Buying guide
Weeknight Weber Kettle Kit
Updated How we research
Fast fires after work. The page is split into five sections (The Kettle Grill; Quick Briquettes; Fast Light; Flip and Serve; Check Doneness), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 6.5 to 9.2 out of 10.
- Best overall:TempPro TP18 Thermocouple 0.5 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer (ThermoPro). Highest overall score in this guide at 9.2/10.
- Also great value:Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes Two 16.7 lb Bags. Value score of 10/10, overall 8.8/10.
- Solid build:Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Char-Griller Charcoal Grill Chimney Starter with Quick Release Trigger 12-Inch. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.8/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
The Kettle Grill
- Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, BlackOur score8.6/10
- Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, BlackOur score8.5/10
- Char-Griller CG30040725 22-inch Kettle Charcoal Grill and Smoker Steel BlackOur score7.6/10
- 22 Inch Charcoal Kettle Grill with Wheels Thermometer Ash CatcherOur score6.8/10
Quick Briquettes
- Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes Two 16.7 lb BagsOur score8.8/10
- Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes 16 PoundsOur score8.6/10
- Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes 12 Pounds Each (Pack of 2)Our score8.6/10
- Kingsford Easy Light Bag Charcoal Briquettes 4 PoundsOur score7.6/10
Fast Light
- Char-Griller Charcoal Grill Chimney Starter with Quick Release Trigger 12-InchOur score8.8/10
- CADARA Charcoal Chimney Starter Set with Glove and Air BlowerOur score8.6/10
- E500 Charcoal Chimney Starter with 60Pcs Charcoal Starter 7.5-InchOur score8.3/10
- Charcoal Chimney Starter BBQ Grill Lighter Barbecue Fire StarterOur score6.5/10
Flip and Serve
- KingTong Grill Tongs 17 Inch Extra Long Premium Stainless Steel BBQ TongsOur score8.6/10
- BBQ Tongs 17.5" Extra Long Heavy Duty Stainless Steel with Scissor GripOur score8.4/10
- Grill Tongs 24-Inch Super Long Extra Heavy Duty Stainless Steel for BBQOur score8.0/10
- GrillPro 40259 Stainless Steel Barbecue TongOur score6.7/10
Check Doneness
- TempPro TP18 Thermocouple 0.5 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer (ThermoPro)Our score9.2/10
- Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer Digital 1-2 Sec Waterproof IP67Our score8.6/10
- TempPro TP03B Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer with Backlight (ThermoPro)Our score7.8/10
- Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer Waterproof Super Fast with Backlight LCDOur score7.4/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1ThermoPro's TempPro TP18 thermocouple instant read meat thermometer with 0.5 sec readings, a fast probe for serious grillers.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 0.5 Sec thermocouple readings are among the fastest in the category
- + ThermoPro build and support are reliable
- + Quick reads mean less heat lost with the lid open
- - Thermocouple models cost more than basic instant read probes
- - Probe length may be short for very thick roasts
#2Kingsford Original charcoal briquettes in two 16.7 lb bags, a bulk briquette supply for frequent grillers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 10/10
- + Two 16.7 lb bags supply a whole season of weekend cooks
- + Original briquettes give reliable, long burn times
- + Bulk pack lowers the cost per pound
- - Heavy bags are awkward to carry and store
- - Ash output requires regular grill cleanouts
#3Char-Griller's 12-inch charcoal grill chimney starter with a quick release trigger for dumping coals safely.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Quick Release Trigger lets you dump hot coals with more control
- + 12-Inch chimney lights a good load of charcoal for kettles
- + Char-Griller build is designed for regular grill use
- - Trigger mechanism adds a moving part that can stiffen over time
- - Smaller capacity than extra-large chimneys for big smokers
#4Weber's Original Kettle Premium in 22-inch black, a classic charcoal grill for backyard cooks who want direct and indirect heat in one.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Premium version adds convenience upgrades over the base kettle, like easier ash cleanup
- + 22-inch grate fits a family cookout of burgers, chicken and sides at once
- + Kettle shape handles searing and low, lid-on indirect cooking with simple vent control
- - No side tables, so you need a nearby surface for platters and tools
- - Charcoal takes longer to light and clean up than flipping on a gas grill
#5Kingsford's Original charcoal briquettes in a 16 pounds bag, the classic briquette for kettle grilling and smoking.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Original briquettes burn evenly for steady temperatures
- + 16 Pounds bag covers multiple cookouts
- + Widely available and trusted by backyard grillers
- - Produces more ash than lump charcoal
- - Takes longer to light than easy light versions
#6Kingsford Original charcoal briquettes in 12 pounds bags, pack of 2, a convenient split supply for regular grilling.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Pack of 2 bags is easier to store and handle than one large bag
- + 12 Pounds each supplies several standard cookouts
- + Consistent briquette shape makes heat predictable for new grillers
- - Briquettes leave more ash to clean than lump charcoal
- - Two bags take more shelf space than a single sack
#7CADARA's charcoal chimney starter set with glove and air blower, a kit for lighting charcoal faster and safer.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Air Blower speeds up lighting when coals are slow to catch
- + Glove included for protection when handling the hot chimney
- + Set approach saves buying accessories separately
- - Blower adds a battery-powered item to keep charged
- - Check the chimney capacity matches how much charcoal you use
#8KingTong's 17 inch extra long premium stainless steel BBQ tongs, a long pair for turning steaks, ribs and vegetables.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 17 Inch length keeps hands clear of heat while turning food
- + Premium stainless steel is rust-resistant and dishwasher friendly
- + Scalloped tips give a secure grip on sausages and corn
- - Long tongs can feel heavy for small, delicate items
- - No silicone tips, so they can scratch non-stick pans
#9Alpha Grillers' instant read digital meat thermometer with 1-2 sec readings and IP67 waterproofing, for fast grill checks.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 1-2 Sec readings mean less time with the grill lid open
- + IP67 waterproof rating allows rinsing under running water
- + Alpha Grillers is a popular grilling accessory brand
- - Requires battery replacements over time
- - Calibration may drift and need checking in ice water
#10The standard Weber Original Kettle in 22-inch black, the no-frills charcoal grill many backyard cooks start with.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10
- + Proven kettle design gives reliable heat control through top and bottom vents
- + 22-inch cooking area is roomy enough for a crowd without taking over the patio
- + Simple build with few parts means less to break over years of use
- - Base model skips the premium ash catcher, so emptying ash is messier
- - No built-in thermometer upgrades or prep space beyond the basic kettle
#11Extra long 17.5" heavy duty stainless steel BBQ tongs with scissor grip, for secure lifting of heavy meats.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Scissor Grip gives more clamping force for big cuts
- + 17.5" length balances reach and control at the grill
- + Heavy Duty stainless build handles repeated high heat
- - Scissor design takes a moment to get used to
- - Pivot joint needs cleaning to prevent grease buildup
#12E500's 7.5-inch charcoal chimney starter with 60pcs charcoal starters, a compact chimney with a big bundle of starters.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 60Pcs starters included for many lighting sessions
- + 7.5-Inch compact chimney suits portable grills and small cooks
- + Bundle provides everything to light charcoal quickly
- - Smaller chimney may need two loads for large grills
- - Lesser-known brand with limited durability information
#13Super long 24-inch extra heavy duty stainless steel grill tongs, built for large grills, offset smokers and fire pits.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 24-Inch reach keeps you away from very hot fires and smokers
- + Extra Heavy Duty steel grips whole chickens and briskets securely
- + Useful for moving hot coals and logs as well as food
- - Long heavy tongs tire your hand during extended cooking
- - Size makes them hard to store in standard kitchen drawers
#14ThermoPro's TempPro TP03B digital instant read meat thermometer with backlight, a budget quick-read thermometer.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Backlight makes readings easy at night or in dim grill areas
- + ThermoPro is a well-known and trusted thermometer brand
- + Fold-in probe style keeps the tip protected in a drawer
- - Slower readings than ThermoPro's pricier thermocouple models
- - Not waterproof, so avoid rinsing under a tap
#15Char-Griller's 22-inch steel kettle sold as a charcoal grill and smoker, a budget alternative to name-brand kettles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Marketed for both grilling and smoking, so it covers low and slow cooks too
- + 22-inch size matches the popular kettle footprint for accessories and grates
- + Char-Griller is an established budget brand with a wide parts network
- - Thinner steel than premium kettles can let heat swing in windy weather
- - Lid fit and vent seals may need tuning before long smoking sessions
#16Kingsford's Easy Light bag charcoal briquettes in a 4 pounds bag, a light-the-bag option for quick grilling sessions.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Easy Light bag lights directly without a chimney or lighter fluid
- + 4 Pounds size is perfect for a single small cookout or picnic
- + Kingsford briquettes burn consistently for predictable heat
- - Pre-treated briquettes can add a chemical smell at first
- - Small bag is not enough for long smoking sessions
#17A super fast digital instant read meat thermometer with waterproofing and backlight LCD, a budget everyday meat probe.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Waterproof body can be cleaned under the tap after raw meat
- + Backlight LCD is easy to read at night
- + Super Fast readings help keep grill temperature from dropping
- - Check accuracy against a trusted thermometer during first use
- - Check the exact reading time in the listing before buying
#18A 22-inch charcoal kettle grill with wheels, a thermometer and an ash catcher for casual backyard grilling.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Wheels make it easy to roll the grill out of the garage and back again
- + Lid thermometer gives a quick read on cooking temperature without lifting the lid
- + Ash catcher keeps spent coals contained for simpler cleanup after a cook
- - Generic listing gives little detail on steel gauge or coating quality
- - Replacement parts and support may be hard to find compared with big brands
#19GrillPro's 40259 stainless steel barbecue tong, a basic, affordable grill tong for everyday backyard cooking.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Stainless Steel construction resists rust for many seasons
- + Simple design is easy to clean and use
- + Very affordable pick for a spare set of grill tongs
- - No length stated, so reach from high heat may be limited
- - Basic spring mechanism lacks a locking feature for storage
#20A basic charcoal chimney starter BBQ grill lighter, a simple fire starter for lighting briquettes without fluid.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Chimney method lights charcoal evenly with just paper or starters
- + No lighter fluid needed, avoiding chemical flavors
- + Budget price makes it an easy first chimney
- - Generic build may be thinner and less durable
- - Capacity and handle design are not described
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Grill Smoke Craft curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.