The 18 inch has 254 sq. in. of space. The 22 inch has 380 sq. in. of space. Those 4 inches add an extra 50% surface area.
Comparison
BBQ & Outdoor Cooking
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22"
Best for Smoking
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" is a mid-size charcoal grill built on decades of proven reliability. It handles everything from weekend burgers to extended smoking sessions, delivering authentic charcoal flavor and versatility at an accessible price point.
12 mentions · 7 threadslast mention May 2026ClearPick Score
8.4 / 10
Good
Score informed by 12 owner mentions across 7 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
6 positive3 mixed3 negative
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Best for Smoking
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22"
$279.00 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
View on Amazon.ca →Opens Amazon.ca · Affiliate link✅ Ships to Canada
✅ Prime eligible (most orders)
✅ 30-day Amazon returns
✅ No extra cost to you
Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
If you do not thoroughly clean and add a protective oil coating after a burn session, OEM plated mild steel grates rust and deteriorate really fast. I have been using Weber Kettles for many years so I upgraded to a SS grate
Complaint
I do everything in a Weber kettle from brisket to brats, whatever and it's great. I barely take care of it (I never remember to cover it) and it still looks brand new after 5 years besides some surface rust on the top vent cover. Weber's are generally known for having excellent quality
Praise
My Dad's first Weber (1974) lasted 34 years. Beach house, it got major use every weekend, and garaged every Sunday night. The replacement for his 75th Bday, was as well built as the original.
Praise
I would never attempt a brisket on a kettle. Opt for offset or WSM.
Complaint
Wow...grills have gone way up in $$$ since my last purchase 18 years ago. Since I only planned to BBQ once every two weeks or so, I wanted to save some $$ and went with the 22" Premium model for about $100... the legs are shorter. The grill seems about 6 inches lower to the ground. The legs are no longer attached to welded-on sleeves that were very sturdy. The new legs are screwed to the kettle bottom. This won't hold up over the years... The bottom of the kettle is not as deep as the original... the entire kettle is less stable and more likely to topple... avoid the premium and get the real deal.
Complaint
i really hate that i have such a strong aversion to the sound of the weber lids.
Complaint
I have a Recteq 700 and will be picking up a Weber Kettle sooner than later. I miss the smell and taste of charcoal
Praise
It's 40% bigger. It'll help for sure. Especially if you put coals all the way on one side like with a basket or a slow n sear to smoke stuff. The downside is the lid is heavier and the little three legs are kinda wobbly. There is no 26" Performer, unfortunately.
Comparison
Flat was a tiny bit dry, but compared to my first attempt years ago, you can call me Aaron Franklin.
Praise
the snake method is solid for smoking.
Praise
you typically do want to cover the hole when you're not using the fan blower just to get more predictable temperature control.
Praise
✅ What Works
- Multi-decade durability and reliability across neglectful ownership
- Excellent for smoking with snake method and indirect techniques
- 50% larger cooking area than 18-inch model
- Authentic charcoal flavor and aroma
- Precise temperature control with practice
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Premium model has construction compromises: screwed-on legs less stable than welded, shorter leg height
- Stock grates rust rapidly without regular maintenance and oil coating
- Not suitable for large briskets; better for smaller cuts and shorter cooks
- Lid produces unpleasant clanging noise
ClearPick Verdict
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" delivers decades of proven durability and exceptional versatility for smoking multiple styles—owners report 30+ year lifespans and consistently praise its charcoal flavor and ability to handle everything from brats to ribs using the snake method. Precise temperature control is achievable with practice. However, the Premium model trades some build quality for price: legs are screwed rather than welded, making it less stable than the Original, and owners note shorter legs lower the grill to the ground. Stock grates rust without regular maintenance and oil coating, though upgrading to stainless steel is straightforward. Avoid if you plan to smoke full briskets; the 22" is better suited to smaller cuts. Buy if you want an approachable, durable charcoal grill for varied smoking projects, but consider the Original model if stability and premium construction matter most.