It was the early 1950s, the brazier grill was king and George Stephen was not impressed. Braziers lacked lids, leaving food exposed to rain and flooding the coalbed with oxygen, creating uncontrollably hot fires. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Stephen, a salesman for Weber Brothers Metal Works, was filling out orders for buoys from the Coast Guard and Chicago Yacht Club when it hit him — he needed a lid. He cut a buoy into two half-spheres, added legs and punched holes in the top and bottom for airflow. The Weber Kettle was born.
Products in the Guide
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Weber Original Kettle 18-Inch
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Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch
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Weber Master-Touch Kettle 22-Inch
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Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 14-Inch
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Weber Performer Grill 22-Inch
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Weber The Ranch Kettle
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Weber Summit Kamado E6
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Weber Spirit E-210
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Weber Genesis E-325s
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Weber Summit S-670 Gas Grill
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Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch
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Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18-Inch
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Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
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Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
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Weber Q1000
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Weber Lumin Electric Grill
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Weber Pulse 2000
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Weber Griddle 36
Best Gas Flat Top Grill
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Weber Slate 30″ Rust-Resistant Griddle
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Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Grill
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Weber SmokeFire EX6
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Weber’s original kettle remains its most popular grill today, but in the 70+ years since its invention, the company has expanded. The Weber name is stamped on propane gas grills, smokers, electric grills and portable grills. There are sub-products under each category, each at different price points, and all with different features. Here’s everything you need to know about the most famous name in grilling.
Charcoal Grills
Original Kettle
Weber Original Kettle 18-Inch
- Models Available: 18-inch, 22-inch
The OG Weber’s shape has been more or less the same since 1956, and beyond small component updates, it is effectively the exact grill Stephen set out to make — sturdy and weather-proof with manageable airflow and a reasonable price. It comes with Weber’s standard One-Touch cleaning system, an aluminum ash catch and a pair of solid wheels to move around with.