather than replacing the whole brush may prefer the Grillart Replaceable Head Bristle Free Brush 17″.
The SteamWizards name hints at the trick: you run the brush under water, then set it briefly on a hot grate so trapped moisture loosens cooked-on residue. The seamless helical scrub head bends with the grate’s surface rather than scraping across, which protects porcelain coatings on kettles like the Weber Original Kettle Premium. The stainless handle is sturdy and flexible, built to take the kind of pressure that thinner brushes twist under.
For cooks who sear fatty cuts often and let the grill cool between sessions, this brush earns its keep. Where the basic Grillart above uses a coiled design, the SteamWizards helical pattern concentrates contact points along the bars. Owners commonly find the head lasts through many seasons before showing wear.
Points In Its Favor
- Steam-activated cleaning softens residue before scrubbing
- Seamless helical head flexes with grate contours instead of catching
- Flexible stainless handle absorbs pressure without bending
- Safe for porcelain-coated kettles and cast iron grates alike
Honest Caveats
- Longer handle adds storage length compared to shorter brushes
- Helical pattern takes a couple of cooks to learn the optimal angle
Who Should Grab It
Cooks who sear steaks and chops weekly and want a brush that holds up to frequent heavy scrubbing.
Swap It Out When
Shoppers who want a swappable head instead of replacing the entire tool should pick the Grillart Replaceable Head Bristle Free Brush 17″.
This Grillart model keeps the bristle-free scrub head but swaps the disposable-tool mindset for a long-handle-and-replaceable-head system. You buy the handle once, then swap in a fresh head when the old one wears down, which trims waste and long-term cost. The 17-inch handle keeps your hands back from the heat, and a thicker profile than most plastic-handled brushes gives the tool a sturdy feel in use.
The non-metallic pad can be sprayed lightly with oil to season grates between cooks, a small touch that fits neatly into a routine. Compared to the standard Grillart brush reviewed earlier, the difference shows up in months rather than minutes. Owners commonly appreciate that the replaceable head unscrews by hand, no tools required.
The Case For It
- Replaceable head cuts down on replacing the full tool over time
- Thicker profile feels sturdy compared to thin plastic-handled rivals
- Non-metallic pad can oil grates during routine maintenance
- One-Fit-All scraper clears multiple grate geometries
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Replacement cartridges require keeping track of a separate order down the line
- 17-inch handle runs shorter than the 18-inch model for taller grills
Perfect Match For
Grillers who clean often and want a long-term tool rather than replacing brushes seasonally.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Shoppers who want a wider scraper for fast carbon clearing should consider the Grillart Bristle Free Grill Brush 18-Inch instead.
The Old Smokey #18 is a deliberately stripped-down charcoal grill, the sort that feels more like a sturdy drum with a grate than a polished appliance. The body is aluminized steel, which shrugs off rust better than plain steel and keeps weight low enough to carry with one hand. There is no lid damper, no warming rack, no temperature gauge, and that absence is the design.
For campers and weeknight cooks who want honest charcoal flavor without a lot of fuss, the simplicity pays off. Compared to the Weber Jumbo Joe reviewed earlier, the Old Smokey trades Weber’s damper precision for a wider, deeper bowl that handles indirect cooking. Owners commonly report it as the grill they keep on a porch or in a truck bed because it asks for so little.
Key Advantages
- Aluminized steel body resists rust and keeps weight low
- Wide, deep bowl handles indirect cooking and larger cuts
- Few moving parts mean little that needs replacing over time
- Light enough for one person to carry short distances
Practical Considerations
- No lid damper, so temperature control is by vent position and charcoal amount
- Smoke escapes freely without a sealed lid, less suited to long low-and-slow cooks
- No warming rack, so finished food rests on plates indoors
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Campers, apartment dwellers with limited patio space, and cooks who want charcoal flavor without a complex grill to maintain.
Consider Something Else When
Backyard hosts who want refined airflow tuning and a built-in lid hook should step up to the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 22-Inch.
When weekend cooking turns into feeding a dozen friends, a four-burner propane grill earns its footprint. The cast iron wire grate holds and releases heat well, and the reversible cast iron griddle plate slides onto either side burner for pancakes, smashburgers, or veggies. A stainless warming rack above the main grates keeps finished food from overcooking while the rest of the meal finishes.
The side burner doubles as a sauce station, which matters when you are juggling multiple components. Compared to the smaller La Bolata 3-Burner reviewed next, this grill gives up foldable side tables for a larger cooktop and griddle. Owners commonly find that propane is more of a lifestyle shift than a flavor swap, since startup is fast and cleanup runs shorter than a charcoal cook.
Positive Points
- Reversible cast iron griddle plate expands the cooktop for sides
- Side burner handles sauces and small pans while the main grates work
- Stainless warming rack keeps finished food ready without overcooking
- Cast iron grates hold heat for stronger sear marks
Points To Keep In Mind
- Larger footprint than a kettle grill, needs a dedicated patio space
- Propane tank refills and fuel logistics that kettles avoid
- Cast iron grates need oiling to prevent surface rust
Spec Overview
Built With In Mind
Backyard entertainers who host larger groups and want propane convenience alongside serious cooking versatility.
Skip It When
Patio dwellers with tight space should consider the La Bolata 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill for a smaller footprint.
The 3-Burner La Bolata sits in a useful middle ground: enough cooking surface for family dinners without the footprint of a four-burner. Three stainless burners put out a combined 30,000 BTU (British Thermal Units, a measure of heat output where higher numbers mean hotter cooking), and the 252-square-inch cast iron grate is sized for six to eight burgers plus veggies at once. Foldable side tables drop flat against the body, which matters on tight apartment patios.
The cast iron grates hold heat for solid sear marks, and an easy-clean system underneath collects drippings into a tray you can pull out for emptying. Compared to the 4-Burner reviewed above, this grill gives up the side burner and griddle for a smaller footprint. Owners commonly note that the foldable shelves earn their keep the first time the grill needs to slide against a wall for storage.
What Makes Sense
- 30,000 BTU output across three burners heats the grate quickly
- Cast iron grates hold heat for steady searing
- Foldable side tables drop for storage against a wall
- Easy-clean drip tray removes for weekly emptying
- 252 square inches of cooking space fits a family meal
Possible Compromises
- No side burner or griddle plate, less versatile than the 4-Burner
- Cast iron grates need oiling to slow surface rust over time
Key Product Details
The Right Fit
Patio cooks in apartments or townhomes who want propane convenience without a full-size four-burner footprint.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
Hosts who entertain big groups should pick the La Bolata 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill for more cooking zones and a griddle plate.
What To Weigh Before Choosing Barbecue Grills
Fuel Type Shapes The Whole Experience
Charcoal kettles like the Weber Original Kettle Premium or Old Smokey #18 trade quick startup for the kind of sear and smoke flavor many home chefs chase. Propane grills like the La Bolata 3-Burner and 4-Burner light in a few minutes and offer more precise temperature control, useful when you are juggling multiple components. The honest read is that fuel choice is a lifestyle preference as much as a cooking decision, so think about how often you cook rather than chasing one camp or the other.
Size And Footprint Matter More Than Spec Sheets
A 22-inch kettle feels modest until you try to fit it on a sixth-floor balcony. Measure your patio, leave space behind the grill for lid clearance, and consider foldable features like the side tables on the La Bolata 3-Burner. For tailgates and camping, the Weber Jumbo Joe’s 18.5-inch grate fits the meal without filling the trunk.
Grate Material Affects Both Cooking And Upkeep
Porcelain-coated steel (steel sealed with a glass-like enamel finish) handles weather well and cleans easily. Cast iron holds heat for stronger sear marks but needs occasional oiling to slow surface rust. Plated steel grates, like the one on the Weber Jumbo Joe, are lighter and affordable but need a touch more care through wet seasons.
Cleaning Tools Deserve A Place In The Plan
A good grill brush turns end-of-cook sessions from a chore into a five-minute task. Bristle-free brushes like the Grillart family remove the wire-shard risk that comes with traditional brushes, especially important around family meals. Pick a brush alongside the grill itself, since skipping this step is the fastest route to a rusted grate.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
The most common mistake is buying a grill that is too big for the space available, then cooking on it rarely because hauling it out feels like a production. Another is choosing charcoal because of flavor mythology without budgeting for the longer lighting and cleanup time. Finally, skipping a grill brush on day one tends to lead to a permanently grimy grate, since cooked-on residue builds up faster than most shoppers expect.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Stepping up to the Weber Original Kettle Premium over the base Original Kettle buys a hinged grate and convenience upgrades that pay off over years of weekly cooking. Premium propane models add stainless burners, warming racks, and griddle plates that expand the cooktop into a full outdoor kitchen. The honest read is that upgrades are worth it for frequent cooks and harder to justify for occasional weekend use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my grill grates?
Clean the grates after every cook, while the grill is still warm, using a bristle-free tool like the Grillart SteamWizards or Replaceable Head model. A deep clean once or twice a season keeps carbon buildup from affecting flavor.
Is charcoal or propane better for beginners?
Propane is easier for beginners because startup and temperature control are straightforward. Charcoal rewards the time invested, and a kettle like the Weber Original Kettle Premium is forgiving once you learn damper control.
Can I leave a grill outside year-round?
Porcelain-enameled kettles like the Weber Original Kettle handle weather well, but a cover extends the body life. Cheap plated steel grates benefit from a sheltered spot or a tarp during heavy rain.
What size grill do I need for a family of four?
A 22-inch kettle or a 3-burner propane with around 250 square inches of cooking area fits most family meals. Larger groups or frequent entertaining benefits from a 4-burner propane like the La Bolata 4-Burner.
Are bristle-free grill brushes really safer?
Yes, bristle-free brushes remove the risk of wire pieces ending up in food. Designs like the Grillart coiled and helical models scrub effectively without that risk, especially on coated grates.
Closing Remarks
The right barbecue grill is the one you will actually use, whether that means a classic kettle for weekend cookouts or a foldable propane for a tight patio. Match the fuel and size to your space and routine, and add a bristle-free brush from day one so the grate stays ready for the next cook.