7 Best Weber Smokey Joe Gas Grill Options for Small Patios and Camping

By Miles Sinclair

Updated November 2026

Shoppers searching for a weber smokey joe gas grill usually want something compact, easy to move and simple to light, without giving up real cooking performance. This guide compares seven Weber-branded portable grills that fit that need, sorted by how well each matches typical buying criteria: portability, cooking area, build quality, ease of cleanup and how well the design suits small patios, balconies and camping trips. Because the Smokey Joe name is tied to Weber’s classic small kettle, the list covers both the original Smokey Joe style and the nearby compact models shoppers often cross-shop with it. We based the comparison on manufacturer specifications, long-standing brand reputation and patterns in owner feedback, not on hands-on testing.

Our Top Picks

The table below gives a quick overview. The product sections that follow explain who each grill suits, what its listing emphasizes and where it may fall short.

Weber Lightweight Portable Kettle BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking with Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock, Durable Porcelain-Enameled Finish Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, Black

Lightweight, Portable Kettle BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock, Durable Porcelain‑Enameled Finish Weber® Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, Black

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Best for: Small patios and balconies

This is the closest match to the classic Smokey Joe concept: a small, round charcoal kettle that stores and carries easily. It suits apartment dwellers, couples and anyone who needs a grill that fits in a car trunk.

Key specs

• 14-inch diameter kettle
• Porcelain-enameled finish
• Tuck-N-Carry lid lock for transport
• Charcoal fuel

Pros

• Very compact and easy to carry
• Porcelain finish resists rust better than bare steel
• Lid lock keeps the grill closed while moving

Cons

• Limited cooking area for larger groups
• Charcoal cleanup takes more effort than gas

Bottom line: Pick this if you want the true Smokey Joe experience and cook for one to three people.

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Weber Spirit E-425 Gas Grill

WeberWeber® Grill 4 Burners, Sear Zone w/Boost Burners, Porcelain-Enameled Cast-Iron Grates, Weber Works™ Rails, BBQ Grill Spirit® E-425 Gas Grill, Outdoor Cooking, Propane Gas Grill, Black

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Best for: Gas convenience with four burners

This propane grill is a larger model, but it appeals to shoppers who like the Weber brand and want quick startup. It fits a patio with a bit more room.

Key specs

• Four burners
• Sear Zone with boost burners
• Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates
• Propane fuel

Pros

• Fast ignition and heat control
• Sear Zone suits steaks and burgers
• Cast-iron grates hold heat well

Cons

• Much larger footprint than a Smokey Joe
• Not suited to camping or tailgating

Bottom line: A strong choice for backyard cooks who want gas simplicity in a Weber body.

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Weber Lightweight Portable BBQ Grill for Camping, Tailgating and Outdoor Cooking with 2-Piece Cooking Grate and Precise Airflow Dampers Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill

WeberLightweight Portable BBQ Grill for Camping, Tailgating & Outdoor Cooking with 2‑Piece Cooking Grate & Precise Airflow Dampers Go‑Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill

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Best for: Camping and tailgating

Built for travel, this grill targets people who want a kettle-style cook away from home. It is a good match for weekend campers and tailgate hosts.

Key specs

• Two-piece cooking grate
• Precise airflow dampers
• Charcoal fuel

Pros

• Lightweight and built for transport
• Dampers give practical temperature control
• Two-piece grate makes adding charcoal easier

Cons

• Smaller cooking surface than full-size kettles
• Requires charcoal supplies on the road

Bottom line: Choose this if portability matters more than cooking capacity.

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Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

WeberOutdoor BBQ Grill with Built‑In Thermometer, Heat Control Dampers & One‑Touch™ Cleaning System Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

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Best for: Larger cookouts with a classic kettle

This is the full-size relative of the Smokey Joe. It serves families and anyone who needs room for a full rack of ribs or several burgers at once.

Key specs

• 22-inch diameter
• Built-in thermometer
• Heat control dampers
• One-Touch cleaning system

Pros

• Large cooking area for groups
• Built-in thermometer aids monitoring
• One-Touch system simplifies ash removal

Cons

• Too big for very small balconies
• Heavier to move than the 14-inch model

Bottom line: A good upgrade for owners who outgrow a Smokey Joe-size grill.

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Weber Genesis S-335 Gas Grill with 3 PureBlu Burners, Sear Zone, Side Burner, Stainless-Steel Cooking Grates and Storage Locker

Weber3 PureBlu® Burners, Sear Zone, Side Burner, Stainless-Steel Cooking Grates, Storage Locker, Weber Grill for Outdoor Cooking Genesis S-335 Gas Grill, Natural Gas Grill, Stainless Steel BBQ Grill

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Best for: Feature-rich gas cooking

This is a full-featured gas grill with a side burner and cabinet storage. It suits cooks who want a complete outdoor cooking station rather than a portable unit.

Key specs

• Three PureBlu burners
• Sear Zone
• Side burner
• Stainless-steel cooking grates
• Storage locker

Pros

• Side burner handles sauces and sides
• Storage locker keeps tools nearby
• Stainless grates resist rust

Cons

• Requires a permanent spot on the patio
• Large footprint for small outdoor spaces

Bottom line: Best for homeowners with space who want gas convenience and extra features.

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Weber Original Kettle Classic Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

WeberClassic Outdoor BBQ Grill with One‑Touch™ Cleaning System & Precise Temperature Control Dampers Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

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Best for: Budget-minded kettle buyers

This is the no-frills version of the 22-inch kettle. It suits shoppers who want the classic Weber design without premium add-ons.

Key specs

• 22-inch diameter
• One-Touch cleaning system
• Temperature control dampers

Pros

• Straightforward, proven kettle design
• Easy ash cleanup
• Good value for a basic charcoal grill

Cons

• Fewer convenience features than the premium model
• No built-in thermometer

Bottom line: A sensible pick for first-time charcoal owners on a tighter budget.

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Weber Compact Outdoor BBQ Grill with Durable Plated Steel Grates, Porcelain-Enameled Bowl and Precision Airflow Control Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

WeberCompact Outdoor BBQ Grill with Durable Plated Steel Grates, Porcelain‑Enameled Bowl & Precision Airflow Control Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill, 22‑Inch, Black

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Best for: Compact cooking with a wider footprint than a Smokey Joe

This compact kettle offers more room than a 14-inch grill while keeping a smaller profile than a full kettle. It suits patios where space is tight but cooking needs are bigger.

Key specs

• 22-inch diameter, compact design
• Plated steel cooking grates
• Porcelain-enameled bowl
• Precision airflow control

Pros

• Good balance of space and footprint
• Porcelain-enameled bowl resists wear
• Precise airflow aids temperature control

Cons

• Heavier than the 14-inch portable model
• Plated grates need more care than cast iron

Bottom line: Choose this for a compact patio grill that still cooks for a small group.

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Buying Guide

Size and Cooking Area

Smokey Joe-style grills are typically 14 inches across, which gives roughly enough grate space for a few burgers or a couple of chicken breasts. If you cook for more than three people regularly, a 22-inch kettle gives much more room. Measure your patio or balcony first, and leave clearance for airflow and the lid.

Good picks for this: Weber Lightweight Portable Kettle BBQ Grill (Smokey Joe 14-Inch), Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch

Fuel Type: Charcoal or Propane

Charcoal delivers smoky flavor and simple, cheap fuel, but it takes longer to start and clean. Propane heats quickly and offers precise knob control. Pick based on how much time you want to spend on setup and cleanup.

Good picks for this: Weber Spirit E-425 Gas Grill, Weber Genesis S-335 Gas Grill

Portability and Weight

If you camp, tailgate or move the grill often, weight and carry features matter. Look for lid locks, compact dimensions and sturdy handles. Remember that a grill is only portable if you can lift it comfortably with fuel attached.

Good picks for this: Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill, Weber Lightweight Portable Kettle BBQ Grill (Smokey Joe 14-Inch)

Temperature Control

Charcoal kettles rely on vents and dampers to manage airflow, so look for adjustable dampers and a built-in thermometer if you want steady readings. Gas grills use burner knobs, and multi-burner models let you set zones for direct and indirect cooking.

Good picks for this: Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Weber Compact Outdoor BBQ Grill Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch

Build Quality and Finish

Porcelain-enameled bowls and lids resist rust and chipping better than bare steel. Cooking grates matter too: cast iron holds heat well but needs seasoning, while stainless steel is easier to maintain. Check that the finish and grate material suit how often you grill.

Good picks for this: Weber Lightweight Portable Kettle BBQ Grill (Smokey Joe 14-Inch), Weber Genesis S-335 Gas Grill

Cleaning and Maintenance

Ash removal is a big part of kettle ownership. Systems that let you empty ash without a mess save time. Gas grills need periodic burner and grease cleaning. Plan your maintenance routine before you buy, not after.

Good picks for this: Weber Original Kettle Classic Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch

Features and Accessories

Side burners, storage lockers and built-in thermometers add convenience, but each feature adds weight, cost and something to maintain. Buy the features you will actually use. A thermometer is worth having on a kettle; a side burner matters only if you cook sides on the grill.

Good picks for this: Weber Genesis S-335 Gas Grill, Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch

FAQ

What is a Weber Smokey Joe gas grill?

The Smokey Joe is best known as Weber’s small charcoal kettle. Gas-fueled models sold under compact Weber names exist too, so check the fuel type in any listing before buying. A weber smokey joe gas grill search often turns up both styles, so read specifications carefully.

Is a 14-inch grill big enough for a family?

A 14-inch grill works well for one to three people. For a family of four or more, a 22-inch kettle or a multi-burner gas grill gives you enough space to cook several items at once without crowding.

Can I use a small grill on a balcony?

Many apartments and condo associations restrict open flames on balconies. Check your lease and local fire rules before using any grill on a balcony. Keep grills at least the distance from walls and railings that the manufacturer specifies.

Do portable grills need special care for travel?

Let coals cool completely before transport, and never move a grill with hot ash inside. For propane models, store tanks upright and secure them. Consult your local fire authority or the manufacturer’s manual for transport guidance.

Is charcoal or gas better for a small grill?

Charcoal gives a smokier flavor and suits camping, while gas offers faster startup and easier temperature control. Choose based on how you cook and how much time you want to spend on setup and cleanup.

How do I clean a small kettle grill?

Empty the ash catcher after each cook once the ash is fully cool. Scrape the grate while it is warm, and wipe the bowl periodically. A cleaning system that routes ash into a catcher makes this faster.

Conclusion

For most shoppers searching for a weber smokey joe gas grill style, the 14-inch portable kettle is the closest match to the original concept and suits small patios and solo cooks. Buyers who want gas convenience should look at the Spirit E-425 or the Genesis S-335, depending on how much space and features they need. Campers and tailgaters will do well with the Go-Anywhere, while those who want a bigger kettle without going premium can start with the Classic 22-inch. The Jumbo Joe Premium sits between sizes for compact patios that still need decent capacity.

Sources

• Consumer safety guidance on outdoor grill use, storage and fire prevention (cpsc.gov)
• Background on cooking fuel types and energy considerations for outdoor cooking (energy.gov)
• Fire safety standards and guidance for barbecue grills and outdoor cooking (nfpa.org)

Related reading

• Where to Find Parts for Weber Spirit Gas Grill: Identify and Replace
• Weber Spirit E 310 Gas Grill Review: Features and Performance
• Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill Review: Features and Performance
• Weber Genesis 2 Gas Grill Review: Is It Worth It?

About Miles Sinclair

Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our BBQ & grilling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.