It is no secret that Australian summers are all about gathering around a sizzling grill, cold drink in hand, waiting for the perfect steak or juicy burger to be done to your liking. But not all barbecues deliver the same grilling greatness. Identifying the ideal Weber kettle BBQ for your needs requires some consideration. Thus, this guide will walk you through the key factors to remember when choosing your next kettle grill. 

Plenty of Cook Room

One of the first specifications to evaluate is the total cooking area. Entry-level kettles like the Smokey Joe provide ample room for small gatherings, offering a generous diameter of 37cm cooking space. That means you can perfectly sear four large steaks at once while roasted veggies finish on the other side of your Weber kettle BBQ.

If you love entertaining and routinely fire up the grill for larger gatherings, maximise your cook surface by opting for the Weber Master-Touch to increase your cooking capacity to an impressive diameter of 57 centimetres.

Compact and Portable

Portability is another key factor that plays a bigger role in more modest grilling endeavours, like campouts and tailgates. While the Smokey Joe kettle grill weighs just over 9kg for true on-the-go convenience, the Go Anywhere model takes portable up a notch, folding down to a compact rectangle for storage and transportation, complete with a locking lid. Tipping the scales at a manageable 5.9kg, the Go Anywhere Weber easily accompanies all your adventures.

Durable Materials and Construction 

All Weber kettles stand out for their exceptional craftsmanship and quality construction, feeling reassuringly sturdy. The heavy steel materials retain heat beautifully, while the porcelain enamelling resists fading and peeling season after season. The BBQs come with a One-Touch cleaning system on all kettle models where simply rotating the handle raises and lowers the charcoal grate for hassle-free ash removal.

More premium Weber kettles upgrade to copper finish on the bowl and lid for unparalleled temperature regulation to achieve perfect doneness from flaky salmon fillets to rich, juicy rib eye steaks. Consider upgrading to a cover or select the Genesis II Weber kettle BBQ with enclosed storage to prevent rusting for ultimate weather protection.

Ignition Innovation 

Standard Weber kettle models rely on good old-fashioned charcoal as the fuel source. Modern Weber kettles now integrate gas ignition systems to instantly and neatly light your briquettes without the chemical aftertaste, or you can explore the innovative Weber SmokeFire, which combines authentic wood-fired flavour from hardwood pellets alongside the traditional kettle grill. However, if you believe grilling greatness relies on mastering manual lighting skills, opt for standard charcoal models without ignition. 

Specialty Features 

Beyond size and portability considerations, several Weber models have added features to enhance your grilling experience. The Performer series features handy built-in work surfaces ideal for food prep alongside your kettle so you can chop veggies or plating sides without running back and forth from the kitchen. At the same time, other models integrate LED fuel gauges so you always know when to top up your charcoal. For night owls and evening entertainers, models like the Weber Master-Touch may tempt you with built-in LED cook timers to eliminate any excuse not to fire up the Weber kettle BBQ after dark! 

Choosing your ultimate Weber kettle BBQ aligns affordability with the kettle construction, fuel options, cooking capacity and special features most meaningful to your grilling lifestyle. For savvy shoppers hoping to snag a Weber at the best possible price, keep an eye out for seasonal sales events and clearance deals at reputable local Weber retailers.