Kettle Joe vs. Weber Kettle Comparison
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.
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.
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?
The Kettle Joe is a freestanding grill that boasts a modern design. It maintains the classic egg shape of traditional charcoal grills and a turret (damper) at the top known as Kontrol Vent, which we will discuss later. The egg is mounted on the cart, while the side tables give it the shape of a satellite.
When it comes to finishing, the Kamado Kettle boasts an amazing chili red and black combination, the traditional Kamado color scheme.
As for size and portability, the Classic II has a small but heavy footprint. It measures 46.5″ W x 48″ H x 28″ D and weighs 232 lbs.
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.
The Kamado Joe Classic II boasts a strong and sturdy design, as is Kamado’s tradition. It has been designed to withstand all weather conditions.
Surprisingly, you can use Kamado in the rain. The main parts are built from stainless steel, powder-coated aluminum, and plastic. These high-grade materials ensure the Kamado serves you for up to 10 years. One thing to note is that Kamado is a ceramic charcoal grill. The kettle sits on a cart that is not as sturdy.
This is because it has been crafted using light-duty frames. However, it is up to the task, but not as Kamado Classic III, which is revamped with a strong cart. But we like that it has a bumpy feel that allows you to set it up on unbalanced surfaces.
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.
The Kamado Classic 2 is shipped in parts, but it is easy to assemble. It should take around 20 minutes to have it ready for the first grilling session.
The first step is to set up the cart. Then, place the egg securely on the cart and fix the inner components. Before the first cook, heat the grills and brush them.
Regarding mobility, we are glad the Kamado comes with 4 casters (2 with caster locking), even though they are rather small for rough terrains.
On usability, the Kamado has pretty straightforward controls and, interestingly, comes with a friendly Air Lift Hinge, which lifts and closes the lid effortlessly compared to removing the whole lid and putting it aside as is with the Weber Kettle.
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.
The Kamado Kettle is a charcoal grill built with a stainless steel basket, while the lid has a double-thick wire mesh fiberglass gasket that creates an airtight seal for heat retention.
Another top feature is the AMP Firebox, with a six-piece design that enhances grill efficiency and prevents breakages dues to expansion and contraction. We also like Kamado’s choice of ceramic and stainless steel materials, which enhance heat retention.
As you’d expect, the Kamado has a reliable damper dubbed Kontrol Tower™ Top Vent that regulates heat production. For high temperatures, open the vent fully; for slow cooking, close the vent but not entirely. The grill’s heat range is 225°F to 750°F.
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?
The Kamado Classic 2 is an 18-inch charcoal grill with enough cooking space to prepare a heavy meal for 2-15 people. The standard cooking space is 250 square inches.
However, you can extend the cooking space with a grill extender that gives you a total of 407 square inches.
You can also opt for the two grates and get a total cooking space of 508 square inches or the two grates and expander to get a total of 660 square inches.
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.
The Kamado Classic II has a 2-tier grill system made from high-quality stainless steel that can withstand the test of time. It also allows you to use a cast iron cooking grate, reversible cast-iron griddle, non-stick soapstone surface, ceramic chicken stand, ceramic pizza stone, stainless steel fish and vegetable grate, or the grill expander.
To mention, the Classic 2 doesn’t come with the SlōRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber Insert, which enhances smoking. This is a feature available in the Kamado Joe Classic III only. Check out our exclusive Kamado Joe Classic 2 vs. 3 comparison review for more.
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?
Kamado Kettle Classic II may not be the latest model in the Classic Series, but it boasts a range of convenience features. First is the 2 side tables made from HDPE plastic.
They come in handy when serving dishes or spicing your meat. The tables also have hooks that allow you to hook your grilling tools while removing excess clutter on the cooking surface.
To monitor the temperature, Kamado has fixed a thermometer at the top of the lid so you can always stay in the loop of the temperatures you have inside without having to open the lid. We also like the Patented Ash Drawer designed for easy and mess-free ash removal.
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?
2. Is it OK to use a Kamado Classic 2 in the rain?
3. What is the difference between Weber Original Kettle and Premium?
4. Is the Weber Premium kettle worth it?
5. How long will a Weber Kettle last?
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.
