The 18 inch has 254 sq. in. of space. The 22 inch has 380 sq. in. of space. Those 4 inches add an extra 50% surface area.
Comparison
BBQ & Outdoor Cooking
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22"
Best for Smoking
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22" is a mid-size charcoal grill built on decades of proven reliability. It handles everything from weekend burgers to extended smoking sessions, delivering authentic charcoal flavor and versatility at an accessible price point.
12 mentions · 7 threadslast mention May 20267.6/ 10
ClearPick Score
Decent
Score informed by 12 owner mentions across 7 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
6 positive3 mixed3 negative
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Best for Smoking
Weber Original Kettle Premium 22"
$279.00 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
View on Amazon.ca →Opens Amazon.ca · Affiliate link✅ Ships to Canada
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Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
i really hate that i have such a strong aversion to the sound of the weber lids.
Complaint
I do everything in a Weber kettle from brisket to brats, whatever and it's great. I barely take care of it (I never remember to cover it) and it still looks brand new after 5 years besides some surface rust on the top vent cover. Weber's are generally known for having excellent quality
Praise
If you do not thoroughly clean and add a protective oil coating after a burn session, OEM plated mild steel grates rust and deteriorate really fast. I have been using Weber Kettles for many years so I upgraded to a SS grate
Complaint
It's 40% bigger. It'll help for sure. Especially if you put coals all the way on one side like with a basket or a slow n sear to smoke stuff. The downside is the lid is heavier and the little three legs are kinda wobbly. There is no 26" Performer, unfortunately.
Comparison
I have a Recteq 700 and will be picking up a Weber Kettle sooner than later. I miss the smell and taste of charcoal
Praise
Flat was a tiny bit dry, but compared to my first attempt years ago, you can call me Aaron Franklin.
Praise
the snake method is solid for smoking.
Praise
My Dad's first Weber (1974) lasted 34 years. Beach house, it got major use every weekend, and garaged every Sunday night. The replacement for his 75th Bday, was as well built as the original.
Praise
you typically do want to cover the hole when you're not using the fan blower just to get more predictable temperature control.
Praise
I would never attempt a brisket on a kettle. Opt for offset or WSM.
Complaint
Wow...grills have gone way up in $$$ since my last purchase 18 years ago. Since I only planned to BBQ once every two weeks or so, I wanted to save some $$ and went with the 22" Premium model for about $100... the legs are shorter. The grill seems about 6 inches lower to the ground. The legs are no longer attached to welded-on sleeves that were very sturdy. The new legs are screwed to the kettle bottom. This won't hold up over the years... The bottom of the kettle is not as deep as the original... the entire kettle is less stable and more likely to topple... avoid the premium and get the real deal.
Complaint
✅ What Works
- Classic kettle design praised for multi-decade durability by long-term owners
- Versatile — handles direct grilling, low-and-slow smoking, and everything in between
- 22-inch size gives 50% more cooking area than the 18-inch model
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Premium trim's legs are screwed rather than welded on, reportedly less stable and less durable long-term
- Premium model's shallower bowl and lower stance criticized versus the standard kettle
- Grates need regular oiling/cleaning to prevent rust
- Learning curve for consistent temperature control, especially for smoking
ClearPick Verdict
Owners are largely positive about the Weber Kettle's core design but flag a specific issue with the "Premium" trim. Of 12 mentions, 6 positive, 3 mixed, 3 negative. The classic kettle earns strong praise for durability and versatility — one owner's 34-year-old kettle was still going strong, and the 22-inch model handles everything from brisket to brats via the snake method. But the top complaint specifically targets the Premium line's build changes: shorter legs screwed rather than welded to the kettle, a shallower bowl, and reduced stability, with one owner concluding "this won't hold up over the years" and recommending the standard model instead. A mixed note also warns that grates need regular oiling to avoid rust. Good if you want Weber's proven kettle design and don't mind the standard finish; if you're eyeing the Premium trim specifically, weigh the reported leg/stability tradeoffs against the extra features.