Char-Griller Releases New 22″ Kettle Charcoal Grill, a Value Play

A basic charcoal grill has long been standard equipment for any backyard. It’s a great tool to learn on, master, or just BBQ on a few times a year. Char-Griller just released a new 22″ Kettle Charcoal Grill that fits the bill for any of those categories, and it’s at a value price.

Char-Griller is the value brand under the Middleby umbrella, and the new kettle goes along with that strategy. It retail’s for $129.99 (check price), but has features that you’ll find on more expensive grills from competitors.

It has an adjustable vent and the top and bottom of the grill to control temperatures and airflow. When you burn through your charcoal, the center section of the cooking grate lifts off to allow you to add more without removing the whole grate. You’ll know when you need to mess with the charcoals or control the vent with the temperature gauge in the lid.

For convenience features, the grill lid has a hanger for hanging it off the side of the grill when you need to access your food. There’s an ash cleanout container underneath the grill to keep the ash contained and easy to throw away.

One feature that I question, but Char-Griller claims works is the top vent is placed directly underneath the handle on the lid. Supposedly, it’s made to divert heat away from the handle. Maybe it works well, but I’m skeptical about being able to put easily put your hand there.

Char-Griller Kettle vs. Weber Kettle

The most obvious comparison that most consumers will make is between this grill or a Weber kettle. The features on the Char-Griller kettle puts it between the Weber Kettle 22″ and the Premium model.

The Weber Kettle 22″ is $10 more than the Char-Griller and it doesn’t have a temp gauge on the lid, and it doesn’t have the ash catch on the bottom. The Weber Premium Kettle on the other hand is $90 more, but has the ash catch and the gauge.

Both Weber models have the same cooking space as the Char-Griller, but they are a little bit bigger dimensionally. It’s subjective, but I’d say the overall fit and finish looks a little nicer on the Webers too. If I couldn’t afford the Weber Premium kettle, I’d probably snag the Char-Griller model, but if it’s on sale or I could stretch my budget I’d go for the Premium.