Which Weber Kettle to Buy? Original vs Premium vs Master Touch
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- Опубліковано 23 вер 2021
- Weber has three main classes of the 22" Kettle, the Original, Premium, and Master Touch Charcoal Grill. Each one has a range of features, but it can be hard to determine which Weber Kettle you should buy to be your charcoal grill. I'll go over the different features and break down which ones are important so you can decide which one you should purchase.
Weber Kettle's shown in the video:
www.amazon.com/shop/grilltope...
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2024 Update: Weber has changed what comes with the Master Touch. You get "Charcoal Rails" instead of charcoal baskets.
Thanks for the update. I was just about to order the Master Touch. Hate that the prices have gone up so much now.
How many seasons you can grill till it rustsnto pieces(when the grill stays outide) im living in region where is snow and i dont storage it in inside
Any difference in performance between rails and baskets?
Can you give some data about the durability when the grill is in outside lets say in chicago region
In 2024 they are also more expensive 🥲
I really appreciate how there is NO BACKGROUND MUSIC. It is so distracting and really wears out the brain when a person is trying to learn something and there is all this chaos going on in the background. THANK YOU sir very much.
It helps that I'm really bad at music, so I usually leave it. Thanks for the support.
yes i agree 100%. i thought i was alone on this since every video is like that. also i dislike the intro videos in the beginning i just want to get straight to the point. thank you grill top experience this is a breath if fresh air
I don’t mind the intro music, but when the learning starts, then the music should be off.
😊
8t
I've got an original that my old lady bought in the 80's. Added the rotisserie attachment, the segmented grilling grate, and put my own thermometer into the lid. Still cooks like a beast, so you can make a hell of a feed with any of them.
This was a great quick rundown, just what I needed to make a decision, thanks!
Good review. I like top of the line because of the features and that’s what I went with. Thanks for making your reviews short, concise and point. So many folks ramble on and make their reviews 20 to 30+ minutes when less than 10 is all that’s needed. Thank you again!
Thanks, I'm not a fan of long videos either!
Thank you so much for a descriptive and straight to the point comparison. Much appreciated! 🙏🏽❤
Thanks for taking the time to make this video! Really useful.
Thanks for the kind words!
Great video! No bs just a straight up honest and useful review. Thank you I went and picked the master after this video.
Weber just increased prices, this week. The Master Touch is retailing at $275-$300. The Spirit 310 I bought 2 years ago for $450 is now $640!
Yikes! The Master Touch is $299 from Weber. That ruined my day.
Buy it at Walmart, still old prices.
I’m glad I got my Summit Kamado in early 2021.
😭😭😭
Excellent review, concise, direct, informative, straight to the point, no waste time.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for noticing! With the amount of time people spend watching my videos, I want to make sure it is time well spent!.
Always appreciate your reviews. Clearly explained and well organized 👏 Love my weber kettle!
^ what he said
Thank you for the kind words! I try to make the videos I would want to watch. This one was a top down approach for people who don't have a kettle yet or people who REALLY like them.
I have only owned 2 propane BBQ's. My 1st BBQ lasted 20 yrs! however, my 2nd one lasted about 5 yrs. So now I am considering buying a charcoal grill for the 1st time! As of today I have been reading reviews on the Weber Charcoal Grill and have read a lot of good reviews. I am glad to have come across your video! The information you provided has taught me the three classes and different features. This information will make my shopping much easier and less stressful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Thank you. Clear, clean, and quick. Thank you.
Very well done presentation - subscribed!
Been contemplating upgrading to a master touch. This helps. Thanks!
Awesome! It is nice to have a taller one, but at the end of the day it'll cook about the same.
What a pleasant voice and engaging presentation! The video gave me everything I need to know about which one to pick. Thanks for a great vid.
I hope you enjoy your new grill. Thanks for the kind words.
These grills are amazing!! They last long and they heat up very well.
Nice comparison! Help solidified my decision on getting the premium!
Nice choice! If you want a cool touch vent, you can always add your own handle.
Good concise review.
I agree with your viewers. Your video is extremely well done. Keep up the good work.
I just took the lazy way out and bought an original premium, a master touch and a performer deluxe all at very reasonable prices at garage sales. They cleaned up nicely and I don't think I can part with any of them. Thanks for this and all of your great and informative videos.
That ash pan is the number one reason, i own the original and didnt even know there were better options till later and yes heavy wind and water did make dumping that ash pan a nightmare, so much i bought the master touch ring and bowl from a weber parts website and upgraded my kettle to make it a premium, also ended up getting a besel and thermometer to it as well.
Great review! Thank you.
Woah! Trying to decide right now which one to get, this couldn’t have come at a better time
Glad I could help Mark! It can be hard to tell the difference just from the specs alone. Enjoy the new grill.
I have the master touch. It’s awesome
The small smokey Joe is what I like. It has small grate that is easy to clean. The heat is also easy to control.
I had the original model about 15 years ago. I think I paid $80 at The Home Depot. It was a great grill. Worth it at that price today. I would upgrade to the middle of the pack today. A lot of headaches eliminated with a small upgrade fee. I wish I still had that old grill. Lost it in a custody battle along with 4 cats and half of my retirement. Everything was replaceable on that grill which made it a great value. I think I just talked myself into the upgraded model just now...
They took the grill? Now that is just mean! The ash catcher is a great upgrade if you can swing it.
Yep, that grill was the stuff of legends. Never had an upscale grill prior and never knew how to use it at first. First few months were awful. Undercooked chicken and dying coals. When I learned to use it... It was the best Charcoal grill I ever used. Very versatile and easy as hell to clean. It wasn't an easy road, but I learned it's best features and used them every time. Best steaks I ever cooked was on this grill. As a kid, we used cheap grills for hamburgers. As an adult, I learned how to grill for real. I am going to buy another soon. Not going to opt for the base model as now I know how to use the features available. Remarkable grill in base form. Upgrades are time savers and make the entire experience easier. Check videos and do your research... Or you might just hate it due to inexperience...
Awesome video. Very useful. Thanks
Just the explanation I was looking for, and which I couldn’t find on their official website.
They didn't make it easy! I'm glad this was helpful and hope it helped you decide which one you want.
Thanks, excellent comparison. Exactly what I wanted to know 👍🏻
Glad it was helpful! I hope it helped you make your decision.
This is a great informational video. I have been using Weber products for years and you are spot on. I just wish they would put the thermometer near the top vents. I use the Slow and Sear and it would give a whole lot more accurate readings over the meat. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for the feedback. The SNS Kettle moved the thermometer to the vent side and it is way more accurate that way. That would help anyone who cooks indirect and wants the vent over the cooking side.
Great review!
I was literally scratching my head between these models and luckily found your video
The kettle will last you a while, you want to get it right. The best of luck on your new grill!
Fantastic video, thanks for the info! Very helpful
I'm glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Just got my master today, very excited to use it tonightZ
Congrats! The first of many.
have had a Traeger pellet smoker, a masterbuilt automated charcoal grille, and I always go back to lil webbie. best grill ever made IMO.
Nice and helpful video
Wait! I can hang my grate on the kettle! I’ve been using a classic since 06 and didn’t know this! Good informative video. Thanks.
Great video. I've owned all of them and loved them all.
You can never have too many kettles.
Youre a real pro thanks for the tips.
going to grill for the 1st time today and good to know i bought the right grill for me at least - the original
Truly useful! Thanks
This is a really good comparison. I have used the originals kettle for over 20 years and after watching this I am convinced the Premium is for me in the future. Thanks for sharing!
But the kettles last a long time. You might be waiting a bit. 😃
@@GrillTopExperience LOL true!
My kettle has been used fairly frequently and started getting burn spots where the hooks attach to hold the grills. Looks like after 15 years I will need a new one.
Used my original grill (which i got for free 😇) for the first time today.. i put my lid and grate on the ground, but not anymore after seeing this great video, thanks!
I have the Weber original kettle . I used a wine cork cut down the side to slide over the temp adjustment on top. Works great
Great tip. I've seen a lot of different solutions to that problem.
My solution is to adjust it really fast
great video the next step is the weber 26inch and then the weber Performer with the table. I have the 26 inches and 2 Weber Performer.
Why stop there? Get the ranch kettle 😜
Great video!
I have the Premium and Master, and have used the Original. I 1,000% agree the ash catcher is worth the upgrade. As for the Master, I either swap and use the Premium grate, or the spare grate to prevent burning out the removable center section. I must have the older Premium model, as I never noticed the P-shaped vents. Good video!
The Pshaped vents are a new addition. Some said it was only on the Master Touch, but it is spreading. Thank you for the confirmation on the ash catcher. It is a must!
VERY VERY INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL VIDEO
I'm sure you'll make a choice you'll be happy with. Grill on!
The best value, in my opinion, is the Weber Performer, the one with the folding table. The reason is it is so sturdy and if you need to move it during a cook it has 4 wheels. Fold down the table and it doesn’t take up much more space than a standard kettle. Weber Kettles Forever!
🙌 great presentation. Answered all the questions I had, and brought up points I hadn't thought of.
Thanks so much for creating and posting this video. I'm ready to buy a Weber, but I couldn't decide between the Premium and the Master Touch. Your showing all of the extra features on the Master Touch led me to do the math. Amazon has the Premium for $194.00, but after adding the cost of the individual accessories and other features included with the Master Touch, e.g. lid hanger, heavy grade grill grate w/hinged sides & removable center, raised warming rack, and 2 charcoal baskets, plus the Vent handle and it being 3" taller... it would cost $339.00 to buy and accessorize the Premium grill vs the $249.00 for the Master Touch with all that already included. I'm buying the Master Touch. Thanks again for the help. I subscribed to you channel. Brum
I'm glad it helped. I was in a position to get one of each so other people could purchase with confidence. Thank you for doing the math and the support. Happy grilling!
It's crazy how in months everything went up! $$ now this premium is around 234 otd
@@geramx0 275 now
just flexing hard in those first 30! :P Awesome video buddy, I love all of the camera shots you had in this one! It's really cool how you can take the centre out of the one grill!
Just bought the Weber Premier Deluxe for a little bit north of those prices you quoted. I have a aftermarket cast iron grill insert with the center comes out. It is an awesome upgrade.
Is that the performer with the gas assist? It's a little taller and the table is a huge plus.
@@GrillTopExperience yup gas assist. Replacing my 20 year old Weber grill.
@@douglasbaker5949does the gas assist still work, or a feature you use?
@@jolkraeremeark6949 it did stop working but i contacted Weber and they sent me replacement parts at no cost
I got the Master Touch after some research. Hinged grate with the hole, ash catcher, and its height were all selling points for me. I use it a few times during the work week and then use it all weekend long for slow long cooks. I recently got a rotisserie and pizza oven attachments for it as well. I would have liked a different color than black but it wasn't a deal breaker
That's quite the setup! I'm jealous.
Picking one up for my birthday! Same selling points for me . I have a Weber smokie mtn and it was a gift from a buddy when he bought a pellet smoker I got his 10 year old wsm but have to say it still works great but sorta a pain to sear steaks and simple bbq , wanted a hybrid of both a bbq and a smoker and that led me to the master touch , great video showing the slight difference in these kettles
What do you like about the hinged grate? I’m thinking about purchasing one this weekend. Plz tell what else you like about it
@@nebraskaryan9308 As mentioned in the video, the hinged grate allows you to add more charcoal while you're cooking, but not mentioned is that you can also add pieces of wood for smoking on top of the charcoal as needed. It's very useful, especially when you already have food on top.
Thank you!
Nice Henry Ford reference 😊
After using the Smokey Joe I knew I had to upgrade, I went on Offer up and saw a Weber 22 Original in good shape maybe had been used 2-4 times. Got it home gave it a good clean looks like new . I got it for $40..
That's a great score. Congratulations and thanks for giving it a good home.
Nice guy.. nice show 👍
Good information video. I have the original and I’m looking forward to see how long it wii last. We got mine when we were expecting our first child and it’s been used heavily year around. I’ve had to change the grates a couple of times but that’s about it. BTW that first child will turn 40 this September.
You've gotten some miles out of that one. Nicely done!
It’s one great grill. I live in Southwest Michigan the grill is always out in the elements without a cover. In this part of the country we measure snow by the foot.
I have had pit boss trager ect. I'm telling you the weber is the best. No doubt. You can adjust temperature easily with the vents. My pit boss rotted in a year was covered . The weber is the best grill it can get super hot or slow cook. Great for barbecues. One tip . Let the charcoal ash over and get hot before cooking. This will not make your food taste like charcoal Instead give a slight smokey flavor. Also I recommend using kingsford charcoal. I have used others this works the best. Unless you want a 12 hr brisket then use what you like
I got the original. No ash cather but picked up the charcoal baskets, and hinged plate and a thermometer that I installed myself and still came in way under the master tough
I've replaced the ash catcher with ta Glvanized Bucket sitting on the lower shelf... So much easier to empty and replace.
My family has always used Weber however, I've changed my mind and Char-grill are more inexpensive and can take a beating but still preform it's always an argument
in my area they are 130 for the OG 230 for the Premium and 299 for the Master Touch (as of July 2023)
Prices have gone up as of the second of June 2022, the premium is $219 and the top of the line has increased to $279 at Home Depot.
They've gone up twice since I made the video. I didn't expect that to happen so quickly!
@@GrillTopExperience it's insane
My parents have had one from the original in 1949 which was a heavy gauge metal and built like a tank. I have some modern flimsy ones where the legs fall off and ash catchers break. Just bought a Ninja Woodfire which is strong and cooks amazingly. Food is better than I ever rmade on a Weber. I will save the Weber for parties.
I looked at Green Egg and similar and they cost a fortune and are so heavy I can not move them.
Definitely getting the Master Touch, been watching vids on the original and its to small, im 6”3 and i dont wanna bend over and stuff.
Nice! If you are over 6 feet tall, that is money well spent.
Good call on the used market. I just picked up a Mastertouch for 30 bucks.
$30? How many can I buy? That's a steal.
thanks !
thank you i looking for non propane setup this helped ilove weber have gas now wood
It's a bit of a learning curve, but the flavor can't be beat.
I have 2 OG Kettles (wood handles). Both were free, so I just enjoy getting new accessories. Prefer the simplicity of the old grills
Just bought a Master Touch on offer up for $50. Had a few dings but also came with all of the accessories, plus Webers premium charcoal chimney. Haven’t cooked on it yet, but looking to smoke a brisket on it.
Also, I didn’t realize the height or the thickness of the grates.
Sounds like a great find!
Only thermometer is my hand and I don't hang up on being a temp control freak..this is all I need in my life weber gets it done. Easy to clean for some quick burgers.
Hey have one question do gas grill taste the same in ass you cook in the stove
@Grill Top Experience , What about 26" Weber kettle? (Comparison would be great, and perhaps worth it or not)
Walked into an Ace Hardware the other day and saw a huge Weber kettle embedded in a table with rollers. Plenty of clearance for the ash can. Looked like the Master top put into a cart. Ample room on the side table. I think they wanted $300 for it.
I believe it is called the Weber performer deluxe!
I’m looking at getting a Weber. I’ve always bought cheap grills and it’s time for a good one. I can’t decide between the premium or master touch. Mainly because of the price. One question I have is if I go with the premium would I be able to buy the master touch grate with the removable middle to put in it? I like the idea of a seat pan in the middle!
You can buy any of the grates separately, but you are well on your way to the cost of a Master Touch at that point. amzn.to/3QubBaB
Dig the Henry Ford reference
@Grill Top Experience Great video, exactly what I needed as I am fairly a beginner as far as charcoal grilling. My family had one growing up but I didn't really do the grilling then. Now, I miss the flavors that come with charcoal grilling, especially with rotisserie grilling, so I plan on getting the rotisserie kit for the weber kettle. My question is regarding the prices you quoted at the beginning. I don't see them at those prices at the current time. Is there a place where they are at those prices you quoted, or are those prices now obsolete for summer 2022? The prices I see now are $139 for the original, $219 (amazon) or $239 at Lowes for the premium and $275 (amazon) for the master touch. Can you still find them somewhere at the prices you quoted or are the prices I quoted the only prices available now? If I plan on grilling maybe 2 times a week, would you recommend the premium?
The premium is a good sweet spot if you don't need the extra height of the Master Touch. I also like the the grates on the premium a bit better.
Unfortunately, those were the prices when the video was produced and they've gone up at least twice since then. A lot of places will put grills on sale after Labor Day, so you might be able to snag a deal if you can wait. Weber locks all of their vendors to one set price and they can't advertise any lower than that.
@@GrillTopExperience Thanks for the tip. I was pretty much decided on a premium, but it's nice to get confirmation from an expert griller that I'm making a good choice. What would you say would be the best type of charcoal for a beginner? Lump or briquettes? Advantages? Disadvantages to each?
Super vidéo 👍
I bought a used 22" for $50 and made amazing pork Butt, ribs, chicken, and brisket. Best $50 ever 🥰🥰🥰🥰
The 26 inch kettle is the best
All grills die in a few years with healthy use. You want the ash collection device with rotate handle. You want lid hanging device, cheaper is better. I’d buy 2 sets of aftermarket grates with coal adding section (swing up section allowing access to fire). I’d buy and install aftermarket thermometer too.
I got the premium. I really love the Weber kettle but one big bummer for me is that my last grill had a nice set up with good storage underneath and a nice folding side table. For what the Weber costs you really get a pretty barebones grill unfortunately. I had to buy an attachable side table for another $40 not to mention in the course of a year the premium went from $170 to $220. Come on Weber. Price gouge much?
Got the og for 50 bucks off Craigslist. Can’t complain.
Man, prices have gone up. I got my Master Touch 26" for a good price a few years ago. Think I paid around $200 and that's for a 26".
Those looking, buy once cry once and get the Master Touch.
Wow this video is 2 years old an a Master Touch is $299 and premium is $219. Inflation is crazy
Was thinking about buying a premium,but still not sure after reading a bunch of reviews on Amazon. Sounds like some people a very satisfied and others are saying it's poor quality compared to the older ones. I have a 1981 18 1/2" kettle that works fine still, but sometimes wish I had a little more room
They have changed the manufacturing and tweaks to the design. An old kettle is a lot harder to come by, but a new one comes with a ten year warranty on the bowl and lid.
I paid $99 for my Weber original kettle grill. Works just fine for me, but I see what your saying about the other features.
Thanks for checking it out. You can cook the same food on any of them. It's all about the creature comforts and ease of use.
The icons or emblems cut along the air intake path are NOT indicative of how far the intakes are open/closed; they are just decorations. I nosticed the mismatch and asked Weber online. The response confrimed my observation. I marked my own settings for open, closed, smoking, and medium cooking.
Hello, the problem with most of the grillgrates is that they're chrome/nickel plated. the diameter of the gauge doesn't really make ém last. they'll rust anyway. better get some stainless steel ones, at least 304. Regards
Is the thermometer adjustable on the masterclass? In other words if you remove it and do a test in boiling water can you adjust it to 212 degrees or is it fixed?
It's not adjustable and the thermometer is pretty high up and won't tell you exactly what temp the grill grates are at. It's more like a guideline.
Can the enclosed ash catcher be used on the basic model? I have the Premium version which was damaged by a tree limb.
The ash collector is fine, so I was thinking I could buy the entry level model and put my old ash catcher on it.
Would save about $80 if it works.
The original has the spot where the catcher clips connect. My original has a venom on it and it connects there too.
Question. My friend always uses a grill mat ontop of his grill grates. Then takes them inside and washed them when done. Are these grill mats good? and also if not using them, theres so much buildup on the grates, how do you clean them. Thanks!
For me, it's not a big deal to scrub down the grates. Those mats could be great, but I've never felt the need to use them.
@@GrillTopExperience ok gotcha 👌
Weber charcoal grills are no longer made with high quality yet they still cost much more. For instance, my New Weber 22 inch charcoal kettle grill. The steel is noticeably thinner. The top handle is no longer wood and is made of some kind of rubber plastic that gets super hot. The top also warped so it doesn't fit firmly. The fins on the bottom designed to scrape away the ashes have bent and cracked one by one rendering the grill useless for saving un burned charcoal. Hence I am looking for a charcoal grill that is heavy duty if anything like that exists any more in this high profit, low quality manufacturing world.
Hey Brother,
Great review. Thank you.
I am looking for my first grill. Mostly to cook for me and wife, once a week or so.
And occasional large cooks twice a year.
I see two choices
1. Original plus spider venom
2. Premium and use it for a year and decide whether I need venom
What do you recommend?
I use the venom if I'm doing a longer cook and want something else to manage the fire. For me, its best value is low and slow. For anything else, I can do it since I'll be near the kettle anyway. It helps some for hot cooks if I started with too small of a fire because it stokes the coals, but if I want a really hot sear, it gets in the way
If you are OK with managing the fire, the premium is a really good option. It's not hard, but it takes a little practice.
@@GrillTopExperience great. Thank you. Will buy premium or master touch. Prices are still crazy. $220 vs $275 😞
Anyone think the 26” is worth the extra $$$, or is the 22” just as good?
What about a video show the other models available..
The smaller sized ones etc...
I'm slowly collecting them, but that is a lot of grills. What size are you thinking about?
No matter which one you choose, you're choosing correctly.
any color you want as long as it is black... that got me lol