By contrast, other grills we tested had cumbersome assembly processes. Hinged sections on opposite sides of the grate let you access the entire charcoal bed below. weber portable gas grill The Napoleon grill we tested had hinges on opposite sides of the grate, too. But the PK Grill had a hinge on only one side, which proved inconvenient.
Even before testing, we were concerned that the short distance between the grate and the top of the grill meant food could go flying. Sure enough, Sam Sifton accidentally flicked a chicken wing onto the ground. A single weber portable gas grill hinge on the grill grate makes it difficult to access all corners of the coal bed during cooking. And this grill has no ash catcher, which means anything sitting on that handy bottom shelf gets dusted with soot.
Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial, and the Weber does this better than any other in its price range. You can thank the porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, which are heat retention pros, for that. 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.
The image below on the left is the setup I used to cook the half chickens shown on the right. I mop/basted the chickens while cooking directly over the coals for an hour. The half chickens were just ready to come off the grill in the image, notice they are not burnt after one hour of direct cooking. Instead of placing the hot coals in a pile I spread them out sparsely so I have low even heat under the cooking area. Because of their design kettle grills are very versatile and can be used for much more than just grilling up burgers and dogs.
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. I decided to buy your kettle grill and will replace my 30+ year old Weber charcoal grill. I was a little disappointed with the quality control of some of the pieces. The probe port and smoke hole covers do not fit flush against the kettle so there is some air leaking through. The bottom 5 vent ash removal fins also do not fit flush to the kettle as well as the top vent on the cover.
In this setup, the lid thermometer is measuring the temperature of the hot zone (above the coals) rather than the cool zone (where the food is place). For example; if the temp has been constant at 300 degrees for 30 or more minutes this means the coals are burning constant so the temp is not in the process of climbing or dropping. If the temp is stabile just a slight change to the top vent (open or closed by about 1/8) will change the temp plus or minus degrees. And every time a change is made to the vents it takes about minutes for the kettle to restabilize at the new temp. This is because the coals have to either perk up or cool down.
The handle slides easily and stays cool to the touch—no need to put on gloves or use a towel. Measuring 39.5 x 22.5 x 27 inches, this grill takes up a minimal amount of space in your backyard or on the porch while still offering a decent-sized cooking surface. It’s about waist level in height for almost everyone, so it’s quite comfortable to cook on.
An automatic propane start makes this an ideal grill for beginners—you don’t need to master the use of a chimney to get the fire started. Although our testers found it a little awkward to put together without a second person, it’s a sturdy, well-built grill that you’ll feel confident about using once it is fully assembled. With four smooth-rolling wheels that lock into place, it’s easy to maneuver around your patio or yard. A cheap charcoal grill isn’t worth the savings if it’s unstable, struggles to maintain temperature, or is awkward to use. Likewise, a high-end, expensive grill is only worth the splurge if it helps you cook a superior steak (or burger, or whatever), and is a pleasure to use. A good example is the Slow N’ Sear deluxe (read my review here) – which is an add-on for kettle grills that essentially creates a quintessential two-zone fire (pictured below).
I also know the grill will last me another 10+ years because I don’t treat my grills poorly and Weber doesn’t skimp on materials. The Weber kettle was the first grill I ever learned on and is perfect for beginners. Our R&D department develops high-quality, fairly priced grilling equipment. Weber Kettle grills are available in cooking diameters from 14″ to 26″, with the most common being the Weber “Original” Kettle at 22″. There are many seasoned grillers who will only use lump charcoal no matter what kind of grill they’re using.