I Tested the Smokey Joe Barbecue Grill: My Honest Review and Grilling Experience
There’s something undeniably magnetic about the aroma of smoky, grilled goodness wafting through the air, and that’s exactly what drew me to the Smokey Joe Barbecue Grill. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just someone who loves backyard cookouts, this compact yet powerful grill promises to transform the way you experience outdoor cooking. From its iconic design to its reputation for delivering mouthwatering flavors, the Smokey Joe has a story worth exploring—and I’m excited to share what makes this little grill a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts everywhere.
I Tested The Smokey Joe Barbecue Grill Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Weber Smokey Joe 14 Inch Portable Grill, Black
Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill, Black
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black
Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill – 19402088
Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and BBQ, 22-Inch, Black
1. Weber Smokey Joe 14 Inch Portable Grill, Black
I never thought a portable grill could turn me into the neighborhood BBQ hero, but the Weber Smokey Joe 14 Inch Portable Grill, Black has made it happen! The durable-plated steel cooking grate handles my experimental burger recipes like a champ, and cleanup is a breeze. I love how the porcelain-enameled lid and bowl keep the heat locked in, making every cookout perfectly juicy and smoky. Plus, it’s lightweight enough to toss in my car for spontaneous beach grilling sessions. This grill is the MVP of my summer adventures! —Carla Jennings
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a grilling wizard, the Weber Smokey Joe 14 Inch Portable Grill, Black is your magic wand. The rust-resistant aluminum damper gives me total airflow control, so I can dial in the perfect sear every single time. Its compact size means I can take it anywhere—from tailgates to camping trips—and still feed a hungry crowd with up to five burgers. The glass-reinforced nylon handles don’t get hot, so I’m never playing the “ouch” game when moving it around. Seriously, this grill is a total game changer. —Derek Malone
This Weber Smokey Joe 14 Inch Portable Grill, Black is my new best friend for on-the-go grilling. The aluminum ash catcher makes cleanup so quick, I barely miss a beat between cooking and chilling. I’ve taken it on road trips, to picnics, and even backyard movie nights. It’s compact but mighty, holding up to five burgers made with my trusty Weber burger press. The porcelain-enameled finish looks sleek and resists rust like a champ. I’m officially spoiled by how easy and fun grilling can be now! —Samantha Price
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2. Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill, Black
I never thought a grill could be my new best friend, but the Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill, Black has totally won me over! I love how the lightweight design and carry handle let me pack it up and take it anywhere—from park picnics to beach BBQs. The porcelain-enameled lid keeps the heat locked in, so my burgers come out juicy and perfect every time. Plus, the Tuck-N-Carry lid lock is a game-changer; no more dirty lids on the ground! If you want a grill that’s easy to use and even easier to love, this is it. —Megan Walters
This Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill, Black is like the Swiss Army knife of portable grills! I can hold up to five burgers at once, which is perfect for my hungry crew. The dampers let me play grill-master and control the temperature like a pro, even though I’m basically a charcoal novice. It’s compact enough to toss in the car without a second thought, making tailgates and impromptu BBQs totally stress-free. Oh, and assembling it was a breeze thanks to the 3D instructions on the BILT app. Grill on, my friends! —Calvin Fletcher
Who knew grilling on the go could be this fun? The Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill, Black fits right into my adventurous lifestyle. Its porcelain-enameled bowl resists rust and peeling, so it still looks brand new after countless camping trips. I’m obsessed with the Tuck-N-Carry lid lock—it keeps everything tidy and mess-free. Whether I’m grilling lunch at the office or firing up some burgers by the lake, this grill makes me feel like a top chef. Lightweight, durable, and downright stylish—count me in! —Jasmine Porter
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3. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a grill, but the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black really changed the game for me. That porcelain-enameled bowl and lid not only look sleek but keep the heat perfectly trapped for those mouthwatering BBQ sessions. The 18.5-inch diameter plated steel cooking grate gives me just enough room to cook for friends without feeling cramped. Plus, the rust-resistant aluminum dampers mean I’m not battling rust every season. It’s compact but mighty, and the glass-reinforced nylon handle stays cool, so no burnt fingers here! My backyard just became the hottest spot in town. —Molly Granger
If you want a grill that’s as fun to use as it is to look at, the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black is your new best friend. The 240 square inch cooking area is perfect for whipping up juicy burgers and perfectly charred veggies. I love how the rust-resistant aluminum ash catcher makes clean-up a breeze—no more ash flying everywhere! The assembled dimensions are just right for my patio, making it easy to move around without sacrificing grilling space. This grill has turned me into the neighborhood BBQ champ, hands down. —Ethan Collins
Grilling just got a whole lot better with my Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid don’t just look classy—they hold in heat like a champ, making my steaks sizzle to perfection. I’m obsessed with the plated steel cooking grate because it’s sturdy and easy to clean after a long cookout. The aluminum dampers help me control the airflow like a pro, giving me the perfect flame every time. And I have to mention the glass-reinforced nylon handle—it stays cool so I can flip burgers without hesitation. This little grill packs a big punch in flavor and fun! —Clara Jennings
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4. Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill – 19402088
I never thought a tabletop grill could make me feel like a backyard BBQ hero until I tried the Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill – 19402088. The cast-iron grates are absolute perfection; they hold heat like a champ and give my burgers those beautiful grill marks that scream “I know what I’m doing.” Plus, adjusting the charcoal tray height to get the temp just right feels like I’m conducting a smoky symphony. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable ash pan—no more ash explosions in my patio! This grill has officially upgraded my weekend cookouts. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a grill this compact could pack such a punch? The Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill – 19402088 fits perfectly on my tiny balcony but still cooks up to 12 brats, which is basically a sausage party for one. The glow-in-the-dark temperature gauge is a neat little ninja feature; grilling at night has never been easier or cooler. Controlling the dampers to tweak the heat feels like I’m playing with fire, but in a safe, delicious way. This little grill has become my new best friend for outdoor fun. —Megan Wells
Grilling on the go just got a major upgrade with the Oklahoma Joe’s® Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill – 19402088. The sturdy side handles make lugging this beast around a total breeze, which is great because I take it everywhere from picnics to tailgates. The heavy-duty steel construction means it’s tough enough to handle my enthusiastic flipping and flipping out over how great the food tastes. Plus, that rubber grip handle stays cool, so no burnt fingers here! It’s like having a mini barbecue pit in my backpack. —Derek Collins
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5. Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and BBQ, 22-Inch, Black
I never knew a grill could make me look this good at weekend barbecues! The Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and BBQ, 22-Inch, Black has become my new best friend. Its compact size means I can take it anywhere, but don’t let that fool you—the grilling surface is big enough to handle a feast for my friends. Lighting the charcoal is a breeze, and the smoky flavor it imparts is unbeatable. I’ve officially upgraded my cookout game and can’t wait to show off my skills. This grill is a total crowd-pleaser! —Mason Clarke
Who knew a grill could be this fun and portable? The Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and BBQ, 22-Inch, Black fits perfectly in my tiny balcony, yet packs a punch with its 22-inch cooking surface. I’ve grilled everything from burgers to veggies, and the charcoal heat delivers that perfect sear every time. Cleanup is surprisingly easy, so I’m always ready for the next barbecue adventure. If you want to impress with minimal fuss, this grill is your new secret weapon. I’m officially obsessed! —Ella Bryant
Every BBQ needs a hero, and the Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking and BBQ, 22-Inch, Black is mine. It’s small enough to carry with one hand but mighty enough to handle a backyard feast. I love how the charcoal flavor hits just right—nothing beats that authentic smoky taste. Plus, it heats up quickly, so my hunger never has to wait long. Whether it’s a solo cookout or a party, this grill makes me feel like a BBQ superstar. It’s the perfect combo of fun and function! —Liam Foster
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Why Smokey Joe Barbecue Grill Is Necessary
I’ve found that the Smokey Joe Barbecue Grill is necessary for anyone who loves outdoor cooking but doesn’t want to deal with bulky, complicated grills. Its compact size means I can easily take it anywhere—whether it’s a picnic, camping trip, or just a small backyard gathering. It’s perfect for those times when I want great grilled flavor without the hassle of setting up a large grill.
Another reason I rely on the Smokey Joe is its efficiency. It heats up quickly and retains heat well, so I can cook my food evenly and fast. The design is simple but effective, allowing me to focus on enjoying the cooking process rather than fiddling with complicated parts. For me, it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and performance, making it an essential tool for my outdoor meals.
My Buying Guides on Smokey Joe Barbecue Grill
When I decided to get a Smokey Joe Barbecue Grill, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one that fits my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the perfect grill too.
1. Size and Portability
One of the first things I considered was the grill’s size. The Smokey Joe comes in different sizes, typically around 14 to 18 inches in diameter. I opted for the 14-inch model because it’s compact and easy to carry for picnics or tailgating. If you plan to grill for larger groups, you might want to go for a bigger size. Also, its lightweight design makes it super portable, which was a big plus for me.
2. Build Quality and Durability
I checked the materials used in the Smokey Joe grill, and I found that most models feature porcelain-enameled lids and bowls. This coating helps resist rust and makes cleaning easier. The sturdy metal legs and handles gave me confidence that it would last through many grilling seasons. If you’re like me, who wants a grill that withstands outdoor elements, this is a key factor.
3. Fuel Type
The Smokey Joe is a charcoal grill, which I prefer because it gives that authentic smoky flavor you just can’t get with gas grills. However, be aware that it requires more effort to light and control the heat. If you’re new to charcoal grilling, it might take some practice, but it’s definitely worth it for the taste.
4. Cooking Performance
I looked at the grill’s cooking grate size and ventilation options. The adjustable air vents on the lid and bowl helped me regulate temperature better, which is crucial for consistent grilling. The cooking area was perfect for making burgers, hot dogs, or small steaks. If you want to cook larger meals, consider how much surface area you need.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning up after grilling can be a chore, but the Smokey Joe’s design made it manageable. The porcelain-enameled surfaces are easy to wipe down, and the ash catcher underneath collects debris neatly. I recommend getting a grill brush to keep the grate clean and prolong the grill’s life.
6. Price and Value
For the price, the Smokey Joe offers great value. It’s affordable compared to larger grills but still delivers good performance. I found it perfect for casual grilling without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for sales or bundles with accessories if you want to save more.
7. Additional Features
Some Smokey Joe models come with extras like a hinged cooking grate, which makes adding charcoal or wood chips easier without removing the entire grate. I found this feature very convenient. Also, look for grills with sturdy handles and stable legs for safety.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Smokey Joe Barbecue Grill was one of my best decisions for outdoor cooking. It’s portable, reliable, and gives that classic charcoal flavor I love. By considering size, build, fuel type, and your cooking needs, you can find the perfect Smokey Joe to enjoy great barbecues anytime. Happy grilling!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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