Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Grill, Black Review
A compact charcoal kettle for tailgating, camping, and small patios.
| Brand | Weber |
|---|---|
| Category | Grills & Outdoor Cooking |
| Color | Black |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal |
| Grill Size | 14 inches |
| Finish | Porcelain-enameled |
| Best for | Tailgating, camping, and small-portion charcoal grilling |
Product Overview
The Weber Smokey Joe is a 14-inch charcoal kettle grill built for portable outdoor cooking. It uses a Tuck-N-Carry lid lock, a porcelain-enamel finish, and an ash catcher to simplify transport and cleanup.
This review checks the listing's stated features, size claims, and practical trade-offs for camping, tailgating, and small-space grilling.
Score Breakdown
This verdict is based on the manufacturer's stated specifications, the current Amazon listing and its product images, the confirmed materials and design, real buyer ratings, and our research into the product category. Scores are consistent editorial judgments, not laboratory measurements, and we did not receive a paid sample.
Key Features
Doubles as a lid holder and keeps the lid secure during transport.
Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go.
Scratch and rust resistant for long-term durability.
Protects surfaces below the grill and makes cleanup easier.
Fits about 6 burgers made with a Weber burger press.
Design and Build Quality
The black porcelain-enamel finish is listed as scratch and rust resistant, which matters for a portable grill that gets moved often. The Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder, so the lid stays with the bowl during transport.
The exact total weight and overall dimensions are not confirmed in this listing beyond the 14-inch size. The ash catcher is built to protect surfaces below, but the listing does not specify its capacity or emptying method.
Performance in Everyday Use
The 14-inch grate is said to fit about 6 burgers made with a Weber burger press. That makes it a viable small-batch charcoal grill, but you will need to manage charcoal airflow manually because the listing does not mention adjustable vents or a thermometer.
For quick cooks like burgers, brats, or skewers, the compact size and lightweight design should make setup fast. The main limitation is capacity: larger cuts or meals for a bigger group will require multiple batches or a larger kettle.
How It Performs: The Evidence
| Decision factor | What we found | Evidence and measurement | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lid Security | Yes | Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock doubles as lid holder | 8.5 | Listing confirms transport lock, but no user validation of long-term wear. |
| Surface Protection | Yes | Ash Catcher protects surfaces and makes cleanup easy | 8.0 | Design intent clear, but no capacity or emptying details given. |
| Durability | Claimed | Porcelain-enamel finish is scratch and rust-resistant | 8.0 | Finish type suggests durability, but listing gives no warranty or thickness details. |
| Capacity | About 6 burgers | Fits 6 burgers made with a Weber burger press | 6.5 | Small 14-inch grate limits larger meals; burger count assumes specific press size. |
| Temperature Control | Not specified | Listing does not mention adjustable vents or a thermometer | 5.0 | Manual charcoal grills need airflow control; this absence is a real limitation. |
Who Should Buy It
- Camping and tailgating trips
- Small patios and balconies where open flame is allowed
- Couples and small families
- Burgers and quick charcoal cooks
- Grillers who prioritize easy cleanup
- Cooks who need to grill for more than a few people at once or want precise heat control
- No temperature control details in listing
- Small grate limits larger meals
- Listing does not confirm total weight or dimensions
Full Specifications
How It Compares
| Feature | Weber | Typical option | Higher-tier option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Charcoal | Propane or electric tabletop grill |
| Lid Transport | Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock | Simple lid latch or no lock | Hinged lid or latching clips |
| Finish | Porcelain-enameled | Painted steel or powder coat | Unpainted cast iron or stainless steel |
| Cleanup | Ash Catcher | Removable ash pan | No dedicated ash catcher, foil or manual sweep |
| Capacity | About 6 press-sized burgers | 4 to 6 standard burgers | 2 to 4 burgers or single-serve |
| Heat Control Detail | Not specified in listing | Adjustable dampers and lid thermometer | Temperature dial for electric or gas |
Alternatives Worth a Look
This is a solid choice for portable charcoal grilling if you only need a small cook surface. The lid lock and ash catcher are practical, but expect to manage heat by hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Weber Smokey Joe easy to carry?
Yes, the listing describes it as compact and lightweight, and the Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder for transport.
What can I cook on it?
The listing says it fits about 6 burgers made with a Weber burger press, so it is best for small quick cooks.
Does it have an ash catcher?
Yes, the grill has an ash catcher that protects surfaces below and makes cleanup easy.
What is the finish?
The grill has a porcelain-enamel finish that is listed as scratch and rust resistant.
What fuel does it use?
This is a charcoal grill. The listing does not include charcoal or starting accessories.
Does it have a thermometer or adjustable vents?
The listing does not mention a thermometer or adjustable vents, so temperature management is manual.
This review is based on the manufacturer's stated specifications, the current Amazon product listing and its images, the confirmed materials and design, and our own research into grills and outdoor cooking as a product category. Our scores are editorial judgments made against consistent criteria, not laboratory measurements, and we did not carry out destructive or long-term stress testing.
Where the listing did not clearly confirm a detail, such as exact dimensions, weight or certifications, we have deliberately left it out rather than guess. If you are buying, always confirm the current specification and price on the live Amazon listing, since configurations and availability change.