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Kettle Joe vs. Weber Kettle Comparison

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Kettle Joe vs. Weber Kettle

Kettle Joe vs. Weber Kettle, what’s the best charcoal grill? If you are in a dilemma, this article has it all. Find out the pros and cons of the two models, how they compare, and, importantly, which of them offers the best bang for the buck.

Kettle Joe and Weber Kettle are the best-selling charcoal grills from the two American brands. The Kettle Joe series has several models, but for this review, we have focused on the Kamado Joe KJ23RHC Classic Joe II, better known as Kettle Joe. The Weber Kettle series also has several models, including the Weber Original Kettle and Weber Original Kettle Premium. In this review, we have the Weber Original Kettle Premium.

The two are similar, but their differences should be fundamental in your quest for the best charcoal grill to buy.

Important

The difference between Kettle Joe and Weber Kettle is the size, weight, main material, lid and tables, and cooking space. Kettle Joe is bigger and heavier, is a ceramic charcoal grill with a hinged lid and folding tables, and has smaller cooking space though you can increase cooking space with expanders. On the other hand, Weber is compact and lighter, is a porcelain enamel charcoal grill, the lid is not hinged, and has a larger standard cooking space.

For more regarding how the duo squares out, read along.

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and...
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
Dimensions
46.5″ W x 48″ H x 28″ D
22.5"W x 39.5"H x 27"D
Weight
232 lbs
56.6 lbs
Shape
Egg-Shaped, Elongated
Egg-Shaped
Wheels
4
2
Total Cooking Area (without extenders)
250 square inches
363 square inches
Fuel Type
Charcoal
Charcoal
Basket Material
Stainless steel basket
Heavy-duty plated steel charcoal grate
Heating Range
225°F to 750°F
150°F to 600°F
Side Tables / Hooks
2 Foldable Side Tables + Hooks
Hooks Only
Warranty
Up to Lifetime
Up to 10 Years
Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Charcoal Grill and...
Dimensions
46.5″ W x 48″ H x 28″ D
Weight
232 lbs
Shape
Egg-Shaped, Elongated
Wheels
4
Total Cooking Area (without extenders)
250 square inches
Fuel Type
Charcoal
Basket Material
Stainless steel basket
Heating Range
225°F to 750°F
Side Tables / Hooks
2 Foldable Side Tables + Hooks
Warranty
Up to Lifetime
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black
Dimensions
22.5"W x 39.5"H x 27"D
Weight
56.6 lbs
Shape
Egg-Shaped
Wheels
2
Total Cooking Area (without extenders)
363 square inches
Fuel Type
Charcoal
Basket Material
Heavy-duty plated steel charcoal grate
Heating Range
150°F to 600°F
Side Tables / Hooks
Hooks Only
Warranty
Up to 10 Years

Weber Kettle Pros

  • It boasts an ultra-lightweight design making it highly portable
  • It is a porcelain enamel grill that can withstand high temperatures
  • More affordable than Kamado, making it best for budget buyers
  • The Weber Joe has a larger cooking area (363 sq ft) as it is a 22-inch grill

Weber Kettle Cons

  • The Weber Kettle’s lid has to be removed entirely, which is tedious
  • Despite having a larger barrel, it doesn’t come with side tables

Kettle Joe vs. Weber Kettle Face-to-Face Comparison

In this main segment of this Kettle Joe vs. Weber Kettle comparison review, we will compare the two on a face-to-face analysis of their core features and other essential aspects considered when buying charcoal grills and grills, in general. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

1. Design, Dimensions, and Weight

A grill’s design is critical in terms of aesthetics and flexibility. Make sure it fits your grilling spots and has a cool design to lighten up the parties. The dimensions and weight are also important considerations. Do you want a grill with a small footprint? Check the dimensions. If you want a portable grill, ascertain the weight. So, how does Kamado compare to Weber here?

Weber Kettle Design
On the other hand, Weber Kettle is a classic grill with no bells and whistles that can match Kamado Joe. For example, you have to remove the lid literally.

There are no hinges. The similarity with Kamado is that the main unit is also egg-shaped but not as elongated vertically as the Kamado Kettle. Unlike Kamado, you won’t notice the damper in the Weber Kettle, but it is tucked somewhere on the top lid.

Regarding the finish, the Weber is quite boring as it has been finished in one color. However, you can choose from 3 colors; all-black, all-copper, or all-green. It has a smaller footprint and is lighter. The dimensions are 22.5 “W x 39.5 “H x 27 “D, while the weight is 56.6 pounds.

2. Build Quality

The second aspect worth discussing is the grill’s build quality. Some solid grills on the market can take the abuse and remain intact for years as they have been built using the best materials. Similarly, some are not worth your time as they have poor craftsmanship, to say the least. When looking for the best charcoal grill, go for a brand renowned for quality products. Importantly, ascertain the materials the grill has been made from and how long they can last.

Weber Original Kettle Build Quality
On the other hand, the Weber Original Kettle Premium has a solid design but doesn’t look as sturdy as Kamado. But this shouldn’t be an issue as it can withstand weather conditions and stay put.

You can also use the Weber Kettle in the rain as long as you close the lid to keep water at bay. One major difference between Weber Kettle and Kettle Joe is that Weber is a porcelain enamel charcoal grill, while Kamado is a ceramic charcoal grill.

When it comes to Weber’s cart, it also looks fragile with rather average aluminum frames. But this shouldn’t be a concern considering Weber Kettle is much lighter.

3. Assembly and Usability

Charcoal grills, just like most grills, are shipped in parts, so some assembly is required. Now, the big question is, are you a handy guy who can assemble the unit in a flash or a starter? Either way, you should assess the assembly of the grill. Some grills are easy to assemble and come with elaborate assembly resources, but others don’t. Besides assembly, you want to assess how user-friendly the grill is.

Weber Kettle Usability
One of the advantages of the Weber Kettle is the pretty straightforward assembly process. Whether an expert grillard or a beginner, you can always figure out how the unit is assembled courtesy of the 3D interactive assembly instructions. The only problem you might encounter is fixing the main unit to the cart, as you may need an extra hand.

Regarding mobility, the Weber Kettle has 2 wheels, a frame that gets to the ground for extra support, and serves as a wheel locking mechanism. We like the fact that it’s easier to push the Weber Kettle on hard terrain than the Kamado Classic 2.

Unfortunately, the Weber Original Kettle Premium’s lid has to be manually removed, which is so old school. Weber has added a lid hook so you don’t place the lid on the ground.

4. Heating

One of the crucial considerations when choosing grills is heating. Here, there are several questions to answer. First, what fuel is used? There are different fuel types, including charcoal, gas, wood pellet grills, etc. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The other vital aspect is the heating range. How much cheat does the grill generate? Is it average heat for normal grilling, or can it sear too? Let’s find out.

Weber Kettle Heating
The Weber Kettle is also a charcoal grill with a heavy-duty plated steel charcoal grate that can withstand high heat and allows you to arrange the charcoal in several ways. The porcelain enameled lid, bowl, and gasket ensure heat retention, but the seal is not airtight like Kamado.

Another shortcoming, there is no AMP Firebox like with the Kamado. As for the damper, it is located at the top of the lid and not on a chimney-like structure like with the Kamado.

To get more heat in the cooking zone, open the rust-resistant aluminum dampers, while for slow cooking, you need to close the dampers but not entirely. You can use this grill with direct heat or indirect heat, but the heat range while the heat range is 150°F to 600°F.

5. Cooking Surface Area

Besides heating, the cooking area is also fundamental. The elephant in the room here is, are you barbecuing with just a small army, or do you have a baseball team? For this reason, you want to assess the cooking surface area so that you can prepare enough food for your crew in one go. So, what is the diameter of the eggs of the two charcoal grills? What about the total cooking surface area?

Weber Original Kettle Cooking
On the other hand, Weber Original Kettle Premium is a 22-inch charcoal grill, so you have more cooking space than Kamado Classic 2 without cooking extenders.

But unfortunately, you can’t extend cooking space with the Weber Kettle. You will have to deal with the 363 square inch cooking space.

6. Grilling System

The grilling system can also be the deal maker or breaker. It is a critical component that determines the foods you can grill and how savory they will be. The best grill should have different widths to allow you to cook small chunks on narrow sides and steak on the wider side. The grill material is also a worthy talking point, with stainless steel grates ranked the best. In this segment, we will also look at other features the two grills tag along with.

Weber Kettle Grilling System
The Weber Kettle has nothing much as far as the grate is concerned. It comes with a 1-tier grill system made from heavy-duty plated steel version grate with the hinge as the only peculiar feature.

It is hinged to help you add charcoal more conveniently.

7. Convenience

You also want a grill that brings onboard a wide range of convenience features that take the whole grilling experience a notch higher, from operation to maintenance. The latest grills come with some of the most innovative features, including folding side tables, tool hooks, onboard thermometers, and even remote control via apps and other devices. So, which of the two charcoal grills wins this test?

Weber Kettle Convenience
Unfortunately, Weber Kettle is not as well-endowed as Kamado in terms of convenience features. First, it doesn’t come with folding side tables, which give grillards a clutter-free cooking space. This is an area where Kamado takes a lot of points.

But we like the fact that there are two hooks for hanging your tools. Like the Kamado, Weber Kettle also comes with a built-in lid thermometer for gauging how hot things are in there.

The One-Touch Cleaning System is also worth mentioning as it offers hassle-free clean-up so you can conveniently remove the ash catcher. Last is the hinged cooking grate which allows for the easy addition of charcoal.

8. Warranty and Aftersales

In this last round of this Kamado Joe Classic vs. Weber Original Kettle Premium comparison review, we want to assess the warranty and aftersales. You definitely want a grill with an extended warranty to be eligible for repairs or replacements. Besides the warranty, aftersales was also key in our checklist of the best grill. How available is the support team when you contact the individual brands? Are replacement parts, accessories, and supplies readily available?

Weber also has a generous warranty of 10 years for the bowl and lid and 5 years for the One-Touch cleaning system. The plastic components have a 5-year warranty, while the rest of the parts have a 1-year warranty.

Aftersales is also superb, with the Weber team ready to help always. There are also plenty of tutorials and guides from Weber and other 3rd party sites. Last, replacement parts, accessories, and supplies are also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Kamado Classic 2 and 3?

The difference between the Classic II and II is the cart design, egg shape, charcoal basket, and cooking system. The new Kamado II has a heavy-duty cart, an elongated egg, a redesigned stainless steel charcoal basket, 3-tier Divide and Conquer Cooking System and the all-new SlōRoller Hyperbolic Chamber Insert.

FAQ

2. Is it OK to use a Kamado Classic 2 in the rain?

A Kamado boasts a robust all-weather design, so you can use it in the rain as ceramic is water resistant. However, for storage, consider getting a cover.

3. What is the difference between Weber Original Kettle and Premium?

The difference between the Weber Original Kettle and Weber Original Premium is that the Premium adds new features, including Gourmet BBQ System grates, char baskets, and a warming rack.

4. Is the Weber Premium kettle worth it?

Yes. The Weber Premium Kettle is a great deal as it is a 22-inch charcoal grill that offers excellent grilling guaranteeing savory dishes and juicy meats. It is also affordable and offers the best bang for the buck.

5. How long will a Weber Kettle last?

A Weber Kettle can last between 5 and 10 years, depending on how you maintain it and how regularly you use it.

Wrapping Up

That’s it, folks, a Kettle Joe vs. Weber Kettle comparison review. So, what’s the best charcoal grill to buy? Well, the Kamado Joe Classic 2 is the best, as it is a full-featured grill with plenty of features that the Weber lacks. However, it is pricey and heavier. However, if you are on a budget, you can consider the Weber Kettle as it is more affordable, has a larger cooking area, and still delivers juicy ribs or hamburgers. It is also lighter and thus more portable.