A kettle grill is the simplest good charcoal grill there is: a round bowl, a round lid and two vents. The shape is what makes it work. Heat circles inside the dome, coals sit where you put them, and one bowl can sear, roast or smoke depending on how you lay the fire.
Our best charcoal grill guide compares kettles with barrels, kamados and gravity-fed grills. This page assumes you have already chosen the round shape, and sorts kettles by the questions left: which size, which ash system, and whether you need a hinged grate or a two-zone insert.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a working kitchen looks for, makers’ specifications, verified buyer reports and the published reviews named on this page. We have not cooked on these grills ourselves.
Quick verdict: which kettle grill to buy
For most yards, the best kettle grill is the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch: it has the size most accessories fit and a good ash system. If you will use it most weekends, the Weber Master-Touch adds a hinged grate and a lid holder. If you plan to smoke often, the SnS Grills MasterKettle includes a two-zone insert.
All seven picks are round kettles. We left out barrel, ceramic and offset grills even when they were good, because this page is about one shape.
Our five standout kettle grills at a glance
Five kettles, one for each kind of cook, with details as each maker or listing states them. All seven are reviewed below.
| Grill | Size | Best for | Ash system | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch, CopperBest overall
|
22-inch | Most backyards | One-Touch with catcher | View on Amazon |
Weber Master-Touch 26-inch, BlackBest for big cooks
|
26-inch, 508 sq in | Big gatherings | Stainless One-Touch | View on Amazon |
SnS Grills MasterKettle 22-inchBest for smoking
|
22-inch | Smoking and two-zone fires | Not stated in this listing | View on Amazon |
Masterbuilt 14-inch Kettle Charcoal GrillSmallest kettle
|
14-inch | One or two people | Removable ash can | View on Amazon |
Green Party 22-inch Kettle Charcoal GrillMost basic 22-inch
|
22-inch, 379 sq in | A basic full-size bowl | Ash catcher | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing; check before you buy.
Our picks for the best kettle grill
The seven kettles below move from the standard 22-inch Weber through larger and more capable versions, then down to the smallest and simplest. Two of the Weber listings are color versions of models on our main charcoal page; we say so in each review, and we kept that to two.
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch, Copper – The Kettle Others Are Measured Against
This is the kettle most people mean when they say kettle: a 22-inch porcelain-enameled bowl and lid on three legs and two wheels, with a damper at each end of the airflow. Weber says it holds up to 13 burgers made with its burger press, which is enough for most family cookouts.
The Premium version earns its place through the ash system. A One-Touch lever sweeps ash into a removable, high-capacity aluminized steel catcher, so you clean up without tipping the grill. You also get a built-in lid thermometer, an angled lid hook and tool hooks. The cooking grate is durable plated steel, so it is lighter and simpler than cast iron and will not hold the same heavy sear.
For a Mexican backyard menu, the 22-inch size works well. Bank coals on one side for a hot zone, sear carne asada over them, then slide it to the other side while you char green onions and warm tortillas. We list the copper color because the same model in black already appears on our main charcoal page, and the color is the only difference we are recommending here.
Why we like it
- Holds up to 13 burgers per Weber
- One-Touch cleaning with a removable ash catcher
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl resist rust and will not peel, per the listing
- Built-in lid thermometer and lid hook
Key specifications
| Model | 14402001 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 22 inches |
| Cooking area | Up to 13 burgers (Weber) |
| Cooking grate | Plated steel |
| Ash system | One-Touch with removable catcher |
| Lid and bowl | Porcelain-enameled |
| Extras | Lid thermometer, lid hook, tool hooks |
| Warranty | Limited; see owner’s manual |
Why we recommend it
It suits nearly anyone buying a first kettle. It is simple, and most kettle accessories are sold to fit the 22-inch size. A reviewer at GoShindig makes the same point about third-party accessories for this diameter.
Skip it if you want to reload coals easily mid-cook. This grate is not hinged, so look at the Master-Touch instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple, proven kettle design
- Easy ash cleanup
- Wide choice of 22-inch accessories
Cons
- Grate is not hinged for adding coals
- No side table
- Plated grate does not sear like cast iron
2. Weber Master-Touch 22-inch, Slate Blue – Hinged Grate and Tuck-Away Lid
The Master-Touch takes the same 22-inch idea and adds the things you notice only after a few cooks. The cooking grate is hinged, so you can add charcoal without pulling everything off, and it accepts Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System inserts. The Tuck-Away lid holder means the hot lid slides to the side instead of going on the ground.
It also includes Char-Basket fuel holders, which keep charcoal in a tidy pile for direct or indirect grilling, and a warming rack for toasting buns or keeping tortillas warm. Weber gives the same 13-burger capacity. AmazingRibs describes it as a feature-rich version of the basic Original Kettle.
Tom’s Guide reviewed it favorably as a pick for anyone short on space, and Trusted Reviews liked its capacity and air vents while finding lighting difficult and assembly fiddly. This is a color listing of a model that also appears, in black, on our main charcoal page; we use the slate one so you can compare the extras directly.
Why we like it
- Hinged cooking grate for adding charcoal
- Tuck-Away lid holder
- Char-Basket fuel holders included
- 10-year limited warranty listed
Key specifications
| Model | 14513601 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 22 inches |
| Cooking area | 13 burgers per listing, plus warming rack |
| Cooking grate | Hinged; takes Gourmet BBQ System inserts |
| Ash system | One-Touch with removable catcher |
| Lid and bowl | Porcelain-enameled |
| Extras | Char-Baskets, lid holder, tool hooks |
| Warranty | 10-year limited |
Why we recommend it
If you will use your kettle most weekends, these are the features worth paying for. It is easier to manage a two-zone fire, and the lid has a place to go.
Skip it if you grill only a few times each summer. The basic Premium above does the same cooking.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easier to refuel mid-cook
- Fuel baskets for two-zone cooking
- Long stated warranty
Cons
- Assembly described as fiddly by Trusted Reviews
- Same cooking area as the Premium
- Still no side table
3. Weber Master-Touch 26-inch, Black – Room for a Real Crowd
Move up to 26 inches and the kettle changes jobs. Weber lists 508 square inches of grilling surface, so a whole chicken, a rack of ribs and a pile of vegetables can share the grate while still leaving a cool zone. It is one of the few kettle sizes that handles a large party without cooking in batches.
The newer design has a stainless-steel hinged grate with flip-up sides, charcoal rails that clip against the bowl for indirect cooking or move inward for searing, and a bottom damper smoke setting for low and slow work. The One-Touch system uses stainless damper blades and funnels ash into a large catcher.
Charcoal is the cost you may overlook. A bigger bowl needs more fuel to build the same bed, and a 26-inch kettle is simply bigger to store. Accessories also differ: the grate takes Weber’s Crafted grillware, sold separately, and some 22-inch parts will not fit.
Why we like it
- 508 square inches of grilling surface
- Stainless hinged grate with flip-up sides
- Smoke setting on the bottom damper
- Adjustable charcoal rails
Key specifications
| Model | 1500064 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 26 inches |
| Cooking area | 508 sq in |
| Cooking grate | Stainless, hinged, Crafted-compatible |
| Ash system | Stainless One-Touch with large catcher |
| Lid and bowl | Porcelain-enameled |
| Extras | Charcoal rails, lid holder, tool hooks |
| Warranty | 10-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It is for the family that regularly feeds a dozen. It is the only kettle on this page that really cooks for a crowd in one go.
Skip it if you mostly cook for two to four. You will burn extra charcoal heating space you do not use.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest cooking surface here
- Good low-and-slow features
- Stainless grate and cleaning system
Cons
- Uses more charcoal
- Takes up more storage room
- Some 22-inch accessories will not fit
4. SnS Grills MasterKettle 22-inch – Two Zones Built In
SnS Grills is best known for the Slow ‘N Sear charcoal insert, and it builds these kettles around it. The MasterKettle includes the Deluxe insert, which sets up a low-and-slow zone on one side and a hot sear zone on the other, so the two-zone fire is decided for you.
The 304 stainless EasySpin grate has a hinged section over the charcoal, so you add fuel or wood without removing food. An adjustable smoke hole, a lid gauge and a dedicated probe port give you more control over temperature than a basic kettle offers. An 11-3/4 by 22-3/4 inch side table and a lower rack handle plates and bags of charcoal.
AmazingRibs says the 304-grade grate is the star of the Slow ‘N Sear kettle line, and that the insert is the most impressive part. It is worth noting that this body differs from a standard Weber on three legs, so check accessory fit before you buy extras. It carries a stated 10-year warranty.
Why we like it
- Slow ‘N Sear Deluxe insert included
- 304 stainless hinged EasySpin grate
- Probe port and adjustable smoke hole
- Integrated side table and lower rack
Key specifications
| Model | SNS-MK |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 22 inches |
| Cooking area | Not stated in this listing |
| Cooking grate | 304 stainless EasySpin |
| Ash system | Not stated in this listing |
| Lid and bowl | Porcelain enamel |
| Extras | Deluxe insert, side table, lower rack |
| Warranty | 10-year |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who plans to smoke as often as sear, whether brisket, pork shoulder for carnitas-style pulled pork or ribs. The insert would be an extra purchase on any other kettle.
Skip it if you only grill burgers and chicken. A Weber Premium does that with less equipment.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two-zone setup included
- Strong grate material
- Real work surface on the cart
Cons
- More to set up and clean than a plain kettle
- Accessory fit differs from Weber on some parts
- Probes sold separately
5. SnS Grills Black Edition Kettle 22-inch – The Insert on a Plainer Kettle
The Black Edition keeps the main idea of the SnS line, the Slow ‘N Sear insert and a hinged EasySpin grate, on a plainer kettle. The grate here is 4.2 pounds of plated steel rather than 304 stainless, and the lid has a cradle that holds it upright and doubles as a wind block.
It has a built-in temperature gauge, a smoke hole and a probe port. SnS describes a no-touch ash removal system, and its warranty is spelled out more plainly than most: bowl, lid and insert are covered for 10 years against rust through or burn through, the ash system for 5, plastic parts for 5 and remaining parts for 2.
Against the MasterKettle, you give up the stainless grate and the larger cart, and get the same fire-management setup. If you cook mostly on weekends and do not need the side table, that is a sensible trade.
Why we like it
- Slow ‘N Sear Deluxe insert included
- Hinged EasySpin grate
- Lid cradle for hands-free tending
- Warranty terms stated in detail
Key specifications
| Model | SNS-KET-BK |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 22 inches |
| Cooking area | Not stated in this listing |
| Cooking grate | Plated steel EasySpin, 4.2 lb |
| Ash system | No-touch ash removal |
| Lid and bowl | Porcelain enamel |
| Extras | Deluxe insert, lid cradle, probe port |
| Warranty | Bowl, lid, insert 10 years; ash system 5; plastics 5; rest 2 |
Why we recommend it
It suits someone who wants the Slow ‘N Sear setup without paying for the extra cart and stainless grate. The warranty breakdown also makes it clear what you are getting.
Skip it if you need prep space at the grill. Look at the MasterKettle or a separate table instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Same fire-control idea as the MasterKettle
- Clear warranty terms
- Lid cradle is practical
Cons
- Plated grate rather than stainless
- No side table in this version
- Cooking area not stated in this listing
6. Masterbuilt 14-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill – A Small Round Kettle
Sometimes the right kettle is a small one. This Masterbuilt has a 14-inch cooking area with a chrome-coated grate, a porcelain-coated lid and base, a Bakelite handle and adjustable air dampers. A removable ash can and charcoal rack keep the small bowl manageable.
At this size you are cooking for one or two people, or carrying it to a small patio table. It works for a couple of chicken breasts, a few sausages or a small batch of chiles to char for salsa. There is little room for a true two-zone fire, so keep the coals to one side and cook in stages.
Listing details are thin and the warranty is 90 days, so check the seller before you order. The current offer comes from a third-party seller rather than Amazon or the maker. For a bigger set of small options, including barrels, see our guide to the best small charcoal grill.
Why we like it
- Compact 14-inch kettle shape
- Porcelain-coated lid and base
- Removable ash can
- Adjustable air dampers
Key specifications
| Model | 20040110 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 14 inches |
| Cooking area | 14-in-diameter grate |
| Cooking grate | Chrome-coated |
| Ash system | Removable ash can |
| Lid and bowl | Porcelain-coated |
| Extras | Charcoal rack, Bakelite handle |
| Warranty | 90-day limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a one- or two-person household, or anyone who just wants a real kettle shape on a table. It is the smallest grill here and the simplest to store.
Skip it if you cook for a family. You would quickly outgrow it, and the 90-day warranty is short.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Small and easy to store
- Real kettle shape
- Simple controls
Cons
- Short 90-day warranty
- Sold by a third-party seller
- Very limited two-zone space
7. Green Party 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill – The Full Size in a Simple Build
Green Party is an Amazon-first brand offering a kettle in the familiar 22-inch format. The listing gives 379 square inches, room for up to 13 burgers, foldable cooking grates with flip-up sides for adding briquettes, and a porcelain enamel finish on the lid, grate, charcoal grate and ash catcher.
It has a built-in thermometer and two wheels, and the listing describes an ash catcher for cleanup. What you do not get is a long track record or independent reviewing that we could find, so this pick rests only on the listing. Compare the warranty too: one year here against ten on the Master-Touch.
One detail worth noting: the listing warns that a handle may be set at the wrong angle if assembled incorrectly, and it tells you which handles to swap or rotate. Read the instructions before you tighten everything.
Why we like it
- 379 square inches per the listing
- Flip-up grate sides
- Porcelain enamel finish
- Built-in thermometer and two wheels
Key specifications
| Model | GP-E02GR-003 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 22 inches |
| Cooking area | 379 sq in |
| Cooking grate | Porcelain-enameled, foldable sides |
| Ash system | Ash catcher |
| Lid and bowl | Porcelain-enameled |
| Extras | Thermometer, two wheels |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
It suits a buyer who wants a full-size kettle shape and accepts a smaller brand. It is the plainest route to a 22-inch bowl on this page.
Skip it if you value parts availability and long-term support. Weber’s kettles have a far wider parts and accessory market.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full-size round bowl
- Flip-up grate for adding coals
- Stated one-year warranty
Cons
- Amazon-first brand; pick rests on the listing
- Assembly note about handle angle
- Less accessory support than Weber
How to choose a kettle grill
1. Diameter
A 14-inch kettle feeds one or two people. The 22-inch size handles most families and leaves room for a two-zone fire. A 26-inch kettle is for regular crowds. Between sizes, buy the 22-inch: it has by far the widest accessory market.
2. Ash handling
This is the feature you will think about after every cook. A swept system with a covered catcher is much easier than tipping out a loose pan, and it keeps wind from blowing ash around. Check the catcher can be lifted off and emptied easily.
3. The grate
A hinged section lets you add coals and wood while food stays on. Plated steel is fine and cheaper to replace. Stainless steel is the longer-lived upgrade. Look for hinged grates if you plan on long cooks.
4. Dampers and a smoke hole
Heat in a kettle comes from airflow. The bottom vent feeds the fire and the top vent lets it breathe, so good control of both matters more than a built-in thermometer. A lid gauge reads dome temperature, not the temperature at the grate, so add a separate probe thermometer for meat.
5. Lid storage and work space
A hot lid needs somewhere to go. Lid holders and cradles solve that, and a side table saves trips back to the kitchen. If your kettle has neither, plan on a small heat-safe table nearby.
Setting up a two-zone fire in a kettle
The round shape makes two-zone cooking easy, and it is the most useful technique for a kettle. Pile lit charcoal on one side and leave the other side empty. Sear over the coals, then move the food to the empty side, put the lid on and set the top vent over the food so smoke draws across it.
Baskets and rails hold the coals in place, and our charcoal basket picks cover the separate options if your kettle does not include any. Keep the fire small to start. It is easier to add coals than to cool down a bowl that is too hot, and you can read more about the methods behind this in our guide to Mexican cooking methods.
How we picked these seven kettle grills
We looked at round kettle grills on Amazon from identifiable makers, then checked stock, offer condition and listing details for each. We limited Amazon-first brands and kept same-model reuse from our other pages to two, both of them Weber color listings. Published reviews helped on the Weber and SnS models: Tom’s Guide, Trusted Reviews and AmazingRibs. The Masterbuilt and Green Party picks rest on listing details alone. We have not cooked on these grills ourselves. The Weber Performer and the Jumbo Joe Premium were left out here because they showed limited stock when we checked.
Kettle grill questions, answered
What size kettle grill should I buy?
Most households should buy 22 inches. Go to 26 inches only if you regularly cook for a large group, and to 14 or 18 inches if you cook for one or two or need to carry it.
Can you smoke on a kettle grill?
Yes. Bank the coals on one side with a chunk of wood, keep the food on the other side and control heat with the vents. An insert such as the Slow ‘N Sear makes this easier, but it is not required.
Is the Master-Touch worth it over the Original Kettle?
If you grill often, the hinged grate, baskets and lid holder are useful. If you grill now and then, the Premium does the same basic cooking with a simpler setup.
What is the difference between a kettle and a barrel charcoal grill?
A kettle is round and vents through the bottom and top, so the heat rolls around the dome. A barrel is long, usually with more surface, and often has an adjustable charcoal pan. Barrels are on our main charcoal page.
Do kettle accessories fit every brand?
No. Many are designed around Weber’s 22-inch size, and even other 22-inch kettles can differ. Check the fit with the accessory maker first. Our Weber accessories guide lists options for Weber owners.
Our final pick for a round fire
Start with the Weber Original Kettle Premium, step up to the Master-Touch if you will use it weekly, and choose the SnS MasterKettle if smoking matters as much as searing. New to charcoal altogether? Our beginner charcoal grill picks and small charcoal grills are good next reads. And when you would rather let someone else tend the fire, the menu at Julia’s is a phone call away: call to order.