Question on Kettle grill quality

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

mrad

Meat Mopper
Original poster
SMF Premier Member
Sep 27, 2012
277
37
Princeton, MN
I currently have an 18" weber kettle grill. I am about to buy a 22" kettle grill with it's main use being wood fired pizza's.

I will be purchasing the insert below to install on the grill


I'm wondering if it is necessary to go with a higher quality grill such as a weber ($149), or if I can get by with a the masterbuilt pro which is $49 at home depot

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Masterbuilt-Pro-22-5-in-Charcoal-Kettle-Grill-in-Black-20042711/203596576

My concern is temps can reach 8-900 degrees.  Wondering is the masterbuilt will hold up. 

Thoughts???
 
Like most things you get what you pay for. You could probably get the Masterbuilt and get through the summer then buy a Weber on closeout at the end of the season for ~$99 or you could just pay the same ~$149 up front and get the Weber from the start.
 
 
Like most things you get what you pay for. You could probably get the Masterbuilt and get through the summer then buy a Weber on closeout at the end of the season for ~$99 or you could just pay the same ~$149 up front and get the Weber from the start.
yeahthat.gif


My first 22.5" Weber Kettle One-Touch Silver served 8 years as my main grill, never covered or taken in for winter. I still use it to grill and smoke when camping. I purchased a 22.5" Master-Touch last spring for the sole reason of the enclosed ash tray. 

Not bad for under $200.

I'm currently considering converting that old kettle to propane.
 
Last edited:
Webers last a very long time. In my experience the weakest design point is the third leg with no wheel; the plastic shoe wears off quickly. Then if it's dragged forward the leg will hop and bounce and that's very bad for the weld connecting the leg socket to the kettle.

Over time the bottom vents might rust off but you control it with the top vent anyway. It helps a LOT if you don't let it sit in the weather with soggy ashes in the bottom.
 
 
Over time the bottom vents might rust off but you control it with the top vent anyway. It helps a LOT if you don't let it sit in the weather with soggy ashes in the bottom.
I must use mine the wrong way.

I leave the top vent open and control temps with the lower.
 
I believe you get what you pay for, but I also believe if you take care of stuff properly it will last longer. I have a cheapo backyard square grill that I bought about 5 years ago when I first moved out. I've used that thing wayyyy more than everybody said it would last. Always cleaned before and after use thoroughly, always kept indoors. Used wood and charcoal throughout my cooks. Still have the thing to this day and it is still in great shape!
 
I believe you get what you pay for, but I also believe if you take care of stuff properly it will last longer. I have a cheapo backyard square grill that I bought about 5 years ago when I first moved out. I've used that thing wayyyy more than everybody said it would last. Always cleaned before and after use thoroughly, always kept indoors. Used wood and charcoal throughout my cooks. Still have the thing to this day and it is still in great shape!
Agreed about taking care of your stuff and it will take care of you.  My first cooker that I bought?


Yep.  One of the best cheap outfits that you can buy:  they're still only around $60 today.  That thing lasted for many years and I learned a ton about offset cooking with this little 22" gem, largely because of taking care of it when I was just starting out on my own.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jake0531
Another vote on weber my wife and son bought me one for Father's day about 15 years ago and it's still running strong. The only thing you'll ever replace is grates.
 
Another Weber fan here.

You may have to replace the cooking grid after several years but they aren't that expensive.

No pics but I have 4 of them in various sizes. They're my go to cooker for any direct grilling.

The only thing negative with the newer ones is the cheap composite handle. The older models had a nice hardwood handle that you could grab without gloves.

Don't try that with the composite handle.
 
I always meant to make some custom wood handles but it's just one of the thousands of things That I never got to. Probably because I never remember them until I go to lift the lid and have to look for a towel or gloves.

BTW: the jinx hit me with this discussion. I went to use the grill for some burgers and sausage and the fins broke off!

Home Depot has them online with free delivery for about $15 and tax.

It won't stop the cook for tonight though.
 
I always meant to make some custom wood handles but it's just one of the thousands of things That I never got to. Probably because I never remember them until I go to lift the lid and have to look for a towel or gloves.
BTW: the jinx hit me with this discussion. I went to use the grill for some burgers and sausage and the fins broke off!
Home Depot has them online with free delivery for about $15 and tax.
It won't stop the cook for tonight though.

"fins"?
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Clicky