Weber Smokey Mountain vs Kettle
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission with no extra cost to you.
If you’re looking for a high-quality smoker or grill, Weber is a brand that you can trust. Two of their most popular products are the Weber Smokey Mountain and the Weber Kettle.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Weber Smokey Mountain vs Kettle and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Weber Smokey Mountain
The Weber Smokey Mountain is a cylindrical smoker that uses charcoal and wood chunks to generate smoke and heat. Here are some of the key features of this smoker:
- Available in 14-inch, 18-inch, and 22-inch sizes
- Water bowl between the fire and cooking grates helps maintain a stable smoking temperature and adds humidity to the smoke chamber
- Two plated steel cooking grates
- Porcelain-enameled bowl, lid, and water pan
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Rust-resistant aluminum fuel door
- Glass-reinforced nylon handles
This smoker is perfect for those who want to cook delicious smoked meats and vegetables. It’s easy to use and produces consistent results.
Last update on 2024-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Weber Kettle
The Weber Kettle is a classic charcoal grill that has been around for over 60 years. Here are some of the key features of this grill:
- Available in 18-inch and 22-inch sizes
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid
- One-touch cleaning system
- Rust-resistant aluminum ash catcher
- Glass-reinforced nylon handles
- Built-in lid thermometer (on some models)
This grill is perfect for those who want to cook delicious grilled meats and vegetables. It’s easy to use and produces consistent results.
Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Comparison Table
Here’s a more detailed comparison table that highlights the key features of the Weber Smokey Mountain and the Weber Kettle:
| Feature | Weber Smokey Mountain | Weber Kettle |
|---|---|---|
| Available Sizes | 14″, 18″, 22″ | 18″, 22″ |
| Cooking Style | Smoking | Grilling |
| Cooking Space | 481-726 square inches | 240-363 square inches |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal and wood chunks | Charcoal |
| Material | Porcelain-enameled steel | Porcelain-enameled steel |
| Cooking Grates | Two plated steel cooking grates | Plated steel cooking grate |
| Water Pan | Yes | No |
| Built-in Thermometer | Yes | Yes (on some models) |
| Fuel Door | Rust-resistant aluminum fuel door | Rust-resistant aluminum ash catcher |
| Cleaning System | N/A | One-touch cleaning system |
| Handles | Glass-reinforced nylon handles | Glass-reinforced nylon handles |
| Price | More expensive | More affordable |
keep in mind that these are general features and may vary depending on the specific model and size of the Weber Smokey Mountain or Weber Kettle that you choose.
TL;DR
If you’re looking to cook delicious smoked meats and vegetables and have the space to store a larger smoker, the Weber Smokey Mountain is the better choice.
However, if you’re looking to cook delicious grilled meats and vegetables and want a more affordable and versatile option, the Weber Kettle is the way to go.
Overall, both the Weber Smokey Mountain and the Weber Kettle are great products. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs.
Design and Build
The Weber Smokey Mountain and Kettle grills are both constructed with high-quality materials, making them durable and long-lasting. However, there are some key differences in their design and build.
The Weber Smokey Mountain is a vertical smoker that comes in three sizes: 14-inch, 18-inch, and 22-inch. It is made of porcelain-enameled steel and has two cooking grates. The lid and bowl are designed to retain heat and smoke, while the built-in thermometer ensures accurate temperature control. The Weber Smokey Mountain also features a water pan that helps regulate the temperature and keeps the meat moist during the smoking process.
The Weber Kettle, on the other hand, is a classic charcoal grill that comes in various sizes, including 18-inch, 22-inch, and 26-inch. It is made of porcelain-enameled steel and has a one-touch cleaning system that makes it easy to clean after use. The Weber Kettle also features a hinged cooking grate that allows you to easily add charcoal while cooking.
Overall, both the Weber Smokey Mountain and Kettle grills are well-built and designed to last. The Smokey Mountain is ideal for those who prefer slow-cooked, smoked meat, while the Kettle is perfect for grilling and searing.
Cooking Capacity
When it comes to cooking capacity, both the Weber Smokey Mountain and Kettle grills have their advantages and disadvantages. The Weber Smokey Mountain is a vertical smoker with multiple racks, allowing for more cooking space. The 18-inch model has two racks, while the 22-inch model has three racks. This means that you can cook more food at once, making it a great option for larger families or gatherings.
On the other hand, the Weber Kettle grill has a larger cooking surface area, making it a great option for cooking larger items like whole chickens or turkeys. The 22-inch model has a cooking surface area of 363 square inches, while the 26-inch model has a cooking surface area of 508 square inches. This means that you can cook more food in one go, making it a great option for hosting large cookouts or parties.
It’s important to note that the cooking capacity of both grills can be expanded with the use of additional accessories like rib racks or grilling baskets. This allows you to maximize the cooking space and cook a variety of foods at once.
Temperature Control
One of the most important aspects of any smoker is temperature control. Both the Weber Smokey Mountain and Kettle grills offer different methods of temperature control.
The Weber Smokey Mountain is designed with temperature control in mind. The smoker has a built-in thermometer that allows you to monitor the temperature of the smoker. The temperature can be adjusted by adjusting the air vents on the smoker. The air vents on the bottom of the smoker allow air to flow into the smoker, while the vents on the top allow air to escape. By adjusting these vents, you can control the temperature of the smoker.
The Weber Kettle grill also has air vents that allow you to control the temperature of the grill. The vents on the bottom of the grill allow air to flow into the grill, while the vents on the top allow air to escape. By adjusting these vents, you can control the temperature of the grill.
Both the Weber Smokey Mountain and Kettle grills offer excellent temperature control. However, the Smokey Mountain is designed specifically for smoking, so it may be easier to maintain a consistent temperature over a longer period of time. The Kettle grill is more versatile and can be used for grilling and smoking, but it may require more frequent temperature adjustments.
Versatility
The Weber Smokey Mountain and the Weber Kettle are both versatile grills that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks. The Smokey Mountain is designed for smoking, while the Kettle can be used for grilling, smoking, and even baking.
The Smokey Mountain is an excellent choice for smoking meats, fish, and poultry. It has a large water pan that helps to regulate the temperature and keep the meat moist during the cooking process. It also has a built-in thermometer that makes it easy to monitor the temperature of the grill. The Smokey Mountain can be used with a variety of fuels, including charcoal, wood chips, and pellets, which makes it a versatile option for smoking different types of foods.
The Kettle, on the other hand, is a versatile grill that can be used for grilling, smoking, and even baking. It has a large cooking surface that can accommodate a variety of foods, including burgers, steaks, chicken, and vegetables. The Kettle can be used with charcoal or wood chips, which gives it a distinct flavor that is perfect for grilling and smoking. It also has a built-in thermometer that makes it easy to monitor the temperature of the grill.
Overall, both the Weber Smokey Mountain and the Weber Kettle are versatile grills that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks. Whether you want to smoke meats, grill burgers, or bake pizza, these grills are up to the task.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, both the Weber Smokey Mountain and Kettle grills have their pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
Weber Smokey Mountain
The Weber Smokey Mountain is a vertical water smoker that is designed to be easy to use, even for beginners. It has a simple design that is easy to assemble and disassemble, and it comes with clear instructions that make it easy to get started.
One of the biggest advantages of the Weber Smokey Mountain is its temperature control. The smoker has a built-in thermometer that allows you to monitor the temperature inside the smoker, and it also has adjustable vents that allow you to control the airflow and regulate the temperature. This makes it easy to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
The Weber Smokey Mountain also has a large cooking surface, which makes it easy to cook for a crowd. The smoker comes in three different sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Weber Kettle
The Weber Kettle is a classic charcoal grill that is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It has a simple design that is easy to assemble and use, and it comes with clear instructions that make it easy to get started.
One of the biggest advantages of the Weber Kettle is its versatility. It can be used for grilling, smoking, and even baking, so you can cook a wide variety of foods on it. It also has a large cooking surface, which makes it easy to cook for a crowd.
One of the downsides of the Weber Kettle is its lack of temperature control. Unlike the Weber Smokey Mountain, it does not have a built-in thermometer or adjustable vents, so it can be more difficult to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. However, with a little practice, it is still possible to achieve great results on the Weber Kettle.
In conclusion, both the Weber Smokey Mountain and Kettle grills are easy to use and offer their own unique advantages. The Weber Smokey Mountain is great for smoking and has excellent temperature control, while the Weber Kettle is versatile and can be used for a wide variety of cooking methods. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the type of cooking you plan to do.
Price and Value
When it comes to price, the Weber Smokey Mountain is definitely the more expensive of the two. However, it is important to consider the value that each smoker provides. The Weber Smokey Mountain is a high-quality smoker that is built to last, with durable materials and excellent craftsmanship. It also offers a larger cooking surface and better temperature control than the Weber Kettle, making it a great choice for serious barbecue enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the Weber Kettle is a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance and versatility. It can be used as both a smoker and a grill, and its compact size makes it a great choice for small spaces or for those who don’t need to cook large quantities of food at once. The Weber Kettle is also very easy to use and maintain, with a simple design that is perfect for beginners.
Ultimately, the choice between the Weber Smokey Mountain and the Weber Kettle comes down to personal preference and budget. If you are willing to invest in a high-quality smoker that offers excellent performance and durability, the Weber Smokey Mountain is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option that still offers great performance and versatility, the Weber Kettle is a great choice that won’t break the bank.
Conclusion
After comparing the Weber Smokey Mountain and the Kettle, it’s clear that both are excellent options for outdoor cooking. The Weber Smokey Mountain is ideal for those who want to smoke meat and other foods, while the Kettle is perfect for grilling and roasting.
Those who are looking for a versatile option that can do both smoking and grilling may want to consider the Weber Smokey Mountain, as it can do both with ease. However, the Kettle is more affordable and can still produce excellent results.
Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and what type of cooking the user plans to do. Both options are durable, well-built, and will provide years of outdoor cooking enjoyment.