Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Gold Charcoal Grill

I got this grill on the advice of a friend when we were in grad school. She'd been trying to save money, and bought a similar type grill from a different manufacturer. It didn't vent right at all, and she was right, this one does. Brand matters.

I've lugged it with me through something like 5 moves, and it's still fine. The grill has eventually accumulated rust, but it's nothing you can't scrape off at the beginning of the season, and besides they're always telling us we need more iron in our diets, right?

If I hadn't left it outside for a couple of winters the rust might not have happened. It doesn't look like it's going to wear out in my lifetime, so I guess I'll never have a chance to find out on a new one!

I like using the charcoal made of real wood chunks more than the compressed bricquettes (they don't last as long, but they taste WAY better).

Couple it with the Weber chimney starter, and you have a way of getting rid of junk mail, too! (Just don't burn paper with colored inks, *blech*.)

I fed 12 people on links and venison last Friday night with just one of these babies, started with the chimney (that part took only 30 min, honest to Gawd). Afterwards there were still enough coals left to roast marshmallows on fondue forks. (We didn't have real sticks available, OK? You use what you've got.)

I have a Diversitech grill pad under it to keep the heat and crud off my deck, and it works great.

Enjoy!

We have owned a weber of some type for over 25 years, (charcoal that is). This Smokey Joe is the greatest. You can jusify firing up a small load of charcoal for just a few burgers or steaks with this one. Haul in the boat to the beach. Haul it in the car for a picnic. You won't be sorry you spent the $ on this even as a second grill to your big one.

your desciption of the grill is great. i was wondering if it would allow me to cook a 12-14 lb turkey. maybe weber should pick up on this consideration when they sell a product.

This grill is of excellent quality. It is conveinent to use at home, take to the beach, picnic for the day, take over to a friend's house for a cookout, or just any occasion! The lid has a snap-lock feature with a carrying handle, that secures the whole grill. The grill itself is big enough to handle quite a bit of food at one time. We just purchased one and love it! Overall, I am glad that we chose it.

This is a good grill, but I say that with a disclaimer - unless you absolutely insists on charcoal, go with Weber's gas-n-go grill as your portable. It's not so much that this grill has any problem as the gas-n-go is really excellent.

This grille is about three times as heavy and you have to lug the charcoal around. At home, I don't mind, but when I'm tailgating at a concert or game, I'd just as much like to worry about it. The Gas-N-Go gives you the best flavor I've seen for the five gas grills I have and is easier to carry and clean.