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The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley
The Weber Kettle is the world's most popular charcoal grill for excellent reasonl—it's simple to use, amazingly versatile, and very dependable. “The best thing about this grill in particular is that it’s excellent for beginners. If you’re new to grilling and are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices you have for grills, start with this one. It may not have all of the fancy accessories and settings that a modern grill has, but it will still get the job done to a high standard for home griller,” insists Michael East, a Weber Kettle fan and BBQ writer of Griddle King.
Since it sits on the back patio of so many homes, many companies (including, of course, Weber itself) have invested substantial time and energy into creating accessories to make the Weber Kettle as functional as possible. These add-ons have remarkably wide-ranging applications, turning the Weber Kettle into a pizza oven, a smoker, or simply a better grill.
These accessories offer versatility and make this simple charcoal grill into the ultimate backyard piece of cooking equipment. Most of these accessories are for the 22-inch version of the Weber Kettle, including the Performer line, so if you have an 18-inch model, check for compatibility before purchasing. However, many of these items will fit 22-inch round grills from other manufacturers, too.
Here, you’ll find the best Weber Kettle Grill accessories currently on the market.
Best Rotisserie
Weber 22-Inch Charcoal Kettle Rotisserie
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Amazon
Electric motor
Can grill two chickens at once
Counterbalanced for smooth turns
Expensive
The rotisserie is one of the best accessories for any grill. Rotisserie cooking means even cooking. Foods are self-basted, making them juicier, more tender, and more flavorful. All this can be made so much better by putting that rotisserie over a charcoal fire.
This somewhat-pricey piece is thoroughly designed for optimal roasting. It's all one-piece with terrific counterbalance so your poultry will rotate with ease, while a porcelain-enameled ring makes it easier to clean afterward. The smoky flavor adds an extra layer to foods, and, given the temperature control of a Weber Kettle, it can literally smoke poultry or a roast on the rotisserie for an even, perfect barbecue.
Price at time of publish: $235
Fits: 22-inch Weber grills | Dimensions: 31.25 x 21.25 x 7.5 inches
Best for Barbecue
Weber Gourmet BBQ System Hinged Cooking Grate
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Amazon
Hinged grate to add charcoal without removing
Increased cooking flexibility
Hard to clean center section moves around
Weber introduced their Gourmet BBQ System to increase the versatility of their grills. To start with, you need the new wire cooking grate with the removable center section. The section is easily replaceable with various Gourmet BBQ System accessories, including a porcelain-coated sear grate, a cast iron griddle, a wok, a pizza stone, and several other items. This cooking grate is the ultimate versatility package and offers another option for a grill upgrade.
Price at time of publish: $59
Fits: 22-inch Weber grills | Dimensions: 22.9 x 22.9 x 3.4 inches
Best Grill Cover
Jiesuo 22-Inch BBQ Grill Cover
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Amazon
Velcro straps and attachments for easy fastening
Comes in multiple sizes
Reasonably priced
No warranty
Prone to discoloration
To keep your Weber Kettle in top working condition for years to come, you’ll need to invest in a high-quality grill cover that will shield the grill from the elements. An effective grill cover should be made from sturdy waterproof material, should fit the grill perfectly, should be substantial enough to stay in place even when the wind is blowing and the rain is pouring, and should be easy to maintain. Luckily, the JIESUO Grill Cover delivers on all of these fronts.
The JIESUO cover consists of heavy-duty polyester, which proficiently repels water and guards the grill against pollen deposits and other natural debris that can compromise the Weber Kettle’s shininess. The cover lining adds to its water-resistant nature, thanks to PVC construction and a layer of vinyl oil, which keeps the lining soft and resilient and prevents it from drying out and flaking away. JIESUO uses extremely durable polyester elastic “yarn” on its seams, so there’s no need to worry about rips, tears, and holes.
In terms of fit, JIESUO has an option for every Weber Kettle. Their grill cover comes in an 18-inch model and a 22-inch model, which takes care of anyone who has one of Weber’s most popular Kettle Grill sizes. Even if you’ve chosen to go with the bigger Weber Premium Kettle Grill (which is 26 inches), you can find a JIESUO cover to suit that model.
Price at time of publish: $19
Fits: 18 inches, 22 inches, 26 inches | Dimensions: 23 x 20.5 x 35 inches
Best Charcoal Holder
Weber Char-Basket Charcoal Briquet Holders
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Amazon
Adjustable baskets for direct or indirect heat
Uses fewer briquets
Construction feels a little flimsy
Weber Char-Baskets is a pair of sturdy containers for your grill's charcoal or wood chunks. These briquet baskets are made from aluminum steel and make cooking both easy—who doesn't want that—and safe. For direct heat, simply put the two baskets in the center of your kettle grill, and for indirect heat, move them to the sides. They're handy, convenient, and affordable—a winning combo.
Price at time of publish: $26
Fits: 18-inch, 22-inch, and 26-inch Weber charcoal grills | Dimensions: 5.2 x 4.8 x 16 inches
Best Starter
BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity Charcoal Starter
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Amazon
Starts charcoal faster
Doesn’t need lighter fluid
Easy to clean
Handle may overheat and melt
Probably the worst thing about grilling on charcoal is getting the fire started. Everyone’s got a favorite method, possibly involving newspaper, paraffin, or kindling, but that’s not particularly reliable, especially when it’s windy. While starter fluid can make fire starting a little more reliable, it can also leave a nasty flavor behind.
This fire starter solves all the lighting problems, and it works quickly, so you don’t have to wait as long to start cooking. Thanks to the innovative elbow that opens on the side of the chimney, this draws in more air and gets the fire going in just a few minutes with no starter fluid needed. The hole is also designed to hold the clip-on BBQ Dragon Fan (sold separately) for even faster, more consistent burning.
The side hole lets you add newspapers or commercial fire starters to the chimney. Additionally, you can light the coals without trying to lift the chimney to get underneath. Made from heavy-gauge galvanized steel, this is built to withstand the heat and last for many years, while the nylon handle stays cool so you can safely lift the chimney when the coals are ready.
Price at time of publish: $35
Holds: 4.5 pounds of charcoal | Material: Galvanized steel
Best Thermometer
Weber iGrill 2 Thermometer
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Home Depot
Heat resistant to 716 degrees
Free app
Long-lasting battery life
Possible limited wireless range of 20 feet
Some Weber Kettles feature a built-in thermometer on the lid, but for models without, the addition of a wireless device like the iGrill 2 enables precise cooking. An LED screen tells you the temperature, and it connects to the Weber iGrill app, where you can monitor your meat's progress, from negative 22 to 572 degrees. When the target is reached, it'll send a notification straight to your smartphone. No more guesswork or lifting the grill for a peek and losing heat.
The battery is long-lasting (200 hours), and the two meat probes are heat-resistant up to 716 degrees. Bonus: It can be used with any grill—not just the Weber brand.
Price at time of publish: $106
Power: Battery | Accommodates: Up to four meat probes
Best Charcoal
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
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Amazon
Pure hardwood
Long burn times (4+ hours)
Burns hotter than traditional charcoal briquets
Expensive
Your choice of charcoal has a big impact on the taste of your food, which is why you may want to be selective about the fuel you're using. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is a favorite of many grillers thanks to its smooth, mild flavor, which comes from the ultra-dense South American hardwoods used to make the charcoal.
In addition to providing great flavor, this lump charcoal delivers twice the cook power, hotter temperatures, and a longer burn time—four or more hours on open grills and up to 20 hours in smokers. The charcoal doesn't pop or spark, making it easier to cook over, and it also comes in waterproof and dust-proof packaging that helps protect the contents.
Price at time of publish: $48, for 35 pounds
Material: Hardwood without fillers
Best Smart
Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub
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Weber
Compatible with any grill
Notifies when food needs to be flipped
Taken off grill
Users say battery drains quickly
Weber Kettle Grills are a basic, no-frills choice, but you can make your grill a little smarter with the Weber Connect Grilling Hub. This "grilling assistant" is compatible with any grill and features both a meat probe and ambient temperature probe, allowing you to more accurately monitor the temperature of your grill and the doneness of your food.
The hub is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, connecting to your phone to provide real-time temperature updates and countdown timers. It features a USB-rechargeable battery and LCD display, and it can even offer step-by-step grilling assistance for novice grillers.
Price at time of publish: $140
Power: USB rechargeable battery | Tech: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
Best Charcoal Rake
Weber 7649 Charcoal Rake
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Amazon
Long handle
Feels sturdy in the hand
Very sharp edges
When cooking on your Weber Kettle Grill, you may need to move the lit charcoal around, and that's where the Weber Charcoal Rake comes in handy. This stainless steel tool might not be fancy, but it's incredibly effective for rearranging hot coals while maintaining a safe distance. The depth of the rake is 21 inches, and its blade is positioned at a 115-degree angle that allows you to easily move charcoal, and it has a loop on the end so you can hang it off your grill for easy access.
Price at time of publish: $25
Length: 14-inch handle | Material: Stainless steel
Best Grilling Basket
Weber Deluxe Stainless Steel Grill Basket
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Amazon
Dishwasher-safe
Comes in two different sizes
Specifically designed for Weber grills
More expensive than some competing versions
When cooking vegetables on a grill, one major concern involves the tendency of strips of peppers, slices of zucchini, and rings of onion to slip through the grill grates. Keeping your veggies all in one place requires a container that will prevent rogue escapes between the grates while also searing the produce to perfection. Basically, you need a grilling basket.
Weber makes a branded grilling basket that’s perfectly suited to the Weber Kettle Grill. Made of stainless steel, the basket retains and distributes heat in such a way that the veggies placed within come out with a perfect level of char. At the same time, this basket won’t strip the vegetables of their natural moisture and juiciness, removing the threat of overly-dry grilled produce. Also, this basket’s narrow slot vents allow it to double as a wok-style pan for ground or diced meat, expanding the cooking possibilities for your Weber Kettle. The grill basket can be quickly and easily cleaned in the dishwasher, and because it comes in both a small and large size, it’s appropriate for households (and Weber Kettle Grills) of all sizes.
Price at time of publish: $31
Fits: 18 inches; 22 inches, 26 inches | Dimensions: 13.5 x 11 x 0.5 inches
Best Pizza Maker
KettlePizza Basic Pizza Oven Kit
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Amazon
Maintains a constant temperature for even pizza baking
Easy to install
Can also be used to cook meat and vegetables
Pricey
The metal on the oven gets extremely hot and can be dangerous if touched
The Weber Kettle Grill isn’t only a useful tool for making classic BBQ dishes; this outdoor appliance can also be used to prep flavorful and beautifully textured homemade pizzas. In order to transform a Weber Kettle into a pizza oven, you’ll need an adapter kit. The best version of this add-on can be found on Amazon in the form of the KettlePizza Basic Pizza Oven Kit.
Fans of the KettlePizza Kit include Michael East, who tells us that “it’s a handy pizza-making insert that essentially turns your Kettle Grill into an outdoor pizza oven. It raises the lid of your grill and creates a gap in the middle,” where the KettlePizza insert can slide right in.
In addition to the oven insert itself, the kit features an aluminum pizza pan where you can rest the pie for the baking process. That said, East does recommend “replacing the aluminum [piece] that comes with the product with a classic pizza stone base” for the best-possible results. The oven insert can reach temperatures up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit in a charcoal and wood-fueled Weber Kettle, which produces a distinct char on the dough without burning the toppings.
Price at time of publish: $145
Fits: 22 inches | Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 8 inches
The Weber 22-Inch Charcoal Kettle Rotisserie will make your grill so much more than just a grill. Take it a step further and turn your backyard into a pizzeria with the KettlePizza Basic Pizza Oven Kit.
What to Look for in Weber Kettle Grill Accessories
Frequency of Use
Once you’ve set up your grill, it’s normal to think about accessories—perhaps you’ll have them all, eventually, but you might want to prioritize certain ones first. For example, a tool you’ll use every time you cook might be worth buying than one you’ll only use a few times a year. All grillers will benefit from tools like a charcoal rake and a grilling basket.
Durability
No matter what you’re buying, you want it to last. Anything used with a grill is subject to high heat and flames, and even the most durable products can fail due to the heat. Since it can withstand a grill's intense heat, look for accessories made from stainless steel, or coated stainless steel. It’s wise to consider the price versus the length of time you’ll be able to use it.
FAQs
What can you cook on a rotisserie?
Besides the juiciest chicken you’ve ever tasted, you can also rotisserie cook pork tenderloin, glazed ham, leg of lamb, and roast beef. Basically, anything that benefits from a slow, self-basting roast will do well with rotisserie cooking.
How far should coals be from the cooking grate?
Most standard kettle grills sit about 4 to 6 inches above the coals. Some have adjustable racks, or you can purchase one for greater cooking flexibility.
How can you tell how hot your charcoal grill is?
If you need to figure out how hot your grill is, hold your hand about 5 inches above the grate. If the temperature of your coals is high, you can hold your hand there for about two to four seconds; for medium, it’s five to seven seconds; and for low, it’s eight to 10 seconds.
Do you need a grill cover?
It’s not entirely necessary, but protecting your grill from the elements is always a good idea. A grill cover will keep rain and snow out of your grill to protect your investment and extend your grill’s lifespan. Not to mention, it will also prevent other gunk, such as bird droppings and pollen, from building up on your grill.
When it comes to shopping, this is typically a case of you get what you pay for. Cheap covers tear easily and last a season or two. Consider one that’s made by your manufacturer, which also ensures a better, more snug fit so the cover won’t blow off with every light breeze.
How do you calibrate a grill thermometer?
It’s a good idea to periodically check to see if your grill thermometer is accurate. Fill a glass with ice water. Place the tip of the thermometer in the ice water; the reading should be 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If not, use the little screw on the back of the thermometer to adjust the needle, then recheck the temperature in the ice water. Keep tweaking the needle until the reading on the thermometer is within a degree or two of 32 degrees when submerged in the ice water.
How do you light a charcoal grill?
Pile the charcoal into a mound or pyramid shape. Some manufacturers make coals infused with lighter fluid already, so you can light them with a match. If you’re using traditional coals, squirt lighter fluid on the top and sides of your cold charcoal pile. Read the lighter fluid directions because the manufacturer may suggest a recommended ratio of fluid to coals for lighting. Never, ever squirt lighter fluid onto hot or burning coals because you can have a dangerous flare up.
After the lighter fluid burns off, the edges of the coals turn whitish-gray. The ash eventually covers each briquet. When the briquets are mostly ash-covered, spread out the coals to begin cooking. You also can use a charcoal chimney to expedite the process. With this device, set the chimney on your grill, place crumpled up scrap paper on the bottom of the chimney, then stack coals in the chimney. Light the paper, and the charcoal will catch fire. Once the coals are mostly ashy, pour the hot coals into the grill.
What can you cook on a charcoal grill?
Pretty much anything. Beyond hotdogs and hamburgers, try sides, such as french fries and sweet potatoes, veggies, such as bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, and broccoli, vegan black bean burgers, pork tenderloin, or even desserts, such as grilled cinnamon apples or honey grilled apricots.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Derrick Riches, the author of this piece, is an expert in grilling and barbecue. He's co-written two books on the subject: "The Rotisserie Grilling Cookbook: Surefire Recipes and Foolproof Techniques" and "Kebabs: 75 Recipes for Grilling."
This article was updated by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats. She's written close to a dozen pieces on all styles of grills and done firsthand testing of smokers and grills featured in her articles.
This roundup was updated by Arricca SanSone, who has been grilling since she owned her first tiny hibachi in college. She’ll grill anything, but her favorite food to grill is homemade pizza with veggies and herbs from her own garden. She is a health and lifestyle writer for Prevention, Country Living, Veranda, House Beautiful, PureWow, and many others.
This article was updated by Taylor Tobin, a freelance journalist who covers cooking, product reviews, and recipe content for outlets like Simply Recipes, HuffPost, Insider, and Allrecipes.
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