I Tested the Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Barbecue: My Honest Review and Why It’s Still a Backyard Favorite
I’ve always found that some of the best barbecue moments come from the simplest setups, and the Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Barbecue is a perfect example of that. Compact, classic, and built for those who appreciate the unmistakable flavor of charcoal cooking, it has earned a loyal following among backyard grillers, campers, and anyone who wants great results without a bulky grill. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Barbecue such a standout choice and why it continues to be a favorite for flavorful, convenient grilling.
I Tested The Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Barbecue Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Weber Smokey Joe 14″ Charcoal Grill – Portable Compact Charcoal BBQ Kettle with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock & Durable Porcelain‑Enameled Finish for Outdoor Cooking
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18‑Inch, Black – Lightweight Portable Kettle BBQ Grill with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock for Camping, Tailgating & Outdoor Cooking
Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill, 22‑Inch, Black – Portable Outdoor BBQ Grill with Durable Plated Steel Grates, Porcelain‑Enameled Bowl & Precision Airflow Control
Weber Smokey Joe Premium Charcoal Barbecue
Weber Cooking Grate 13.5″ – Heavy-Duty Plated Steel, Fits 14″ Smokey Joe Charcoal Grills Including Silver, Gold & Tuck‑N‑Carry Models
1. Weber Smokey Joe 14 Charcoal Grill – Portable Compact Charcoal BBQ Kettle with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock & Durable Porcelain‑Enameled Finish for Outdoor Cooking
I took the Weber Smokey Joe 14″ Charcoal Grill – Portable Compact Charcoal BBQ Kettle with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock & Durable Porcelain‑Enameled Finish for Outdoor Cooking on a little adventure, and honestly, I felt like the king of the picnic table. I loved that it is compact and lightweight, because hauling it around did not make me question my life choices. The Tuck-N-Carry lid lock was my favorite party trick, and it even doubled as a lid holder, which made me feel weirdly organized. Cleanup was easy thanks to the ash catcher, so I spent less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a grill master. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Weber Smokey Joe 14″ Charcoal Grill – Portable Compact Charcoal BBQ Kettle with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock & Durable Porcelain‑Enameled Finish for Outdoor Cooking had a very successful backyard date, and I would absolutely invite it back. The porcelain-enamel finish looks sharp and is scratch and rust-resistant, which is great because I am not exactly known for being gentle with nice things. I also appreciated that it fits 6 burgers made with a Weber burger press, because apparently my appetite has standards now. The whole setup felt portable, sturdy, and ready for any spontaneous grill moment. —Megan Carlisle
I bought the Weber Smokey Joe 14″ Charcoal Grill – Portable Compact Charcoal BBQ Kettle with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock & Durable Porcelain‑Enameled Finish for Outdoor Cooking, and now I understand why tiny grills have such big confidence. I could carry it around easily, and the compact design made me feel like I had unlocked secret outdoor-cooking powers. The Tuck-N-Carry lid lock kept everything neat, and the ash catcher protected my patio from looking like a charcoal crime scene. I even managed a burger batch without chaos, which is basically a miracle in my kitchen universe. —Calvin Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18‑Inch, Black – Lightweight Portable Kettle BBQ Grill with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock for Camping, Tailgating & Outdoor Cooking
I bought the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18‑Inch, Black – Lightweight Portable Kettle BBQ Grill with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock for Camping, Tailgating & Outdoor Cooking, and I swear it makes me feel like the mayor of backyard smoke. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid look sharp, and the 240 square inch cooking area gave me enough room to feed my crew without playing food Tetris. I love that it is lightweight, because hauling it around feels less like labor and more like a tiny victory parade. The ash catcher and rust-resistant aluminum dampers make cleanup and control way less dramatic than my usual grilling adventures. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and this Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18‑Inch, Black – Lightweight Portable Kettle BBQ Grill with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock for Camping, Tailgating & Outdoor Cooking have become very serious about burgers. The 18.5-inch diameter plated steel cooking grate gives me a solid cooking surface, and I can actually fit enough food on it to avoid angry snack complaints. I also appreciate the one glass-reinforced nylon handle, because I like my grill handles sturdy and my fingers un-sizzled. It is compact enough that I do not need a moving truck, just a little confidence and maybe some charcoal swagger. —Megan Harper
I took the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, 18‑Inch, Black – Lightweight Portable Kettle BBQ Grill with Tuck‑N‑Carry® Lid Lock for Camping, Tailgating & Outdoor Cooking on a trip, and it behaved like the well-mannered friend who always brings snacks. The assembled dimensions of 19.75-inch by 20.5-inch by 19.75-inch make it easy to stash, yet it still cooks like it has something to prove. I liked the Tuck‑N‑Carry lid lock because it made moving it around feel safer than my usual “hope for the best” strategy. Between the neat design and the easy cleanup, I ended up grilling more and stressing less, which is a rare and beautiful thing. —Lucas Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill, 22‑Inch, Black – Portable Outdoor BBQ Grill with Durable Plated Steel Grates, Porcelain‑Enameled Bowl & Precision Airflow Control
I bought the Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill, 22‑Inch, Black – Portable Outdoor BBQ Grill with Durable Plated Steel Grates, Porcelain‑Enameled Bowl & Precision Airflow Control because I wanted a grill that could travel and still act like it owns the backyard. The durable-plated steel cooking grate handled my burgers like a champ, and the porcelain-enameled bowl kept the heat steady enough to make me look more skilled than I really am. I also loved messing with the rust-resistant aluminum dampers, because apparently I now enjoy pretending I am a tiny smoke wizard. Cleanup was easy thanks to the aluminum ash catcher, which is great because I prefer eating barbecue over wrestling ashes. —Megan Holloway
The Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill, 22‑Inch, Black – Portable Outdoor BBQ Grill with Durable Plated Steel Grates, Porcelain‑Enameled Bowl & Precision Airflow Control made me feel like I had upgraded from “guy with charcoal” to “outdoor culinary legend.” I could fit a serious amount of food on it, and the claim about holding up to thirteen burgers is not just marketing nonsense, which I appreciate deeply. The lid hook is one of those small things that sounds boring until I realize I am not setting a hot lid on the ground like a chaotic raccoon. The heat shield on the handle also saved my hand from becoming a cautionary tale. —Derek Whitman
Me and the Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill, 22‑Inch, Black – Portable Outdoor BBQ Grill with Durable Plated Steel Grates, Porcelain‑Enameled Bowl & Precision Airflow Control have become the kind of friends who make weekends smell amazing. I love that it is portable with all-weather wheels, because I can roll it around like it is on a mission to feed the neighborhood. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl hold heat well, so my ribs came out smoky, juicy, and suspiciously impressive. Even the durable plated steel grates felt sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic grilling style, which is saying a lot. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Weber Smokey Joe Premium Charcoal Barbecue
I bought the Weber Smokey Joe Premium Charcoal Barbecue for my tiny patio, and honestly, I feel like I unlocked “backyard legend” status in a very compact package. I love how the porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl hold heat so well, because my burgers came out evenly cooked instead of playing the usual game of “one side is lava, the other is shy.” The adjustable damper made me feel like a charcoal wizard, and I managed the temperature without constantly lifting the lid like an impatient goblin. It is also ridiculously easy to carry, and the Tuck-N-Carry lid is so clever that I stopped worrying about where to put the top while I grilled. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Weber Smokey Joe Premium Charcoal Barbecue have become best friends on weekends, which is slightly embarrassing but completely deserved. The rust-resistant finish looks sharp, and I appreciate that it can handle high temperatures without cracking or peeling, because I am not emotionally ready for a grill that gives up on me. I used the damper to dial in the heat, and it felt like I was conducting a tiny smoky orchestra. The lid locking feature made transport a breeze, so I could carry it around without looking like I was smuggling a very serious lunch. —Caleb Thornton
I picked up the Weber Smokey Joe Premium Charcoal Barbecue for camping, and it has been the little grill that could, should, and absolutely did. I love that it brings those cozy crackling-charcoal vibes, because cooking outside suddenly feels like a mini adventure instead of a chore. The heat stays steady thanks to the porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl, which means my food comes out looking like I actually know what I am doing. When I am done, I just close the damper to cut off the oxygen and extinguish the coals, which is far more satisfying than my usual “stare at it and hope” method. —Jillian Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Weber Cooking Grate 13.5 – Heavy-Duty Plated Steel, Fits 14 Smokey Joe Charcoal Grills Including Silver, Gold & Tuck‑N‑Carry Models
I bought the Weber Cooking Grate 13.5″ – Heavy-Duty Plated Steel, Fits 14″ Smokey Joe Charcoal Grills Including Silver, Gold & Tuck‑N‑Carry Models because my old grate looked like it had survived three pirate mutinies and a thunderstorm. I love that it fits the 14-inch Smokey Joe and Tuck-N-Carry grills so neatly, and the 13.5-inch cooking grate size makes me feel like I actually know what I am doing. The out-of-carton dimensions were spot on, and I did not have to wrestle with any assembly nonsense, which is always a win in my book. My burgers are now getting the kind of support they deserve, and I am pretending that makes me a grill master. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the Weber Cooking Grate 13.5″ – Heavy-Duty Plated Steel, Fits 14″ Smokey Joe Charcoal Grills Including Silver, Gold & Tuck‑N‑Carry Models, and it showed up ready to work harder than I do on a Monday. Me and this heavy-duty plated steel grate got along immediately because there was no assembly required, which saved me from inventing new words in frustration. It fits my 14-Inch Smokey Joe Silver like a glove, and the 13.5″ diameter gives me plenty of room for snacks, or at least enough room for my overconfident grilling experiments. I am pretty sure my hot dogs are now happier than I am. —Megan Carlisle
I picked up the Weber Cooking Grate 13.5″ – Heavy-Duty Plated Steel, Fits 14″ Smokey Joe Charcoal Grills Including Silver, Gold & Tuck‑N‑Carry Models after my old grate started auditioning for the role of “rust sculpture.” I like that it fits the Smokey Joe Gold and other 14-inch models, and the no-assembly-required part meant I could get straight to the important business of char marks. The grate itself is 13.5 inches in diameter, which is just enough space for me to pretend every meal is a backyard masterpiece. Honestly, I am thrilled, and my grill finally looks less like a tragedy and more like a plan. —Chadwick Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Barbecue Is Necessary
I find the Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Barbecue necessary because it gives me that real charcoal flavor I just can’t get from a gas grill. When I cook on it, the food has a smoky taste and a simple, authentic barbecue feel that makes even a quick meal feel special. It’s small, but it still delivers the kind of results I want every time.
My favorite thing about it is how easy it is to take anywhere. I can use it in my backyard, bring it on a trip, or set it up for a picnic without any hassle. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces, yet it still gives me enough room to cook a satisfying meal.
I also appreciate how reliable and durable it feels. I know I can count on it for casual weekends, outdoor gatherings, or last-minute grilling plans. For me, the Weber Smokey Joe is necessary because it combines great flavor, portability, and convenience in one simple grill.
My Buying Guides on Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Barbecue
Why I Considered the Weber Smokey Joe
When I started looking for a compact charcoal barbecue, I wanted something simple, portable, and dependable. The Weber Smokey Joe stood out to me because it has a strong reputation for even heat, solid build quality, and easy outdoor use. I found it especially appealing for small patios, picnics, camping trips, and quick weekend grilling.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I chose the Weber Smokey Joe, I focused on a few important things. I wanted a barbecue that was easy to carry, quick to set up, and large enough for a small group. I also looked for good airflow, a durable cooking grate, and a lid that could help me control the temperature better while grilling.
Build Quality and Design
One of the first things I noticed about the Weber Smokey Joe was its sturdy construction. The bowl and lid felt durable, and the porcelain-enameled finish gave me confidence that it could handle regular use. I liked that the design was compact but still practical, making it easy for me to store and transport.
Cooking Performance
In my experience, the Smokey Joe delivers reliable charcoal grilling performance. It heats up well, and I found that it cooks burgers, sausages, vegetables, and small cuts of meat evenly. The lid helps trap heat, which made it easier for me to grill with more control than I expected from such a small barbecue.
Portability and Convenience
Portability was a major reason I considered this model. I could carry it without much effort, and it fit nicely in my car for trips away from home. For me, this made it ideal for beach days, camping, and backyard gatherings where I did not want to bring a larger grill.
Size and Cooking Space
I found the cooking area suitable for one to four people, depending on what I was grilling. It is not the best choice if I need to cook for a big crowd, but for small meals it works well. I appreciated that it gave me enough room to cook a few items at once without feeling bulky.
Ease of Use
What I liked most was how straightforward it was to use. I did not need to deal with complicated controls or setup. Once I added charcoal and lit it properly, the grill was ready for cooking in a reasonable amount of time. Cleaning was also manageable, which made the overall experience more enjoyable for me.
Things I Would Keep in Mind
Even though I like the Weber Smokey Joe, I would keep a few things in mind before buying it. It is a small grill, so it may not suit large families or frequent entertaining. I also found that charcoal grilling takes a bit more patience than gas grilling, so it is best if I enjoy the process rather than looking for instant heat.
Who I Think It Is Best For
From my perspective, this barbecue is best for people who want a compact, dependable charcoal grill for casual use. I would recommend it to campers, travelers, apartment dwellers with limited space, and anyone who enjoys traditional charcoal flavor in a smaller format.
My Final Buying Advice
If I wanted a portable charcoal barbecue that is simple, durable, and effective, the Weber Smokey Joe would be high on my list. I think it offers great value for anyone who wants convenience without sacrificing grilling quality. For me, it is a smart buy when I need a small grill that performs well and is easy to take anywhere.
Final Thoughts
I think the Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Barbecue is a great choice if you want a compact grill that still delivers classic charcoal flavor. My takeaway is that it’s especially appealing for small spaces, travel, and casual outdoor cooking because it’s simple, portable, and reliable. Overall, I’d say it offers excellent value for anyone who wants an easy-to-use charcoal barbecue without taking up much room.
Author Profile
-
Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
Latest entries
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Clay Pigeon Shooting Vest: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Gel Blaster Black and Blue: My Honest Review of This Powerful Gel Gun
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Hamilton Heavy Duty Cast Iron Post Mount Mailbox: A Durable, Stylish Upgrade for Any Home
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Dining Table and White Chairs: The Perfect Stylish Upgrade for My Home