Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill Review

Feeding a crowd? The Weber Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill was originally designed for caterers, but also works great for large families and functions such as company or church picnics, family reunions- anywhere larger groups of people will be congregating for a barbecue.

The cooking area measure 42 in x 37.75 in x 44.75 in for a total of 1104 square inches. A hinged cooking grate allows easy access to the coals and a removable ash catcher makes clean up a snap. The Weber Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill has locking casters that allow for easy transportation from one location to another and is made of porcelain coated enamel to prevent rust.

This grill has a convenient tuck away compartment for the lid for use while grilling. It comes complete with a grilling cookbook to help make your next family reunion or backyard gathering a success. Although designed for large groups, it is possible to use the Weber Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill for smaller meals as well. Simply heap the charcoal in one smaller area and cook your meat directly above. This grill truly shines, however, when asked to perform for a large crowd.

Online reviews are filled with enthusiastic owners listing off the impressively large quantities and varieties of meat and vegetables that were grilled at the same time on the Weber 60020 The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill. Weber does not have a cover specially made to fit this large grill, but owners suggest purchasing a large outdoor table cover to fit over top as standard size barbecue covers will be too small.

Pros of Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill

1. Lid design
2. Quality of construction
3. Performance

Reviewers praised the lid holder design, which keeps the lid steady while you cook.

Assembly is easy and instructions are clear. The quality of materials used is high and the grill seems very sturdy. The cast iron grate is top quality- one reviewer mentioned owning this grill for two years with no signs of rust yet.

Among the reviewers online were several hardcore barbecue enthusiasts who participated in grilling competition, and all were enthusiastic about the Weber Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill’s performance. Its size allows it to cook two turkeys at once, amongst other things. Reviewers admired its ability to cook large quantities of meat evenly with delicious results. The cooking grate is hinged, which allows grillers to add or redistribute charcoal as required during grilling.

Cons of Weber The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill

1. Ease of cleaning
2. Lack of shelf
3. Cost

Clean up of the Weber 60020 is not quite as simple as other Weber models due to its large size. Both grates must be removed in order to shovel the ashes out. As this is a very large barbecue and uses a large amount of charcoal, this can result in a great deal of ashes. However, it is possible to use the grill several times before it is necessary to clean the ashes out. One reviewer suggested investing in a small ash vacuum cleaner to facilitate cleaning. Others suggested tipping the barbecue on its side, or using a small shovel to remove the ashes. The grate’s large size means it is not possible to wash in the dishwasher or sink.

There is no shelf or side table accompanying the Weber Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill. There is space for hanging barbecue tools, but if you would like an area to keep plates, cooking accessories, etc a small additional table will be necessary.

This grill is expensive, and uses a large amount of charcoal.

Quality construction and excellent performance are two of this grill’s biggest assets. It can easily cook large quantities of meat without sacrificing quality. Cleanup is a bit more involved than some other Weber models. If you are a serious griller, or enjoy hosting large gatherings, the Weber 60020 The Ranch Charcoal Kettle Grill is a worthwhile investment.