Weber has improved its iconic kettle grill through the decades and its latest version is nearly perfect. The Weber Performance Deluxe 22-Inch comes with updated key features, which will make your grilling sessions exceedingly easy. To start, the grill is embedded within an easy-to-move cart that features an extra-large side table and enclosed charcoal storage. For a gas-powered grill, the Weber Spirit II E-310 is our top choice thanks to its three burners, compact design, and useful features. If you’re looking for the classic Weber black charcoal grill, you can’t go wrong with the Weber Performer Deluxe 22-Inch Charcoal Grill. For an electric grill that performs great wherever there is a power outlet, choose the Q 1400 from Weber.
The Weber Q 2200 Propane Gas Grill is one of our top picks for portable grills by any brand. Though a bit of an investment, the gas grill pays off with its convenience. It’s easy to start, easy to use, and heats up quickly and powerfully, delivering 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour. The 280-square-inch cooking area consists of porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, which should be enough to serve three to four people (pretty good for a portable model). There’s a reason Weber is nearly synonymous with classic, quality grills. The brand has been around since the ’50s when the founder first invented the kettle grill.
However, they will last longer and hold up better if you put a cover on them. A cover will protect your grill from getting stained by rain and rusting. Two weber bbq aspects we didn’t like are the smaller hood can translate to too-high heat when kept closed, and the built-in thermometer was consistently inaccurate.
Gas-cooked foods also can lack a certain charred grilling taste preferred by some. If you know that you’ll be cooking multiple different types of food or meats, you might also need to consider multiple burners on a larger grill. This’ll give you more temperature zones, and make getting everything to the table so much easier.
As we tested this over the course of two weeks, it rarely had any faults. The 513 square inches of cooking space was consistently even in heat, with some slightly hotter temperatures observed directly over the burners. The sear zone produced delicious steak, though you might want an additional burner like we did. It’s even great for beginners since the app includes everything you need to know for grilling and maintaining a gas grill.
If you’re experiencing issues with your food sticking to your Weber grill, oil the food, not the grill grates. Stainless-steel grates are inexpensive and lightweight, but you’ll need to clean them weber charcoal grill with a great grill brush after every session. Porcelain-coated grates can last a long time if taken care of properly. Don’t use metal tools or brushes on them to avoid the coating chipping off.
We experienced even heating and few flare-ups during our testing, with our home tester claiming that it’s “worth the splurge.” We’ve long recommended Weber’s charcoal kettle grill to anyone looking for a phenomenal cooker at a reasonable price point. But our recent gas grill testing proved Weber is a powerhouse in that department, weber portable grill too (four out of six of our winners in our gas grill test were Webers). If you’re looking to buy on a budget, and/or favor a smoky flavor and scent while grilling, consider Weber’s charcoal grill options. If efficiency is on your list of grilling must-haves, consider a gas grill, which takes less time to heat up.
It’s intuitive to use, and any ash it misses can quickly be brushed away. For most models, the basic structure will last for upwards of 10 years, and is covered under a large warranty. If other parts of the grill, like the knobs or ash catch, break, they can be replaced. Even if those parts are no longer under warranty, it’s more affordable to replace them than to buy a whole new grill. You can increase the longevity of your grill by keeping it covered when not in use, and storing it inside during harsh weather. This article was updated by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats.