Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill Review (2026)

Name: Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill
Brand: Weber
Price: 45.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 8.3 (1 reviews)

The Smokey Joe has been a fixture at tailgates and campsites since long before 'portable grill' was a marketing category, and it still holds up because Weber didn't try to add features it doesn't need. A tight lid seal, a genuinely compact 14.5-inch diameter, and Weber's typically strong porcelain-enameled construction make it a small, tough grill that's easy to justify keeping in a trunk permanently rather than packing for specific trips.

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$45 retail

8.3

/10

TrailCraft Score

What Works

10.6 lbs and 14.5-inch diameter make it genuinely trunk-permanent portable
Weber's porcelain-enameled bowl and lid resist rust and wear well
Tight lid seal helps manage charcoal burn and smoke better than open designs
Decades-long reputation for reliability and longevity

Limitations

147 sq in cooking area limits it to cooking for 2-3 people at a time
No temperature gauge or vent fine-tuning beyond basic open/close
Charcoal setup and cleanup takes more time than a gas grill
Small size means frequent reloading of charcoal for longer cook sessions

Specifications

Weight10.6 lbs

Cooking Area147 sq in

FuelCharcoal briquettes or lump charcoal

Dimensions14.5 in diameter

Height13.5 in

Warranty10-year limited on porcelain enamel

OriginMade in USA/Mexico

Score Breakdown

Cooking Performance

8.5

Build Quality

8.4

Portability

9.8

Value for Money

9.4

Brand & Warranty

8.4

What Sets It Apart

A tight lid seal, a genuinely compact 14.5-inch diameter, and Weber's typically strong porcelain-enameled construction make it a small, tough grill that's easy to justify keeping in a trunk permanently rather than packing for specific trips.

10.6 lbs, $45 — the tiny charcoal grill that's been a tailgate staple for decades

Who This Is For

The Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill is right for outdoor cooks whose priorities match its design: built around compact charcoal grill, at 10.6 lbs and $45.

A note on pricing and links: Prices listed are current as of July 2026 and may change. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change my ranking.

How It Compares

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All options in this category ranked side by side — specs, scores, and pricing.

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Common Questions

How is the Smokey Joe different from the Cuisinart CCG-190?

Both are compact budget charcoal grills at a similar price, but the Smokey Joe is smaller and lighter with Weber's typically stronger long-term durability reputation, while the Cuisinart offers a bit more cooking area.

Is the Smokey Joe good enough for a whole meal, or just snacks?

It comfortably handles burgers, hot dogs, or a modest amount of food for 2-3 people; for larger cookouts, its 147 sq in cooking area becomes limiting.

How long has the Smokey Joe been in production?

It's one of the longest-running products in Weber's portable grill lineup, with a design that has remained largely consistent for decades due to its proven simplicity and reliability.