Weber Upgrades Its Most Iconic Charcoal Grill, Making It Even Easier and More Convenient than Gas

The classic Kettle, arguably the most recognizable grill ever, has never been more approachable and easy to use than this.

Round charcoal grill with three steaks, green peppers, and vine tomatoes cooking, digital temperature display showing 125°F.

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By Sean Tirman

Published January 29, 2026

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Of all the different grilling fuel options out there, charcoal is among the oldest and most approachable. Compared to gas, it offers superior flavor, but the tradeoff is that it requires a bit more attention and active management.

But what if you could still get that signature charcoal flavor from a grill that was as easy to operate and monitor as a gas grill? (Or even easier?) That’s the question legendary grill brand Weber seeks to answer with its 22-inch Performer Smart Charcoal Grill. And it might just close the gap between these two popular fuel types.

Black Weber Performer charcoal grill with digital temperature controller and smoke rising from the lid, on a patio. — This 22-inch grill maintains the same circular cooking area as a traditional kettle, but with some serious upgrades elsewhere.

Grillin’ and chillin’

At the core of the Performer Smart Charcoal grill is arguably the most iconic grill ever built: a Weber Kettle. This porcelain-enameled grill has a spacious, circular 22-inch cooking surface, ash catcher, vented lid and more.

And for all intents and purposes, it operates just like the Kettle charcoal grills before it. However, it also has a swath of smart upgrades that, should you choose to employ them, will make your charcoal grilling even easier, more consistent and all-around better.

Metal tongs holding a charcoal briquette over a grill with a roasted chicken on the grate. — Don’t think of it as a smart grill. Think of it as a classic charcoal grill with some serious user-friendly upgrades.

The core of these upgrades is built into the bottom of the grill: a digitally-controlled fan that blows air into the coals and regulates the heat. Paired with the attached LCD Wi-Fi Enabled Controller, this one-two combo lets you precisely control the grill’s temperature for the perfect grill, whether you’re just firing up some quick burgers or doing an all-night smoke.

And it’s not just for monitoring the cook, either. The built-in Rapidfire Assist mode makes for super-simple and quick startups and preheats, using the fan to stoke the coals after you light a fire starter. Put simply, this takes the guesswork out of charcoal grilling and lets you focus instead on your family, friends and other guests.

Digital temperature control panel showing 350°F with a black dial and probe attached to a metallic surface. — The integrated LCD Wi-Fi-enabled controller makes setting timers, controlling the grill temp, checking food probes and more a snap.

Tending the kettle

In case all of those smart features aren’t quite enough, this grill actually still has a lot more to offer. For instance, the smart controller pairs with a mobile app, allowing you to control the grill and all its facets from the convenience of your smartphone (or other mobile device).

Of course, if you’d rather multitask instead of kicking your feet up while your grill does the hard work, the included stand also has an integrated side table that fits drop-in accessories, so you can use it as a prep station, for additional storage and more.

Black Weber grilling gloves with red trim, a metal charcoal basket, lighter cubes box, and wooden plank on a grill shelf. — The two-wheeled stand has additional under-grill storage and the smart fan is built into the bottom of the grill.

Furthermore, the two-wheeled cart also has additional storage down at the bottom for all the other gear you might need. And the whole shebang is super easy to clean and care for when you’re all done grilling, too.

In fact, it has an improved One-Touch cleaning system that makes ash removal quick and easy. Truly, Weber is offering a serious charcoal game-changer with this new all-in-one grilling machine.

Weber Performer charcoal grill with three steaks, green peppers, and tomatoes cooking, digital temperature control, and spice containers on side table. — The grill also has additional storage and prep area, making for an even more convenient all-in-one cooking station.

Pricing and availability

The Weber 22-inch Performer Smart Charcoal Grill will be available in late spring 2026 for $599 and will launch alongside a range of other smart accessories.

Black Weber Performer charcoal grill with digital temperature control and side table on a wheeled stand.

Weber 22-inch Performer Smart Charcoal Grill

$599 at Weber

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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