Weber 26 3/4" One-Touch Gold Charcoal Grill

About.com Rating 5 Star Rating

User Rating 5 Star Rating (2 Reviews) write a review

By Derrick Riches, About.com Guide

Weber 26.75-inch One Touch Gold Charcoal Grill

Weber-Stephen Products Company

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The Bottom Line

Consider this the super-sized version of the ever popular Weber Kettle Grill. Large enough to cook four (maybe five) turkeys this grill is also loaded with upgrades. The over-sized ash catcher, the heavy stainless steel rod cooking grates, and the roll top lid all add up to not only a larger kettle, but a better one. Of course, whether or not this $350USD charcoal grill is right for you is another question. If you are new to charcoal, don't need something this big, or simply can't afford it, the smaller Weber Kettles sell for under $100. If you know these grills then you should know what this one will give you.

Pros

Extra large cooking area
High precision air vents
Versatile cooking abilities
High quality construction

Cons

An expensive charcoal grill

Description

508 square inches of cooking area on a 26 3/4" cooking grate
Stainless steel, hinged cooking grate
Removable aluminum ash catcher with stainless steel fittings
Roll top lid
Aluminum vents
Built in lid mounted thermometer
Two charcoal baskets included for indirect grilling
Tripod stand with two large wheels
Porcelain enameled lid and body

Guide Review - Weber 26 3/4" One-Touch Gold Charcoal Grill

The Weber Charcoal Grill has been amongst the world's most popular pieces of outdoor cooking equipment for decades. In some parts of the world this grill means barbecue. Now Weber has reintroduced the 26 3/4" unit after many years. While not as big as the Ranch Kettle, this huge grill gives you 508 square inches of cooking area, more than enough for most anyone. With this kind of space you can grill a lot of food, even indirectly. In addition this kettle can, if you know what you are doing, be used as a smoker, making this, like other Weber Kettles, a very versatile grill.

This big kettle is loaded with upgrades beyond the excellent construction of the Weber Kettle. The cooking grates on this one have the same dual hinge design that lets you get to the fire without lifting the grate, but these are made from heavy stainless steel rod to last a very long time. The lid on this unit is pretty heavy so Weber has taken the roll top (or as they call it Tuck Away) lid system off the Weber Performer and put it on this grill. What that means is that all you have to do is slide the lid back to get into this one. It also means you never have to put the lid on the ground and leave those round grease marks on your patio.

All in all if you have the money and you want a seriously big charcoal grill, then this is the unit for you. Fantastic cooking abilities like any Weber kettle, with great construction of durable parts and the space to cook for the largest parties make this a great grill.

This charcoal grills lists for $349USD but can typically be found for $299USD.

User Reviews

5 out of 5

Best Grill Ever Made, Member ChefRudy

I have cooked on a 26"" Weber for many years. As an avid griller, and having 20+ years professional cooking experience, I can whole heartedly endorse this product. My first Weber (22"") lasted 20 years, since then I have owned a variety of Weber products: Smokey Joe, an 18"", a couple more 22"", and the 36"" Ranch Kettle - the 26"" is the most versatile grill Weber has ever produced. The difference between the 22"" and the 26"" is enormous. 4"" of radius doesn't sound like much - but the volume of controlled air space is what makes the difference. A 22"" can barely manage a full prime rib - the 26"" handles with no problem. A whole 14-18# turkey can be grilled on a 22' - but you better buy one with a flat breast. The 26"" accomodates easily. I am very pleased that Weber has reintroduced the 26"" - maybe now I can purchase a replacement cooking grate - I use mine year round and the original is still servicable - just not quite as pretty as it once was. The price point is a bit stiff - but if you are a grilling purist - no gas for me thank you - and you cook for lots of folks - this is the best grill ever made.

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