Reviewing Kettle Grills


Our review process

Purchasing a grill is no easy task. It can quickly escalate into an overwhelming choice. Luckily for you, we've already compiled and analyzed information on more than 1,300 different grills and also looked at 89 data entries for each one so that you won't have to look any further. Out of these grills, we then inspected 12 kettle grills using our leading AI technology. The following article will lay out the advantages and disadvantages of the 12 grills mentioned above and show you some more relevant information our research focused on, such as body construction and installation type.

After reviewing kettle grills, we wanted to share some of our insights with you. Kettle grills have a round or oval shape, channeling heat to a central area to cook food at a faster rate. They are powered by charcoal, so they produce a smoky flavor and caramelized texture. They feature ventilated heat regulation, modifying high temperatures to ensure that your food is properly cooked. Kettle grills disperse heat at an even rate, so that you can achieve the perfect consistency of your meat, vegetables, or seafood dishes.

Our Top Ranking Grills:
Product NameBrandFuel TypeCooking Grate MaterialCooking Area
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Weber 741001BLK Original Kettle 22" Charcoal Kettle Grill
Weber 741001BLK Original Kettle 22" Charcoal Kettle Grill
Weber
charcoal
Runner Up
2
An image of Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill
Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill
Char-Broil
gas
stainless steel
320 sq. in.
Best Affordable Option
3
An image of RiverGrille OG2001917-RG Pioneer 22.5" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill
RiverGrille OG2001917-RG Pioneer 22.5" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill
RiverGrille
charcoal
chrome plated
525 sq. in.
Best Durable Option
4
An image of Magma A10-215 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Tabletop Kettle Grill
Magma A10-215 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Tabletop Kettle Grill
Magma
propane gas
stainless steel
204 sq. in.
Best for Smoking
5
An image of LANDMANN 525110 23" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill
LANDMANN 525110 23" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill
LANDMANN
charcoal
porcelain-enameled steel
380 sq. in.
Our Top Ranking Grills
Customer Rating
Brand
Weber
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
Cooking Area
Customer Rating
Brand
Char-Broil
Fuel Type
gas
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Cooking Area
320 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
RiverGrille
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
chrome plated
Cooking Area
525 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
Magma
Fuel Type
propane gas
Cooking Grate Material
stainless steel
Cooking Area
204 sq. in.
Customer Rating
Brand
LANDMANN
Fuel Type
charcoal
Cooking Grate Material
porcelain-enameled steel
Cooking Area
380 sq. in.
Best Overall Score
An image of Weber 741001BLK Original Kettle 22" Charcoal Kettle Grill

Cook up the ideal home-grilled meals with the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Kettle Grill. With durable wheels, this charcoal grill will be ideal for hosting parties, camping, and picnics. Designed to provide more control over the temperature in your grill, offering a more customizable cooking experience, it has adjustable dampers, so you can manage the level of heat on your grill. Using charcoal, it cooks the food over a long period of time to develop a rich barbecued flavor. It features a One-Touch™ cleaning system and an ash tool, helping to make post-grill cleanup a quick and hassle-free process.

    Pros
    • Charcoal infuses your meat with a smoky flavor, for an authentic grilling experience
    • Designed with a One-Touch™ cleaning system to improve cleanup
    Cons
    • Uses charcoal, getting dirty and tougher to clean
Runner Up
An image of Char-Broil 14601900 Gas Stainless Steel Freestanding Kettle Grill

Prepare delicious meals for the entire family by using the Char-Broil Gas Kettle Grill. This kettle grill has an electronic ignition to make lighting your gas grill as easy as possible with a simple push of a button. Featuring a stainless steel design, it provides both a sleek appearance and proven dependability. It requires gas, cooking food quickly, so you don't have to wait to enjoy your steaks, ribs, and chicken. Made with a freestanding design, it provides greater freedom and flexibility in your outdoor dining space. This grill features a warming rack to keep food from cooling down. It has infrared burners, which reach higher temperatures while grilling your food.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel design is incredibly resistant to corrosion and rust
    • Electronic ignition allows you to start your gas grill effortlessly
    • Features a warming rack to keep your food at the perfect temperature
    Cons
    • High-end infrared burners are not ideal if you are attempting to cook something "low and slow"
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Features a stainless steel grill grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
Best Affordable Option
An image of RiverGrille OG2001917-RG Pioneer 22.5" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill

The RiverGrille Pioneer Charcoal Kettle Grill is an excellent addition to any patio. This RiverGrille grill has heat-resistant handles to keep your barbecue securely closed. It includes a chrome plated grill grate, providing a rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant exterior that is also visually appealing. Featuring a warming rack, it is ideal for preventing cooked food from getting cold until you are ready to eat. This RiverGrille grill features a freestanding design, which gives you the freedom to move it out of your way when you are done cooking. Quickly and easily discard ashes accumulated while cooking with its removable ash catcher. Using charcoal, it cooks your meat and infuses a rich, smoky flavor. Manage the level of heat with its adjustable air vents.

    Pros
    • Warming rack helps keep food from getting cold without it overcooking
    • Includes a chrome plated grill grate, providing a corrosion-resistant, rust proof, and wear-resistant exterior that is also visually appealing
    • Features a bottom shelf, providing you with a greater amount of space to prep your food
    Cons
    • Charcoal takes much more time to heat up
Best Durable Option
An image of Magma A10-215 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Tabletop Kettle Grill

Enjoy your favorite barbecue recipes with the Magma Propane Gas Kettle Grill. This kettle grill features a tabletop design, so you can easily use it on any steady surface. It has a stainless steel burner, letting you use the indirect and direct heat necessary for two-zone cooking. This propane gas grill distributes consistent heat across the cooking surface to minimize grill flare-ups. It is equipped with a radiant plate, ensuring optimal heat distribution through each grilling session.

    Pros
    • Radiant plate ensures uniform heat distribution every time you cook
    • Grease pan collects grease and stops it from falling directly onto the grill
    • Features a tool holder, providing useful hooks to keep your accessories closeby
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction tends to lose its color with extended use
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Features a manual ignition, taking more time to heat up
Best for Smoking
An image of LANDMANN 525110 23" Charcoal Freestanding Kettle Grill

Enjoy every summer barbecue with the LANDMANN Charcoal Kettle Grill. This grill has a freestanding design, allowing you the freedom and flexibility to push it out of your way when you are done cooking. It includes a porcelain-enameled steel grill grate, providing a strong exterior that protects surfaces from physical damage or impact. Using charcoal, it cooks the food slowly to enrich the flavor.

This kettle grill features large bakelite handles to keep your barbecue tightly sealed. It is equipped with a temperature gauge and uses an adjustable vent on the lid, which allows you to manage the level of heat on your grill. By utilizing two heavy-duty wheels, it will be great for hosting, picnics, and camping. Quickly and conveniently get rid of ashes accumulated while cooking with its removable ash catcher.

    Pros
    • Includes a porcelain-enameled steel grill grate, providing a strong exterior that protects surfaces from physical damage or impact
    • Features a storage rack, providing ample storage space for easily accessing all your tools and utensils
    • Charcoal cooks the food slowly
    Cons
    • Uses charcoal, taking more time to get hot
Best Portable Grill
An image of Magma A10-703C Charcoal Stainless Steel Portable Kettle Grill

If you're someone who is looking to transform your backyard, you should consider choosing the Magma Charcoal Kettle Grill. This grill comes with a Stay Cool heat-resistant handle to keep your barbecue tightly sealed. It has a portable design, so you can conveniently bring it camping or to a friend's house. Fueled by charcoal, it cooks your food over a long period of time to enrich the flavor.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel design is both sleek and durable
    • Features a tool holder, giving you the flexibility to barbecue like a professional by having all your utensils easily accessible
    • Uses charcoal, grilling your food over a longer period of time to develop deeper flavors
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction tends to fade with extended use
    • Stainless steel cooking grate is less weather resistant and more difficult to clean
    • Charcoal takes more time to get hot
Additional Picks
An image of Nexgrill 820-0062 Fortress Gas Cast Aluminum Kettle Grill

Cook up the best home-grilled meals by using the Nexgrill Fortress Gas Kettle Grill. This tabletop grill has a built-in thermometer, so you can maintain the perfect temperature so that you can cook your meat just the way you like it. It requires gas, heating food quickly, so you don't have to wait to enjoy your steaks, ribs, and chicken. It includes a cast iron grill grate, offering you a dependable cooking surface that you can rely on for a long time. This cast aluminum grill is made with a tabletop design, so you can easily use it on any stable surface. It features two stainless steel burners, so it can utilize both direct and indirect heat to create a two-zone cooking area. It has a push-and-turn ignition, letting you easily light your grill.

    Pros
    • Push-and-turn ignition allows you to start your gas grill effortlessly
    • Runs on gas, heating food quickly
    • A built-in thermometer helps you grill your meat perfectly
    Cons
    • Cast aluminum construction is likely to scratch more easily
    • Features a cast iron grill grate, taking a considerable amount of time to get warm
    • Push-and-turn ignition loses its ability to work very fast if it gets too dirty
An image of Magma A10-114 17" Charcoal Stainless Steel Portable Kettle Grill

The Magma Charcoal Kettle Grill is outstanding for cooking up an authentic barbecued meal during all your outdoor events. This kettle grill is made with a portable design, so you can conveniently bring it camping or to a friend's house. It has a Stay Cool heat-resistant handle for enhanced safety as you grill. Featuring a warming rack, it is great for keeping food hot until the moment you sit down to eat. Fueled by charcoal, it grills the meat and offers an excellent smoky taste.

    Pros
    • Stainless steel construction is incredibly resistant to corrosion and rust
    • Warming rack helps keep food hot
    • Charcoal cooks the food slowly
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction tends to lose its color over time
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting dirty easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Charcoal takes more time to get hot
An image of Magma A10-205 Propane Gas Stainless Steel Tabletop Kettle Grill

Host outstanding dinner parties with the help of the Magma Propane Gas Kettle Grill. Fitted with a side burner, this kettle grill is perfect for cooking your entire meal all at once. It comes with a Stay Cool heat-resistant handle for added safety. Fueled by propane gas, it distributes heat evenly across the grill for consistent results every time. Create the indirect and direct heat needed for two-zone cooking with this kettle grill's large stainless steel main burner. It features a tabletop design, which makes it easy to use on any hard surface. This kettle grill is equipped with a radiant plate to ensure uniform heat distribution.

    Pros
    • Radiant plate ensures optimal heat distribution each time you cook
    • Fitted with a grease pan to collect grease and other drippings drawn out during cooking for quicker cleanup
    • Side burner allows you to cook your whole meal in one place
    Cons
    • Stainless steel construction limits heat transfer, affecting your food
    • Includes a stainless steel cooking grate, getting messy easily and requires intense cleaning
    • Features a manual ignition, taking more time to get to the ideal cooking temperature
An image of Coleman 2000023832 Charcoal Portable Kettle Grill

Enjoy a great barbecuing experience by using the Coleman Charcoal Kettle Grill. This kettle grill is equipped with adjustable air vents to provide more control over the heat in your grill, offering a more customizable cooking experience. It features a portable design, which makes it ideal for weekend trips. Using charcoal, it grills your food for a long period of time to ensure the meat remains tender. It features a chrome plated grill grate, providing a rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant exterior that is also visually appealing.

    Pros
    • Includes a chrome plated cooking grate, providing a corrosion-resistant, rust proof, and wear-resistant exterior that is also visually appealing
    • Uses charcoal, barbecuing your food over a longer period of time to develop stronger flavors
    • Has folding legs to be easily moved anywhere the party takes you
    Cons
    • Features a manual ignition, taking longer to get to the ideal cooking temperature
    • Charcoal gets dirty and tougher to clean
Searching for the Right Kettle Grill for You:
Choosing the Right Kind of Kettle Grill
Stainless Steel Grills

There is one kettle grill with a stainless steel design. With a weather-resistant design, stainless steel grills will handle harsh conditions. They have excellent resistance to corrosion, so they can be used for years to come. Stainless steel grills are bacteria-resistant to ensure that your food will not be contaminated. They are easy to clean, so you can save time when it comes to dealing with any residue or spills. However, they aren't great at retaining heat, so they are harder to keep hot as opposed to cast iron grills, which can reach and maintain incredibly high temperatures. Ready to pick out the right kettle grill for you? You can get started here.

Cast Aluminum Grills

If you want an idea of a great kettle grill with a cast aluminum design, you can get started here. Cast aluminum grills are manufactured with rustproof materials to handle long-term use. They can tolerate harsh weather conditions, so they can withstand long-term use without decaying. Featuring excellent heat retention, they can stay hot for a long time.

Steel Grills

There is one kettle grill available with a steel design. Stainless steel grills are corrosion resistant, so they can be used for years to come. They are bacteria-resistant to make sure that your food won't be contaminated. They are easy to clean, so you can save time when it comes to dealing with any spills and leftover residue. However, they don't retain heat very well, so they won't maintain a high cooking temperature once you've removed the heat source.

Which Cooking Grate Material Is Best for Kettle Grills?
Grills with Stainless Steel Grates

If you want a kettle grill with a stainless steel grate design, you can find a high-quality one here. Designed with anti-corrosion materials, stainless steel grates provide long-term durability even after repeated use. These grates are designed with heat retention technology, delivering a perfectly cooked meal quickly and efficiently. They are easy to clean, so most standard grill brushes will do the job. They have a non-stick surface, so you can easily remove grease and residue after you are finished grilling. These grates have a low maintenance build, so it won't be a hassle to ensure that they are kept in good condition over time.

Grills with Chrome Plated Grates

There are four kettle grills available with a chrome plated grate design. Chrome-plated grates have technology perfect for infrequent use, comfortably fitting beginner grill enthusiasts. These grates have a low maintenance build, so it won't be a hassle to ensure that they are kept in good condition over time. They are easy to clean, so a variety of grill brushes will do the job. With all of the information that you need to know about chrome-plated grates, check out this highly-rated kettle grill.

Grills with Cast Iron Grates

With one kettle grills available with a cast iron grate design, there's lots to know about what makes them unique. Cast iron grates are capable of circulating temperature evenly, making them great for ensuring that meat is thoroughly cooked. The grates have heat retention technology, delivering a perfectly cooked meal quickly and efficiently. They have a non-stick coating, so you can easily remove grease after you are finished grilling. One downside is that they have a heavier design, so you may need a special tool to lift and replace them on the grill. Moreover, they require a good amount of maintenance since they can rust and corrode easily if they're not oiled before use and can't be cleaned with all types of detergent. Now that you're feeling more confident about cast iron grates, check out this highly-ranked kettle grill.

Make Sure to Choose the Best Cooking Area for Your Kettle Grill
Under 500 Sq. Inch Grills

Want to learn more about less than 500 sq. in. grills? Well, keep reading the following paragraph to learn more about kettle grills. Small grills provide plenty of room to cook for the whole family, so you can save space while still grilling with enough area for great size portions. Created with simultaneously searing at high temperatures and slow cooking at low temperatures in mind, they are often equipped with two burners, so you can simultaneously sear at high temperatures and slow cook at low temperatures. They are no hassle to move, so you can place them anywhere you want in your patio or yard. Ready to pick out the right kettle grill for you? Get started here.

500-700 Sq. Inch Grills

Want to learn more about 500-700 sq. in. grills? Well, keep reading the following section to learn more about kettle grills. Offering plenty of space to comfortably cook, these 500-700 sq. inch grills let you prepare all of your favorite dishes. With these kinds of grills, you can cook up to 12 pieces of chicken, 15 sausages, 6 steaks, and 12 burgers at a time. They are often equipped with up to eight burners, so you can prepare different kinds of food simultaneously. They are designed to operate at different temperatures at the same time, so you can simultaneously grill food items at high temperatures while slow cooking others on lower heats. If you think a 500-700 sq. in. grill could be right for you, you'll want to take a look at this kettle grill.