Charcoal barbecues

A charcoal barbecue gives the flavour and atmosphere of real fire. Lighting it and waiting for the coals to glow is part of the experience, and for many enthusiasts that is exactly the charm. On this page you can compare charcoal barbecues from Weber, the brand that became known for the round kettle barbecue. From the compact Smokey Joe to the Original Kettle, Master-Touch and Performer, with the current price at the shop. Charcoal barbecues from Boretti, such as the Barilo and Fratello, are also in the overview, but they are not currently on sale. The ceramic Boretti Ceramica Solo Large is among the kamados. You can also look at the kamados, pellet barbecues, gas barbecues and the full barbecue overview.

Why choose charcoal?

• Flavour: fat and meat juices dripping onto the coals create smoke and the typical barbecue aroma
• High heat: with a full layer of glowing coals you can sear meat quickly
• Direct and indirect: coals on one side for grilling, the other side free to slow-cook with the lid closed
• Smoking: with smoking wood on the coals and the lid closed you add extra smoky flavour
• Simple and robust: no gas connection or electronics needed

Weber kettles: which one suits you?

Smokey Joe (37 cm)

The smallest kettle, with a 37 cm grill grate. Light and compact, suited to camping, a small terrace or a small household. The comparison includes the Smokey Joe and the Smokey Joe Premium.

Bar-B-Kettle and Compact Kettle (47 and 57 cm)

The simple models, in 47 and 57 cm. A good choice if you want the classic kettle without extras.

Original Kettle Premium (57 cm)

The well-known round kettle of 57 cm, in the Premium version with, among other things, a removable ash catcher for easier cleaning.

Master-Touch (57 and 67 cm)

More equipment than the basic kettle. The GBS versions have a Gourmet BBQ System grill grate with a removable centre for inserts. Alongside the classic 57 cm, the larger 67 cm Master-Touch is also in the comparison, and there are colour variants such as Slate Blue, Burnt Orange and Smoke.

Performer (57 cm)

The Performer combines a 57 cm kettle with a base that has a worktop, so you have room for plates, tools and herbs beside the barbecue. The comparison also includes Smart versions.

Which size do you need?

A 37 cm grill grate is enough for a couple of people or as a portable barbecue. 47 cm is a compact choice for a small family. 57 cm is the classic size, with enough room to cook both direct and indirect for a family or a small group. If you often cook for large gatherings, look at 67 cm.

Lighting and controlling the temperature

With a chimney starter and firelighter cubes you can light the coals without lighter fluid. Once the coals are greyish with ash, spread them in the kettle. Use the air vents at the bottom and in the lid to control the temperature: more air makes the fire hotter, less air lets it burn more calmly. Briquettes usually burn longer and more evenly, while loose charcoal heats up faster. See charcoal and lighting and charcoal baskets to divide the coals into zones.

Charcoal, kamado or pellet?

A kettle is the classic way to grill on charcoal. A kamado, such as the Big Green Egg or Keij Kamado, is made of ceramic, holds heat for longer and excels at slow cooking and smoking. A pellet barbecue burns wood pellets but controls the temperature itself. If you mainly want to be ready quickly, a gas barbecue is more practical. Not sure whether to choose a Weber kettle or a kamado? Read Weber BBQ alternative: kettle barbecue or kamado?

Maintenance

Let the ash cool down completely before you dispose of it, and empty the ash catcher regularly, as ash attracts moisture. Brush the grill grate clean while it is still warm, and cover the barbecue if it stays outside. Take a look at barbecue covers, barbecue tools, thermometers and grill grates and baking plates. For the Weber kettles, matching accessories are also included in the comparison, such as the Gourmet BBQ System, a warming rack for 57 cm and the One-Touch cleaning system for 47 cm.