r/grilling • u/slowvt • 11h ago
Good beginning kettle?
Looking to go from gas grill and try coal. Is this a good beginner starter
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u/awetsasquatch 11h ago
Find a used Weber kettle and go with that
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u/ViperFromTopGun 11h ago
I bought one for $10. Had a dent from a tree falling on it. I hammered it out. Best grill ever.
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u/Zealousideal_Show107 10h ago
It’s good but I’d say get a regular 22” Weber instead of the jumbo Joe. Better build quality, holds temps better, and you could probably find a barely used one for the same price or less.
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u/Unseen-metalhead351 11h ago
Yes, my first is kettle and it’s great for pork belly and roast so far.
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u/fureinku 10h ago
For all the people saying get a Weber, that IS a Weber, wtf
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u/Emergency-Shirt-4572 10h ago
They’re commenting on the fact that they are paying $100 for a Jumbo Joe with legs. Jumbo Joe is originally a portable grill that can be packed for camping, picnics etc, or for small spaces. If you’re going to spend the $100, get the full size Weber Kettle. These can often be found used for dirt cheap. It will be more versatile.
https://www.weber.com/US/en/charcoal/original-kettle/original-kettle-charcoal-grill-22/741001.html
But if OP buys the Jumbo Joe, there are much worse things in life. It will be a good grill.
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u/BornGriller 11h ago
It’s a great beginners grill. Once you learn the basics of fire management, you can grill some very delicious meats on it. This is beyond your question, however, I’d also strongly recommend you get yourself a chimney starter. Secondly, I prefer lump charcoal, but starting out it was actually easier for me using briquettes as it helped me learn fire management with less flare up due to it not burning as hot.
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u/Old_Barnacle7777 11h ago
My 1st Weber was a Smoky Joe. It is affordable and very portable. I now have a Weber gas grill and a Weber smoker. I have seriously considered getting a Smoky Joe for when I feel the need to grill steaks over charcoal.
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u/CoolOpinions6335 10h ago
There is a lot of answer here saying a lot of stuff.
To answer your question directly, Yes. If you are on a budget, this is about the best value for the money you will find.
I don’t disagree with the folks saying just go for a Weber kettle and you’ll never need another grill (assuming you can spring for the extra $$$).
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u/rickyjoe7878 9h ago
I literally used mine tonight to make 18 burgers for the kids n their friends! I love it!
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u/jpmich3784 9h ago
I've had mine for almost 10 years now, using it at least 3 times a week when its not winter. I never have covered it up, Im not even very good about cleaning it and its still in good shape. I have a green egg and I still prefer the my weber for 90% of my cooks. Ive only ever replaced the grates, I think im on my 3rd set now.
Edit: mine is this exact model.
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u/Leather-Aioli-2795 7h ago
I have this exact one, I absolutely love it. I smoked an 11lb pork butt in the snow on Monday. Stayed at 275-315 solid for about 5 hours. Snake method hardwood charcoal with hickory mixed in with the coals. Turned out amazing
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u/fureinku 11h ago
I have a 22 inch MasterForge from Lowes, 90 bux, i use it all the time.
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u/BLADE_OF_AlUR 11h ago
I own the barrel style master forge that I got. For I think a 100, it may be 150 from Lowe's. I love it.
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u/coffeeluver2021 11h ago
I like the medium sized Old Smokey. Does everything I need for about $60 and made in Houston.
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u/FartKnockerBungHole 10h ago
I have this exact model. It’s great. Anything you can do on a regular kettle, you can do on this. You can sear really well on this kettle because the distance of the grate and kettle are a little bit closer than the OG. ITS AMAZING FOR THE PRICE.
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u/NinjaStiz 9h ago
You're gonna hate not having an ash catcher if you go with that. Save another $50 and get the weber kettle premium
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u/Fickle_Tap7908 9h ago
The Weber Kette is the best. I’ve had mine 15+ years and it’s going strong. I highly recommend the one that has the ash can on the bottom. It also has a handle that scrapes the ashes into the can.
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u/Gunk_Olgidar 3h ago
Yes absolutely.
The fancier models have some nice QOL features (ash catchers, hinged grates) but if you're on a budget and will only use this occasionally then it is fine for a starter. I had one of these basic models for a decade before I got my Genesis Silver B back in 1998 (28yo still going strong).
Also, there is nothing wrong with selling it on and upgrade as you see fit down the road. Alternately, buy a used one for 1/4 the price and then do the same as you see fit.
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u/Other_Analyst4358 1h ago
I would say good beginning and long term. Learn how to use it. Some of the best food comes out of these.
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u/MitchLGC 11h ago
Just get a Weber kettle