There’s something timeless about charcoal grilling — the smell, the crackle, and the smoky flavor that gas grills can never quite replicate. For many, Weber is the gold standard of charcoal grills, and for good reason. Their Original Kettle series has been the go-to backyard essential for decades, known for its durability, simplicity, and perfect heat retention.
But when I decided to replace my old charcoal grill, I was torn between two classics: the Weber Original Kettle and the Weber Original Kettle Premium. Both look almost identical at first glance — round, glossy black domes with sturdy legs and wheels — but under the lid, there are some key differences that could change how you grill forever.
After using both models side by side for several cookouts, here’s my honest, first-hand take on how they compare, and whether upgrading to the Premium version is really worth it.
Key Difference at a Glance: Weber Original Kettle vs Premium Charcoal Grill
The Weber Original Kettle is the entry-level classic — simple, reliable, and built to do exactly what you need without unnecessary frills. It’s perfect for traditionalists who want the pure, hands-on charcoal grilling experience.
The Weber Original Kettle Premium, on the other hand, refines that formula. It adds small but meaningful upgrades like a hinged grate, built-in thermometer, and a high-capacity ash catcher that make grilling cleaner, easier, and more controlled. In essence, the Premium model takes everything that makes the Original great and fine-tunes it for modern convenience.
- The Weber Original Charcoal Grill has a durable-plated, steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel for enhanced durability; Cooking grate offers a...
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
Comparison Table: Weber Original Kettle vs Premium Charcoal Grill
| Feature | Weber Original Kettle | Weber Original Kettle Premium |
| Cooking Area | 254 sq. in. | 363 sq. in. |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Charcoal |
| Dimensions | 18″ diameter | 22″ diameter |
| Cooking Grate | Standard plated steel | Hinged plated steel |
| Ash System | One-Touch system with basic catcher | One-Touch system with high-capacity ash catcher |
| Thermometer | None | Built-in lid thermometer |
| Heat Shield | On lid handle | On lid handle |
| Portability | Two all-weather wheels | Two all-weather wheels |
| Best For | Simple backyard grilling | Frequent grillers who want easier control and cleanup |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design and Build Quality
Weber has always nailed the design part — both models look iconic, with that glossy porcelain-enameled black finish and minimalist frame that instantly screams “classic backyard grill.”
The Original Kettle feels compact, rugged, and light enough to move around easily. Its 18-inch bowl provides enough space for smaller cookouts — about 9 to 10 burgers comfortably.
The Premium Kettle, however, steps up the game with a larger 22-inch diameter, offering over 100 square inches more cooking space. That difference really matters when you’re hosting guests — it can handle up to 13 burgers or a couple of racks of ribs without crowding.
Both have porcelain-enameled lids and bowls that retain heat beautifully and resist rust, but the Premium has a slightly sturdier feel to the lid and a smoother hinge action. The lid hook — available on both — is such a small detail, but one I absolutely love, since it saves you from awkwardly putting the hot lid on the ground.
- The Weber Original Charcoal Grill has a durable-plated, steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel for enhanced durability; Cooking grate offers a...
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
Ease of Use
This is where the Premium starts to pull ahead.
The Original Kettle keeps things basic — no thermometer, no hinged grate. You’ll need to manually lift the entire grate to add charcoal during long cooking sessions, which can get cumbersome when you’ve got food on it.
The Premium, on the other hand, includes a hinged cooking grate, which allows you to lift just one side to add coals or wood chips mid-cook. It may seem like a small upgrade, but it completely changes the grilling experience — especially for slow-cooking or smoking.
The built-in lid thermometer is another major advantage. On the Original, you’re guessing temperatures by hand or using an external thermometer. With the Premium, you can monitor your heat precisely without lifting the lid. That alone makes temperature management so much easier.
- The Weber Original Charcoal Grill has a durable-plated, steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel for enhanced durability; Cooking grate offers a...
Heat Control and Performance
Both grills rely on the same One-Touch venting system, which makes airflow management surprisingly simple.
In my experience, the Original Kettle gets up to searing temperature (around 600°F) within 15 minutes using standard briquettes. Heat retention is excellent — the bowl shape and porcelain coating do their job well.
However, the Premium not only heats up faster but also maintains temperature more evenly across the cooking surface. The larger space gives you better control between direct and indirect heat zones. I grilled steaks on one side and veggies on the other — both cooked perfectly without having to shuffle coals around constantly.
If you love low-and-slow barbecue or multi-zone cooking, the Premium gives you a noticeable edge in flexibility.
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
Cleanup and Maintenance
Here’s where Weber’s engineering really shines — but also where the biggest difference lies between the two.
Both models feature Weber’s One-Touch cleaning system, which uses a lever to sweep ash into the catcher below. But the Original Kettle has a basic aluminum pan, while the Premium features a high-capacity, enclosed ash catcher that completely changes cleanup.
With the Original, you have to detach the small pan manually and watch out for stray ash blowing away. With the Premium, the enclosed catcher locks in place, making cleanup totally mess-free. You just twist it off, dump, and go.
If you grill often, this upgrade alone justifies the price jump. After a few weekends of grilling, I found myself reaching for the Premium every single time simply because cleanup was effortless.
- The Weber Original Charcoal Grill has a durable-plated, steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel for enhanced durability; Cooking grate offers a...
Portability and Setup
Both models are easy to assemble (took me about 20 minutes each) and have sturdy all-weather wheels. Moving them around the patio or lawn is no issue.
However, due to the larger size and ash catcher, the Premium is slightly heavier. Not a deal-breaker, but something to note if you’re looking for a grill that you’ll move frequently or store after each use.
For smaller spaces or balconies, the Original Kettle’s compact size is more practical. For larger backyards or frequent parties, the Premium’s extra cooking space is worth the bit of added bulk.
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
Cooking Experience
Grilling on both models was a joy. On the Original, the simplicity is actually quite charming. It’s hands-on, direct, and keeps you connected to the process — perfect for weekend hobbyists or those who enjoy traditional charcoal control.
The Premium, on the other hand, feels like a smoother, more refined version of the same experience. The hinged grate makes adding charcoal effortless, the built-in thermometer takes the guesswork out of temperature management, and the superior ash system means you spend more time cooking and less time cleaning.
After a few sessions, the difference in convenience became so clear that going back to the Original felt like a step backward — even though it’s still a fantastic grill for its price.
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill
- The Weber Original Charcoal Grill has a durable-plated, steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel for enhanced durability; Cooking grate offers a...
Pros:
- Affordable and iconic design
- Compact and easy to move
- Excellent heat retention and flavor
- Durable porcelain-enameled bowl and lid
- Reliable One-Touch cleaning system
Cons:
- Smaller cooking area
- No built-in thermometer
- Basic ash catcher can get messy
- Adding charcoal mid-cook is inconvenient
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press
Pros:
- Larger cooking surface (22-inch)
- Built-in thermometer for precise heat control
- Hinged grate for adding charcoal easily
- High-capacity ash catcher for clean, hassle-free disposal
- Retains heat exceptionally well
- Feels sturdier and more polished
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- Heavier to move around
- May feel like overkill for casual grillers
Final Verdict: Which Weber Kettle Should You Buy?
If you’re buying your first charcoal grill or only grill occasionally, the Weber Original Kettle is a perfect starting point. It delivers that authentic charcoal flavor, lasts for years, and is easy to use — all at a lower price.
But if you grill frequently, host gatherings, or simply value convenience, the Weber Original Kettle Premium is absolutely worth the upgrade. The larger space, hinged grate, built-in thermometer, and enclosed ash system make it feel like a modern reimagining of a timeless classic.
In my experience, after using both, I’d say the Premium is the one you’ll grow into rather than out of. It takes everything that makes Weber’s design legendary and makes it just a bit better — cleaner, smarter, and easier to live with.
If you want the pure, hands-on charm of charcoal grilling with a touch of modern ease, the Weber Original Kettle Premium is the smarter, longer-lasting investment.
