Our Verdict
The Weber Kettle is 70 years old and still the best-value BBQ made. 28,400 Amazon reviews at 4.7★ across decades of production doesn't lie. Charcoal flavour is irreplaceable, the design works, the build lasts. No gas or pellet grill at this price matches it for pure flavour.
Why trust 247Verdict? We don't run a physical test lab — every recommendation is built from verified Amazon owner data (rating, review volume, and recurring themes across owner reviews) checked against manufacturer specifications, and every review says plainly who it's not right for. Every product needs 4.0+ stars from 200+ verified reviews before we'll recommend it. Full detail on our methodology page.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Charcoal delivers flavour that gas and pellet grills can only approximate
- Porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl resist rust for decades of use
- 57cm cooking area handles indirect smoking for larger cuts
- One-touch cleaning system removes ash without tools
- 10-year warranty on bowl and lid — Weber's confidence in their design
✗ Cons
- Charcoal requires 20-30 minute lighting time vs gas's instant start
- Temperature control requires practice — less precise than digital alternatives
- Ash disposal is messier than gas or pellet alternatives
4.7★ from 28,400 verified Amazon owners
Key Specifications
| Fuel | Charcoal |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 57cm |
| Grate | Plated steel |
| Ash System | One-Touch cleaning |
| Lid Vent | Adjustable aluminium damper |
| Warranty | 10 years (bowl/lid) |
How It Compares to the Large Big Green Egg Charcoal Grill
The closest alternative in this category is the Large Big Green Egg Charcoal Grill (9.4/10). Here's how the two stack up on the specs they share:
| Weber Original... | Large Big Green Egg... | |
|---|---|---|
| Grate | Plated steel | Cast iron |
| Warranty | 10 years (bowl/lid) | 40 years ceramic |
Performance
The Weber Kettle is 70 years old and still the best-value BBQ made. 28,400 Amazon reviews at 4.7★ across decades of production doesn't lie. Charcoal flavour is irreplaceable, the design works, the build lasts. No gas or pellet grill at this price matches it for pure flavour. On paper the headline numbers are fuel of Charcoal, diameter of 57cm, grate of Plated steel, ash system of One-Touch cleaning, lid vent of Adjustable aluminium damper, warranty of 10 years (bowl/lid). Its standout is that charcoal delivers flavour that gas and pellet grills can only approximate. Owners often find compatible accessories a worthwhile addition to this setup.
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Owner Essentials
Build Quality & Design
Beyond that, owners and the spec sheet point to a few more genuine strengths. Porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl resist rust for decades of use. 57cm cooking area handles indirect smoking for larger cuts. For those looking to complement it, extended warranty options is commonly paired with this product. We can't bench-test durability, but the depth of positive long-term owner feedback is the best available proxy for how it holds up.
Value for Money
It isn't flawless. Charcoal requires 20-30 minute lighting time vs gas's instant start. Temperature control requires practice — less precise than digital alternatives. Ash disposal is messier than gas or pellet alternatives. Whether those matter depends entirely on how you'll use it. At the premium price point, the trade-offs are easy to live with for the right buyer. It's the right call for Look elsewhere if you're among
Final Verdict
The Weber Kettle is 70 years old and still the best-value BBQ made. 28,400 Amazon reviews at 4.7★ across decades of production doesn't lie. Charcoal flavour is irreplaceable, the design works, the build lasts. No gas or pellet grill at this price matches it for pure flavour.
FAQ
Is the Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ worth the money?
The Weber Kettle is 70 years old and still the best-value BBQ made. 28,400 Amazon reviews at 4.7★ across decades of production doesn't lie. Charcoal flavour is irreplaceable, the design works, the build lasts. No gas or pellet grill at this price matches it for pure flavour.
Who should NOT buy the Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ?
Is the Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ available in the UK and US?
Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).
What's the biggest drawback of the Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ?
Charcoal requires 20-30 minute lighting time vs gas's instant start
What do owners say about the Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ?
4.7★ from 28,400 verified Amazon owners. Charcoal delivers flavour that gas and pellet grills can only approximate
How does the Weber Original Kettle 57cm Charcoal BBQ compare to similar garden products?
At 9.0/10, it ranks among the strongest options we've reviewed in this category. See our Weber Original Kettle 57cm comparisons for direct head-to-head detail against specific alternatives.
Alternatives to Consider
Large Big Green Egg Charcoal Grill
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Weber Spirit II E-310 3-Burner Gas BBQ
9.4/103 burners, GS4 system, open cart design, iGrill3 ready, 10-year warranty. The BBQ gold standard.
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Kamado Joe Classic III Charcoal Grill
9.3/10SloRoller, divide & conquer, air lift hinge, 18", ceramic. Big Green Egg rival with more features.
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