At 57 years old, I've had a lifelong obsession with outdoor grilling, and I have used dozens of different grills of all design types and fuel sources. I can afford the most expensive grills on the market, and what do I use today, when cooking for my small family? This Weber 22 inch grill, which blows every other grill of any type away for real life every day grilling, for these reasons:
1. Performance- the grill is highly adjustable, and easy to control heat levels with the upper and lower vent. Food can either be placed over the coals for high heat, or away from them for more gradual indirect cooking.
2. Versatility- the grill is air tight with both vents closed, so can be used as a very effective indirect heat smoker. If you want to control the location of the charcoal more precisely than piling it up on one side, use the Weber Charcoal Rails, available on Amazon for $7-8, which enable you to precisely contain coals on opposite sides of the grill, and add more through the hinged grate when necessary, for longer smoking jobs. I find the rails to be superior to the baskets, since they vent air better and provide for more positional flexibility. If you're on a budget, use bricks for this purpose instead of rails, which have the added benefit of heat retention.
3. Efficiency/Economy- good charcoal is not cheap, and it can be used multiple times if you completely close the vents when you are done cooking. The airtight nature of this grill that allows for this charcoal recycling is nearly impossible to find on other (non-Weber) grills, in my experience. If you have found one that seals up tighter than this model, I'd love to hear from you and know what other models compete in this area.
4. Taste- I will only use a gas grill if I am in a big hurry, with no time to wait for the charcoal heating period. I have found that when I am in such a hurry, I should likely not be grilling at all. Cooking over wood/charcoal gives food a superior smoky flavor versus any gas grill, in my opinion.
Happy grilling, and I hope this review was helpful.
| Brand | Weber |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 25"D x 25"W x 39.5"H |
| Special Feature | Precise Heat Control, Superior Heat Retention, One-Touch Cleaning System, Heat Shield, Durable Cooking Grate |
| Color | Black |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Outdoor |
| Finish Type | Painted |
| Included Components | Grill |
| Assembly Required | No |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Handle Material | Nylon |
| Item Weight | 1.5 Kilograms |
| Model Name | Weber |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Installation Type | Ground Mount,Peel |
| Voltage | 1 |
| Main Burner Count | 1 |
| Cooking Surface Area | 363 Square Inches |
| Number of Racks | 1 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00077924025303 |
| Manufacturer | WEBER |
| UPC | 077924025303 |
| Part Number | 741001 |
| Item Weight | 3.3 pounds |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | 741001 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 38.5" H x 20.5" W x 25" L |
| Style | Grill |
| Finish | Painted |
| Power Source | Charcoal |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Precise Heat Control, Superior Heat Retention, One-Touch Cleaning System, Heat Shield, Durable Cooking Grate |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Limited manufacture warranty. See manufacture owner's manual for all warranty information. |
