The Weber Smokey Joe Premium delivers durable, rust-resistant cooking via its porcelain-enameled steel bowl and lid, which retain heat effectively across its 147 sq in surface. Grillwizardoz found that the compact footprint fits four burgers or two steaks, while Expert Reviews highlighted the Tuck-N-Carry lid lock as a key feature for secure transport and convenient handling during use. However, the single bottom vent restricts fine airflow tuning compared to full-size kettles, limiting precise temperature control for low-and-slow smoking sessions. This model suits couples or small families seeking portable charcoal grilling for tailgates or camping, but those requiring advanced smoke management should look elsewhere.
Full review
147 sq in cooking surface fits four burgers
The Weber Smokey Joe Premium provides a circular cooking grate with a diameter of approximately 14 inches, yielding a total cooking area of 147 square inches. This specific footprint is intentionally compact, designed to serve two to four people rather than large gatherings. Grillwizardoz found that this surface fits exactly four standard burgers or two steaks with no room to spare, making it an ideal size for couples or small families who want authentic charcoal flavor without the bulk of a full-sized kettle grill.
The circular shape dictates how cooks arrange their fuel and food. Expert Reviews noted that the sturdy fuel grate does not budge during use, allowing users to distribute coal right up to the edges of the bowl. This even distribution ensures the grill heats up quickly and consistently across the entire 147 square inches. The porcelain-enamelled steel construction retains heat effectively, which helps maintain steady cooking temperatures despite the small volume of air inside the kettle.
For tailgating or camping scenarios where space is at a premium, this compact size allows for rapid setup and efficient fuel usage. Thedelicious observed that the grill handles typical portable grilling foods like sausages, chicken pieces, and vegetables with ease. However, the limited surface area means cooks must plan their menus carefully; it is not suitable for large roasts or feeding a crowd in a single batch.
Tuck-N-Carry lid lock secures transport
The defining feature of the Premium model over its standard counterpart is the Tuck-N-Carry lid lock. This mechanism allows the user to secure the lid directly onto the bowl, transforming the grill into a single, stable unit for transportation. Expert Reviews highlighted that this secondary metal loop clips onto the lid handle, enabling easy carrying from the car to the campsite without the risk of the lid sliding off or getting lost.
Beyond transport, this lockable design serves a dual purpose during cooking. The same mechanism functions as a sturdy lid holder when the grill is in use, keeping the hot lid elevated and out of the way on the ground. This prevents ash from being kicked up onto the food and keeps the handle clean for the next time it needs to be moved. Cookgearlab emphasized that this feature makes the Premium significantly more convenient for frequent travel compared to models where the lid must be carried separately.
The integration of these two functions into one component reduces clutter and simplifies the user experience. When packing up after a meal, users can simply engage the lock and lift the entire grill by its handle. This design choice addresses a common pain point in portable grilling: managing loose parts while navigating uneven terrain or crowded parking lots.
Glass-reinforced nylon handles stay cool
Handling the Smokey Joe Premium during active cooking is safe thanks to its glass-reinforced nylon handle. Grillwizardoz specifically noted that these handles stay cool even when the grill is operating at high temperatures, preventing burns and allowing for confident adjustments without heavy mitts. This material choice contrasts with bare metal handles found on some competitors, which can become too hot to touch after just a few minutes of grilling.
The handle design complements the overall portability of the unit. Weighing in at approximately 10 lbs (5.48 kg), the grill is light enough to be carried one-handed by most adults. Expert Reviews confirmed that this weight, combined with the ergonomic handle, makes it easy to transport from a vehicle to a picnic table or campsite pad without requiring two people or complex lifting techniques.
The durability of these handles matches the rest of the porcelain-enamelled construction. They are resistant to rust and weathering, ensuring they remain functional year after year even when exposed to rain or humidity at outdoor events. This robustness contributes to the long-term reliability that owners often cite as a primary reason for choosing Weber products.
Single bottom vent restricts fine airflow tuning
A significant limitation of the Smokey Joe Premium is its single bottom vent, which restricts the ability to fine-tune airflow compared to full-size Weber kettles. Grillwizardoz found that this design means users cannot precisely control the temperature curve once it is set; they must adjust the damper and then live with the resulting heat profile for a period. This lack of granular control can be frustrating for cooks attempting low-and-slow smoking techniques that require steady, minute adjustments.
The single vent also impacts how quickly users can respond to temperature spikes or drops. While the three aluminum dampeners on the lid provide some upper airflow management, the primary oxygen intake is limited by one opening at the base. This makes it harder to maintain consistent temperatures for longer cooking sessions, such as smoking larger cuts of meat that require hours of unattended heat.
For quick grilling tasks like burgers or hot dogs, this limitation is less noticeable because high heat is desired and maintained easily. However, for users interested in more nuanced barbecue techniques, the restricted airflow can be a bottleneck. The grill excels at searing and fast cooking but struggles with the precision required for extended smoking sessions.
No ash catcher causes loose ash spills
Unlike some competitors in the portable category, the Smokey Joe Premium lacks a dedicated ash catcher or tray. Grillwizardoz pointed out that this absence means loose charcoal ash falls directly into the bottom of the bowl and can spill out when the grill is tilted for transport or cleaning. This creates a mess at campsites or tailgates where sweeping up fine black dust from grass or carpet is difficult.
The porcelain-enamelled interior does help contain some debris, but without a removable ash pan, cleanup requires careful handling. Users must wait for the grill to cool completely before attempting to remove the coals and ash. This process can be time-consuming and messy compared to grills with slide-out trays that allow for quick disposal of spent fuel.
This design choice likely contributes to the lower price point and lighter weight of the unit, but it demands more effort from the user during post-cooking maintenance. Those who prioritize easy cleanup might find this drawback significant enough to look toward models like the Weber Go-Anywhere, which includes an ash catcher system.
Legs do not fold for compact storage
The Smokey Joe Premium features three fixed curved legs that provide stability during cooking but cannot be folded down. Expert Reviews noted that while the grill is lightweight, its dimensions of 36 x 42 x 43cm mean it can still be space-hungry in small car boots or tight storage areas. The inability to collapse the legs prevents the unit from becoming significantly flatter for transport.
This fixed-leg design contrasts with models like the Weber Go-Anywhere, which folds flat for easy packing. For users with ample trunk space or who keep the grill mounted on a cart, this is less of an issue. However, those with limited storage capacity may find the permanent footprint cumbersome when trying to fit other gear alongside it.
The trade-off for non-folding legs is structural rigidity. The fixed supports ensure the grill remains stable even on uneven ground, reducing the wobble that can occur with folding mechanisms over time. This stability contributes to safer cooking but requires users to plan their storage and transport logistics around a rigid, three-dimensional shape.
Porcelain-enamelled steel resists rust
The body of the Smokey Joe Premium is constructed from heavy-gauge steel coated with porcelain enamel, a material known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. Grillwizardoz reported that owners have left these grills in the rain, dropped them down stairs, and fired them in freezing temperatures without suffering damage to the finish. This robust construction ensures the grill maintains its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity over many years of outdoor use.
The porcelain enamel also aids in heat retention. Expert Reviews found that despite its small size, the thick material holds heat well during cooking, allowing for consistent performance even when ambient temperatures drop. This thermal mass helps sear meats effectively and reduces fuel consumption by maintaining internal temperatures more steadily than thinner metal alternatives.
Cleaning is simplified by the smooth, non-porous surface of the enamel. Food residues do not stick as readily to porcelain as they do to bare steel or cast iron, making post-grill wiping easier. This resistance to rust and peeling makes it a reliable choice for users who expose their equipment to varying weather conditions without always covering it.
price point targets budget travelers
The Smokey Joe Premium sits at an accessible entry level for portable charcoal grilling. Grillwizardoz described this as an unbeatable price for a grill that refuses to be disposable, offering build quality comparable to much more expensive full-size kettles. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time charcoal cooks who want to test the waters without a major financial commitment.
The low cost also positions it well for casual users who only need a grill for occasional outings like beach days or park picnics. Unlike premium gas grills that require complex setups and maintenance, this simple kettle design operates on basic principles of airflow and charcoal combustion. Thedelicious noted that the standard model is even cheaper, but the Premium adds practical touches like the lid lock that justify the slight price increase for frequent travelers.
While some users might view the lack of advanced features as a drawback, the low price point reflects a focus on core functionality. It delivers essential grilling performance without the added cost of thermometers, warming racks, or complex venting systems. For those who prioritize portability and durability over high-tech features, this pricing strategy offers excellent value.
Strengths
- +Porcelain-enameled steel bowl and lid provide durable, rust-resistant construction that retains heat effectively.
- +Tuck-N-Carry lid lock secures the lid for transport and doubles as a convenient lid holder during use.
- +Lightweight design at approximately 10 lbs (5.48 kg) allows for easy one-handed carrying to campsites or tailgates.
- +Glass-reinforced nylon handle stays cool to the touch, ensuring safe handling while cooking.
Watch-outs
- −Single bottom vent restricts airflow fine-tuning compared to full-size kettle grills with dual vents.
How it compares
The Weber Smokey Joe Premium utilizes charcoal for authentic smoky flavor, contrasting with the propane systems of the Coleman Fold N Go + Propane Grill. While its single bottom vent restricts airflow fine-tuning compared to dual-vent full-size models, it offers a secure Tuck-N-Carry lid lock that many open-frame portable grills lack.
Rating sources
Counts as 3.91/5 in our score — this publisher's 14 scores on the site average 4.29, so its scores are adjusted down to compare fairly with other publishers.
Our 4.3 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above, each adjusted for how strictly its publisher scores; 6 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
