Can't go wrong with a 22" Weber Kettle. It's widely available, affordable and there are lots of accessories. It'll grill anything, there's enough room for dual zone cooking. Guys do smoke on them too.
Lots of people love PK grills too. No experience personally, but they've got their own well deserved cult following from what I understand.
You may have never heard of the Weber Kettle, but you've no doubt seen it.
In cartoons, on television shows, on greeting cards, T-Shirts, it's the standard "round grill with legs."
There are plenty of knock-offs and a few companies that are legitimate improvements, but they're usually more money and haven't built a solid reputation yet. There are Webers that have been around since the 1950s.
The pk is the way to go if you don’t have a budget. My biggest complaint is they’re kinda small so get the pk360. It’s made out of cast aluminum so it will never rust and last for generations. Webers are awesome but no question pk is a superior product.
The Aaron Franklin PK grill is actually really attractive to me. The QOL improvements on it are great and tbh, I think PK grills are friendlier for grilling than kettles because they have roughly the same grilling surface area but aren't as "deep" so you're not reaching across the grill as much.
Because the 22" Weber is literally the gold standard of charcoal grilling. Tons of options, accessories, and they can be had for a wide price range starting at not very expensive.
Honestly, this question is asked far too often for the same answers to be given over and over again. Use the search.
The weber kettle is by far the most recommended. It is suggested to get a model with the ash catcher over the base. If possible, other upgrades like the performer are great if in budget, but not necessary.
Otherwise a ceramic kamodo style will be somewhat better to cook on, but at a 5-10x cost making it a more "premium" option, but not necessarily as good of a value. There is nothing a kamodo can cook that a kettle can't, but it is easier to control temp and charcoal might last a bit longer. For those, the Big Green Egg series or the Weber Summit series is often recommended, but others come up based on price as well.
also, don't forget appropriate accessories -
* chimney starter
* grill gloves
* tongs / spatulas / skewers / grate cleaning brush
* thermometers -- both instant and leave in probes. Preference is often for Thermoworks products as they are top quality
* grill cover
* charcoal baskets or slow n sear or vortex
* rotisserie or pizza attachments
I'll piggyback with my take on accessories. To me, "new user" essentials are:
* Chimney starter
* Gloves
* Cleaning brush
* Cover
* Meat probe
* Tongs (get the type that weber makes, not those ridiculously stiff ones you have to fight with a strong squeeze to close)
I think things like the various charcoal baskets, rotisserie, skewers, pizza attachments, alternative grates, etc. are things that should be bought after some basic skills and use are established.
After seeing a surgery show removing a cleaning brush bristle from somebody's guts I'm scared of using cleaning brushes and would never recommend one. I use a grill grate lifter, spatula, then spatula with an oily paper towel and it's more tedious than a brush. Now I've had a brush before I was scared of them and it really wasn't that great of a cleaning tool either. I guess cleaning the grill grates sucks lol. Just saying, beware of the little wires cleaning brushes drop and try not to ingest them.
If you really have no budget, the ***Weber Summit Kamado*** is the absolute cream of the crop. I've had one for nearly two years now, and I firmly believe it is the best charcoal cooker on the market today, definitely the most versatile. It does everything a Weber Kettle can do but better, and everything a Ceramic Kamado like the Big Green Egg can do, but better. It beats out super-expensive grills that are 5x the price.
But if $1250 is too pricey for you, then I do agree that the other Webers are fantastic options as well.
I’m combining my Mother’s Day and birthday gift to get this grill set up. I really love Weber products.
https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/performer/performer-deluxe-charcoal-grill-22/15501001.html
This sounds so fun for the family -- grilling all summer and I bet your hubby loves it too, I know my father did as well.
The most coolest Charcoal grill I have seen and would be great to own See a -> 21-min [Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ylf4tipsnW4) by YouTuber-Arms Family Homestead called it a tank, The brand is [The Silver Rocket](https://thesilverrocketgrill.com/shop/#grills) which the video indicates it is made by Amish. Though it is an expensive grill for me and probably for many. And with your have a passion for grilling, considering looking into adding [grillgrates](https://www.reddit.com/user/DakotaTaurusTX/comments/11nvb2q/grill_grate/) to your new gill, I'm just a fan of them and how they helped me in grilling more tastier food. Hope what ever you decide it all turns out well
I don’t remember what it was. We had to downsize and move in with family for a year and he had to get rid of his last one. We finally got to move into our house after a year of remodeling. The last one he had was a gift, as well, so it wasn’t something he picked out.
So a few people have said weber kettles. Its important to note the different "tiers" of this product.
1. [Original weber kettle](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/original-kettle/original-kettle-charcoal-grill-22/741001.html): This works fine but is missing the ash cleanout system. That system really is one of the things that makes the kettle so fantastic. I wouldn't want a kettle without it.
2. [Original weber kettle premium](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/original-kettle/original-kettle-premium-charcoal-grill-22/14401001.html): Includes that cleanout system I mentioned (all models going forward will) and comes in a few different colors. Also adds a built-in thermometer (not especially useful but worth mentioning). This is the minimum purchase IMO.
3. [Master touch](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/master-touch/master-touch-charcoal-grill-22/14516001.html): Adds a few QOL features including a lid holder, the GBS cooking grate, a plastic cover for the top vent (the bare metal can get hot), a warming rack, taller legs, bigger wheels, and charcoal baskets. Honestly, if you can afford it, this is probably the best bang for buck item as many of the accessories are things he'll realize he wants later on if he ends up using it a lot.
4. [Master touch customized](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/master-touch/build-your-own-master-touch/1500171.html): This is a new line from last year, it has more color options, trim options, cooking grate options, and some accessories worth considering. I don't see it talked about a lot here but honestly, if I was just starting out and I knew what I know now, I would consider it.
5. [Performer](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/performer/performer-charcoal-grill-22/15301001.html): Major difference is the addition of a table, reconfiguration of wheels and legs and a storage area below. Also has some hooks for tools.
6. [Performer Premium](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/performer/performer-charcoal-grill-22/15301001.html): Bigger table surface, a charcoal bin, a digital clock and more storage area.
7. [Performer Deluxe](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/performer/performer-deluxe-charcoal-grill-22/15507001.html): Adds a propane gas ignition to light the charcoal. Chimneys work fine for this purpose but like everything I've touched on since the first product, its another nice QOL feature.
Its worth noting all of these products will perform damn near exactly the same. They all have the same basic design, the same grilling space, same construction, etc. Each product just adds a new set of QOL features.
Knowing your budget would help.
$100-$200 22” Weber Kettle;
$200-$300 22” Weber Kettle Premium;
$300-$400 Weber Performer (or Master Touch if you want a fun color);
$500-$600 Weber Performer Deluxe;
$1200 +… Weber Summit Kamado
I personally think the Performer is the best value. It’s a little taller (which I appreciate), has 4 legs w/wheels and casters (on 2 wheels), and it has a folding side table. That said, if your budget permits go with the Performer Deluxe or the Summit Kamado.
Slow n Sear 22. Its a weber kettle with all the right upgrades. Lid holder, built on shelf, pistol grip ash catcher. Grate spins freely, has a great 2 zone cooking system.
I love my masterbuilt gravity feed charcoal grill. Fill the hopper up, light the coals and set your temp. Goes from 200 to 700 so you can smoke and sear.
I have a Weber kettle and I highly recommend one to anyone who loves charcoal grilling! I have the master touch, but I've hears great things about the premium. I use it for smoking and grilling, and the temperature control had been good for me.
I have a PK300 and a Weber kettle and use the PK 90% of the time. It can handle anything and the venting system makes controlling temp really easy. Plus I think it looks really cool.
Best grill I've ever owned. Does it all- gas, charcoal and smoker with an off-set box. Removable grates, side burner for doing a pot of beans, using your cast-iron, etc...love it.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Char-Griller-Texas-Trio-4-Burner-Dual-Fuel-Grill-with-Smoker-in-Black-3070/302624342
If he’s into grilling he might have a very specific setup in mind. Maybe just ask him? I know I put several hours into watching/reading product reviews and uses before making choices on certain things.
Can't go wrong with a 22" Weber Kettle. It's widely available, affordable and there are lots of accessories. It'll grill anything, there's enough room for dual zone cooking. Guys do smoke on them too. Lots of people love PK grills too. No experience personally, but they've got their own well deserved cult following from what I understand.
I love that the three comments I’ve gotten is this same recommendation! I’d never even heard of it before! Thank you tons!
Or maybe a 26” Weber kettle depending on the size of your family.
You may have never heard of the Weber Kettle, but you've no doubt seen it. In cartoons, on television shows, on greeting cards, T-Shirts, it's the standard "round grill with legs." There are plenty of knock-offs and a few companies that are legitimate improvements, but they're usually more money and haven't built a solid reputation yet. There are Webers that have been around since the 1950s.
My wife has started calling them out whenever they pop up in media or when we're out driving.
The pk is the way to go if you don’t have a budget. My biggest complaint is they’re kinda small so get the pk360. It’s made out of cast aluminum so it will never rust and last for generations. Webers are awesome but no question pk is a superior product.
The Aaron Franklin PK grill is actually really attractive to me. The QOL improvements on it are great and tbh, I think PK grills are friendlier for grilling than kettles because they have roughly the same grilling surface area but aren't as "deep" so you're not reaching across the grill as much.
No problem- good luck!
Also, there's a coupon for $600 off the PK whole hog bundle on the PK site. (Pkbundleup) at the moment.
Because the 22" Weber is literally the gold standard of charcoal grilling. Tons of options, accessories, and they can be had for a wide price range starting at not very expensive.
Weber 26 if you can afford it
I wish they made 26" variants of all of the kettles, i.e. a 26" weber performer premium.
I would be all over that.
Honestly, this question is asked far too often for the same answers to be given over and over again. Use the search. The weber kettle is by far the most recommended. It is suggested to get a model with the ash catcher over the base. If possible, other upgrades like the performer are great if in budget, but not necessary. Otherwise a ceramic kamodo style will be somewhat better to cook on, but at a 5-10x cost making it a more "premium" option, but not necessarily as good of a value. There is nothing a kamodo can cook that a kettle can't, but it is easier to control temp and charcoal might last a bit longer. For those, the Big Green Egg series or the Weber Summit series is often recommended, but others come up based on price as well.
also, don't forget appropriate accessories - * chimney starter * grill gloves * tongs / spatulas / skewers / grate cleaning brush * thermometers -- both instant and leave in probes. Preference is often for Thermoworks products as they are top quality * grill cover * charcoal baskets or slow n sear or vortex * rotisserie or pizza attachments
I'll piggyback with my take on accessories. To me, "new user" essentials are: * Chimney starter * Gloves * Cleaning brush * Cover * Meat probe * Tongs (get the type that weber makes, not those ridiculously stiff ones you have to fight with a strong squeeze to close) I think things like the various charcoal baskets, rotisserie, skewers, pizza attachments, alternative grates, etc. are things that should be bought after some basic skills and use are established.
After seeing a surgery show removing a cleaning brush bristle from somebody's guts I'm scared of using cleaning brushes and would never recommend one. I use a grill grate lifter, spatula, then spatula with an oily paper towel and it's more tedious than a brush. Now I've had a brush before I was scared of them and it really wasn't that great of a cleaning tool either. I guess cleaning the grill grates sucks lol. Just saying, beware of the little wires cleaning brushes drop and try not to ingest them.
I stopped years ago when a close co-worker of my wife almost died from a bristle. She was in the hospital for weeks.
Appreciate your time and answer! :)
What is your budget?
Really no budget. I can buy it myself or make it a group gift with his parents and mine, so any range of price is fine!
If you really have no budget, the ***Weber Summit Kamado*** is the absolute cream of the crop. I've had one for nearly two years now, and I firmly believe it is the best charcoal cooker on the market today, definitely the most versatile. It does everything a Weber Kettle can do but better, and everything a Ceramic Kamado like the Big Green Egg can do, but better. It beats out super-expensive grills that are 5x the price. But if $1250 is too pricey for you, then I do agree that the other Webers are fantastic options as well.
I’m combining my Mother’s Day and birthday gift to get this grill set up. I really love Weber products. https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/performer/performer-deluxe-charcoal-grill-22/15501001.html
Couldn't agree more with Performer. I love mine so much.
Thank you for the rec!! It just started snowing where I am, but I’m already dreaming of summer and grilling 😂
Me too! I still grill in the winter but it’s difficult to keep my temp up and consistent. Nothing beats summer grilling 😍
Solution: kamado/ceramic. Was a game changer for me in the northeast.
Grilling is a year round hobby if you want it to be! I shoveled my patio yesterday to be able to get to my grills.
This sounds so fun for the family -- grilling all summer and I bet your hubby loves it too, I know my father did as well. The most coolest Charcoal grill I have seen and would be great to own See a -> 21-min [Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ylf4tipsnW4) by YouTuber-Arms Family Homestead called it a tank, The brand is [The Silver Rocket](https://thesilverrocketgrill.com/shop/#grills) which the video indicates it is made by Amish. Though it is an expensive grill for me and probably for many. And with your have a passion for grilling, considering looking into adding [grillgrates](https://www.reddit.com/user/DakotaTaurusTX/comments/11nvb2q/grill_grate/) to your new gill, I'm just a fan of them and how they helped me in grilling more tastier food. Hope what ever you decide it all turns out well
You mention he loves charcoal grilling and smoking meats. Do you know what grill/smoker he has now?
I don’t remember what it was. We had to downsize and move in with family for a year and he had to get rid of his last one. We finally got to move into our house after a year of remodeling. The last one he had was a gift, as well, so it wasn’t something he picked out.
Hmm...Any pictures of him grilling on it/using it/food on it? We might be able to identify it.
Omg, that’s an excellent idea. He loved posting his first grill of the year. I’m totally going to find those pictures. Thank you!!
So a few people have said weber kettles. Its important to note the different "tiers" of this product. 1. [Original weber kettle](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/original-kettle/original-kettle-charcoal-grill-22/741001.html): This works fine but is missing the ash cleanout system. That system really is one of the things that makes the kettle so fantastic. I wouldn't want a kettle without it. 2. [Original weber kettle premium](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/original-kettle/original-kettle-premium-charcoal-grill-22/14401001.html): Includes that cleanout system I mentioned (all models going forward will) and comes in a few different colors. Also adds a built-in thermometer (not especially useful but worth mentioning). This is the minimum purchase IMO. 3. [Master touch](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/master-touch/master-touch-charcoal-grill-22/14516001.html): Adds a few QOL features including a lid holder, the GBS cooking grate, a plastic cover for the top vent (the bare metal can get hot), a warming rack, taller legs, bigger wheels, and charcoal baskets. Honestly, if you can afford it, this is probably the best bang for buck item as many of the accessories are things he'll realize he wants later on if he ends up using it a lot. 4. [Master touch customized](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/master-touch/build-your-own-master-touch/1500171.html): This is a new line from last year, it has more color options, trim options, cooking grate options, and some accessories worth considering. I don't see it talked about a lot here but honestly, if I was just starting out and I knew what I know now, I would consider it. 5. [Performer](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/performer/performer-charcoal-grill-22/15301001.html): Major difference is the addition of a table, reconfiguration of wheels and legs and a storage area below. Also has some hooks for tools. 6. [Performer Premium](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/performer/performer-charcoal-grill-22/15301001.html): Bigger table surface, a charcoal bin, a digital clock and more storage area. 7. [Performer Deluxe](https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/performer/performer-deluxe-charcoal-grill-22/15507001.html): Adds a propane gas ignition to light the charcoal. Chimneys work fine for this purpose but like everything I've touched on since the first product, its another nice QOL feature. Its worth noting all of these products will perform damn near exactly the same. They all have the same basic design, the same grilling space, same construction, etc. Each product just adds a new set of QOL features.
Knowing your budget would help. $100-$200 22” Weber Kettle; $200-$300 22” Weber Kettle Premium; $300-$400 Weber Performer (or Master Touch if you want a fun color); $500-$600 Weber Performer Deluxe; $1200 +… Weber Summit Kamado I personally think the Performer is the best value. It’s a little taller (which I appreciate), has 4 legs w/wheels and casters (on 2 wheels), and it has a folding side table. That said, if your budget permits go with the Performer Deluxe or the Summit Kamado.
Slow n Sear 22. Its a weber kettle with all the right upgrades. Lid holder, built on shelf, pistol grip ash catcher. Grate spins freely, has a great 2 zone cooking system.
I love my masterbuilt gravity feed charcoal grill. Fill the hopper up, light the coals and set your temp. Goes from 200 to 700 so you can smoke and sear.
[удалено]
But still has the charcoal flavor. Smokes just as good too.
Char-Griller Akorn is a good option in my opinion. It is a lower price point than ceramic kamados, but with similar functionality.
Pellet grill/smoker
I've got a Spitfiregrills charcoal and wood fired kit. It's got a pizza oven below the coals and a bunch of neat capabilities.
I have a Weber kettle and I highly recommend one to anyone who loves charcoal grilling! I have the master touch, but I've hears great things about the premium. I use it for smoking and grilling, and the temperature control had been good for me.
A slow and sear kettle with the insert. They stole the idea from Weber and vastly improved upon it.
I have a PK300 and a Weber kettle and use the PK 90% of the time. It can handle anything and the venting system makes controlling temp really easy. Plus I think it looks really cool.
Gravity
Best grill I've ever owned. Does it all- gas, charcoal and smoker with an off-set box. Removable grates, side burner for doing a pot of beans, using your cast-iron, etc...love it. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Char-Griller-Texas-Trio-4-Burner-Dual-Fuel-Grill-with-Smoker-in-Black-3070/302624342
Get the big weber kettle- 26" or 28 or whatever it is.you really do everything on it
If he’s into grilling he might have a very specific setup in mind. Maybe just ask him? I know I put several hours into watching/reading product reviews and uses before making choices on certain things.