By Miles SinclairUpdated November 2026
Shoppers searching for a weber smokey joe charcoal grill usually want a compact kettle that cooks well for one or two people, folds into a car trunk and doesn’t take up much patio space. This list focuses on five products from the Weber Smokey Joe family and related compact kettles, judged on the criteria that matter most for this use: cooking surface size, portability and carry features, build quality, ease of ash cleanup, and how well each model suits a specific cooking situation. Specifications are taken from manufacturer listings and the consistent feedback owners tend to share about porcelain-enameled bowls, lid locks and replacement grates. No hands-on testing was done for this article.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallLightweight, Portable Kettle BBQ Grill for Outdoor Cooking with Tuck‑NView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickCuisinart CCG-190RB 14 In. Portable Charcoal Grill, BBQ and Camping GrillView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for larger cookoutsWeber Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, BlackView on Amazon - 4
Best replacement partWeber Heavy-Duty Plated Steel Replacement Grate, Fits 14" Smokey Joe Charcoal GrillsView on Amazon - 5
Best for full-size kettle fansWeber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, BlackView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill | Solo cooks and day trips | Tuck-N-Carry lid lock |
| Cuisinart CCG-190RB 14 In. Portable Charcoal Grill | Budget-minded buyers | Dual air vents and three lid locks |
| Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Compact Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch | Larger cookouts for small families | 22-inch cooking area with precision airflow |
| Weber 14-Inch Smokey Joe Replacement Grate | Owners restoring an older grill | Heavy-duty plated steel grate |
| Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch | Full-size kettle cooking | Built-in thermometer and One-Touch cleaning |
Weber Lightweight Portable Kettle BBQ Grill 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
Best for: Solo cooks and day trips
This is the classic Smokey Joe format for people who want a small, dependable kettle for burgers, chicken thighs or a few sausages, and who need to move it between the patio, a campsite or a tailgate.
Key specs:
- 14-inch diameter kettle design
- Porcelain-enameled finish
- Tuck-N-Carry lid lock for transport
Pros:
- Light enough to carry with one hand when the lid is locked
- Porcelain-enameled finish resists rust better than bare steel when kept covered
- Fits in most car trunks and small balcony corners
Cons:
- Cooking area is limited for more than three or four burgers at once
- Thin walls can run hotter on the sides than the center when the vents are wide open
Bottom line: Pick this if you want the most recognizable compact Weber kettle and mostly cook for one or two people.
Cuisinart CCG-190RB 14 In. Portable Charcoal Grill, BBQ and Camping Grill
Dual air vent system, 3 lid locks for one-handed carrying, 196 sq. in., chrome-plated grate Cuisinart 14 In. Portable Charcoal Grill, BBQ and Camping Grill, CCG-190RB
Best for: Budget-minded buyers
A budget pick for buyers who want a small charcoal grill with a similar cooking footprint to the Smokey Joe and extra attention on airflow and carrying.
Key specs:
- 14-inch portable charcoal design
- Dual air vent system
- Three lid locks for one-handed carrying
- Chrome-plated cooking grate, about 196 square inches of cooking area as listed
Pros:
- Dual vents give more control over heat than many entry-level kettles
- Three lid locks make it practical to carry while closed
- Suitable for camping as well as backyard use
Cons:
- Owners generally report the chrome grate needs more cleaning attention than plated steel
- Brand support and replacement parts are less widely stocked than for Weber models
Bottom line: A sensible choice if you want a compact kettle with good venting and a lower entry point, and you are comfortable with a less established parts ecosystem.
Weber 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
Best for: Larger cookouts
The Jumbo Joe is a step up in cooking area while keeping the compact Weber kettle shape. It suits couples who host or families who want room for a whole chicken or a rack of ribs.
Key specs:
- 22-inch diameter cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled bowl
- Plated steel cooking grates
- Precision airflow control
Pros:
- Noticeably more cooking room than 14-inch models
- Airflow control gives fine adjustment for low-and-slow sessions
- Porcelain bowl and plated grates are a durable pairing for regular use
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier, so less suited to hiking or small cars
- Costs more than entry-level 14-inch kettles
Bottom line: Choose this if you want more cooking space in a compact footprint and cook for a family or guests regularly.
Weber Heavy-Duty Plated Steel Replacement Grate, Fits 14″ Smokey Joe Charcoal Grills
WeberHeavy-Duty Plated Steel Replacement Grate, Fits 14" Smokey Joe® Charcoal Grills Including Silver, Gold & Tuck‑N‑Carry™ Models Charcoal Cooking Grate for 14" Grills, Charcoal Components
Best for: Owners restoring an older grill
This is a replacement part rather than a complete grill. It fits 14-inch Smokey Joe models, including Silver, Gold and Tuck-N-Carry versions, and is the practical choice when an original grate has warped, rusted or flaked.
Key specs:
- Designed for 14-inch Smokey Joe grills
- Heavy-duty plated steel construction
Pros:
- Restores cooking surface without replacing the whole grill
- Plated steel holds up better than bare steel under regular heat
- Simple swap-in fit for listed models
Cons:
- Only useful if you already own a compatible grill
- Owners should confirm the model year matches the listing before buying
Bottom line: Buy this if your current Smokey Joe is structurally sound and only the grate needs replacing.
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
Best for: Full-size kettle cooking
This is the full-size Weber kettle, a logical next step for people who outgrow compact models but still want the same grilling style and ash-catcher design.
Key specs:
- 22-inch diameter kettle
- Built-in thermometer in the lid
- Heat control dampers
- One-Touch cleaning system
Pros:
- Built-in thermometer helps with indirect cooking
- One-Touch cleaning system makes ash removal faster
- Large cooking area for whole birds and multiple racks
Cons:
- Too large to be practical for most portable or camping use
- Requires more charcoal and storage space than compact models
Bottom line: Pick this for backyard cooks who want a full kettle and do not need to carry the grill far.
Buying Guide
Cooking surface size
Smokey Joe 14-inch models comfortably handle a few burgers or a pair of chicken breasts. A 22-inch cooking area gives room for indirect setups and larger batches. Match the diameter to the number of people you usually cook for.
Good picks for this: Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch, Weber Jumbo Joe 22-Inch
Portability and carry features
If the grill travels, look for lid locks and handles that hold the lid shut while carrying. Lock count and handle placement matter more than raw weight for tailgating and camping.
Good picks for this: Cuisinart CCG-190RB, Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch
Airflow and vent design
Dual or precision vents make it easier to hold a steady temperature. Smaller kettles with only a single bottom vent can be harder to control on windy days.
Good picks for this: Cuisinart CCG-190RB, Weber Jumbo Joe 22-Inch
Construction and finish
Porcelain-enameled bowls and plated steel grates resist rust and flaking better than bare steel. Chrome-plated grates look good but may need more attention when cleaning.
Good picks for this: Weber Jumbo Joe 22-Inch, Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch
Replacement parts availability
A grill is easier to keep running if grates, lids and ash catchers are easy to find. Weber’s wide parts supply makes its compact kettles easier to maintain over many years.
Good picks for this: Weber Heavy-Duty Plated Steel Replacement Grate
Ash cleanup and maintenance
Ash catchers and one-touch cleaning systems reduce the time spent emptying spent charcoal. Plan to clean ash after every cook, and let the grill cool completely before removing it.
Good picks for this: Weber Original Kettle 22-Inch, Weber Jumbo Joe 22-Inch
Use case and storage space
Decide whether the grill lives on a balcony, a patio or in a car trunk. Compact 14-inch kettles suit small spaces, while 22-inch models need a larger footprint and more clearance.
Good picks for this: Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch, Cuisinart CCG-190RB
FAQ
Is the Weber Smokey Joe good for beginners?
Yes. Its small size uses less charcoal and heats faster, so it is forgiving for new cooks learning to manage vents and temperature. Start with a small amount of charcoal and adjust from there.
Can you cook a whole chicken on a 14-inch Smokey Joe?
Generally no. A 14-inch cooking area is best for burgers, sausages, chicken pieces and small fish. For a whole bird, a 22-inch kettle gives more room.
Are replacement grates interchangeable across Smokey Joe models?
Not always. Check the listing for the model years and finish it fits. The replacement grate listed here is designed for 14-inch Smokey Joe grills, including the Silver, Gold and Tuck-N-Carry versions.
Do compact kettles need a cover when stored outside?
Yes. Covering the grill helps protect the finish and grates from rain and humidity, and keeping it dry reduces rust over time.
How much charcoal does a small kettle need?
A small kettle typically uses a modest amount of charcoal for direct cooking. Start with a half chimney or a light layer for short sessions and add more only for longer cooks.
Is a 22-inch kettle too big for a small patio?
It can be. Measure the clearance around the grill, including the lid when opened, before buying. Compact 14-inch models fit tighter spaces more easily.
Can I use these grills for camping?
The 14-inch models are the most practical for camping because they are lighter and easier to carry. Check local fire rules before lighting a grill at any campsite.
Conclusion
For most people looking for a weber smokey joe charcoal grill, the Smokey Joe 14-inch is the most straightforward pick for solo cooking and travel. Buyers who want a lower entry point and dual vents should look at the Cuisinart model. Families who cook more often should step up to the 22-inch Jumbo Joe, while owners of an existing Smokey Joe who only need a new cooking surface should buy the replacement grate. The full-size Original Kettle suits backyard cooks who want the most room and do not plan to move the grill often.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on grill use, storage and fire prevention (cpsc.gov)
- Safe cooking temperatures for meat, poultry and seafood (usda.gov)
- Background on outdoor cooking equipment and energy use (energy.gov)
Related reading
- Weber 26 Charcoal Grill Guide: Features, Fit and What to Know
- Wood Pellet Grill vs Charcoal (2026): Which Is Better for Your Backyard?
- Types of BBQ Grills: Charcoal, Gas, Pellet and Electric Explained
- Pellet Grill vs Charcoal Smoker (2026): Which Is Better for Backyard Cooks?
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.
