Weber Smokey Joe 14 Inch Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Weber Smokey Joe suits charcoal cooking for 2–4 people when compact size and a lid lock matter. Choose a larger grill if you need more room for several foods at once.
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The Weber Smokey Joe 14-inch suits portable charcoal cooking for 2–4 people when you want a compact kettle with a lid lock and ash catcher. Its smaller format is a trade-off if you need space to cook several foods at once.
The grill weighs 8.4 lb, and its Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder. For more cooking room, compare the Jumbo Joe; for a rectangular shape, consider the Go-Anywhere.
The Weber Smokey Joe at a glance
The Smokey Joe is a compact charcoal kettle with a carry lid lock, a porcelain-enamel finish and an ash catcher. It fits 6 burgers made with a Weber burger press.
Weber Smokey Joe 14-inch: Best for compact kettle grilling
- 14-inch portable charcoal grill
- Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as lid holder
- Ash catcher
- Fits 6 burgers made with a Weber burger press
A compact Weber kettle for patios and trips where the lid lock and ash catcher suit the way you plan to move and use the grill.
Pros
- Lid lock doubles as a lid holder
- Ash catcher helps protect surfaces and simplify cleanup
- Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
Cons
- Smaller cooking area than the Jumbo Joe
- No cooking surface area measurement provided
The grill measures 16.5 x 14.2 x 17 in and weighs 8.4 lb. Its size may work well for a small patio or a trip, but check where it will sit during cooking and where it can cool afterward.
When does the Smokey Joe make sense?
Choose it when you want a portable kettle for a small meal, picnic or patio cookout. The lid lock doubles as a holder, so you can keep the lid attached while setting it aside during cooking.
It may feel limiting if your usual meals include several large cuts, or if you want to cook for more people in one round. Compare the Weber Jumbo Joe and Smokey Joe if cooking area is your main concern.
How much can you cook on the Smokey Joe?
The Smokey Joe fits 6 burgers made with a Weber burger press. That gives you a useful reference point for simple meals, though it doesn't show how much room you'll have for other foods alongside the burgers.
No cooking-area measurement is available for the Smokey Joe. If you want a number to compare, the Cuisinart 14-inch portable grill has a stated 196 sq in cooking area, while the Weber Go-Anywhere has 160 sq in.
Think through what you cook most often. Burgers, sausages and a few vegetables are easier to arrange on a small grate than mixed meals with large pieces that need space and turning room.
For more on choosing a grill by available space, read our guide to charcoal grill sizes. If you mainly need a grill that packs for outings, our small portable charcoal grill guide compares other compact formats.
What does the lid lock and ash catcher add?
The Tuck-N-Carry lid lock secures the lid to the bowl and doubles as a lid holder. That helps keep the lid attached when transporting the grill and gives you a place to set it while cooking.
The ash catcher helps protect surfaces and makes cleanup easier. Use the grill outdoors on a stable surface, and give ash and charcoal time to cool before handling or disposal.
The porcelain-enamel finish is scratch and rust-resistant. Keep the grill clean and dry between uses, and follow the care directions that come with it.
How does the Smokey Joe compare with other portable grills?
The Smokey Joe is a lightweight kettle with a carry lid lock, while the alternatives differ in shape, stated cooking area and carry weight. The right choice depends on whether compact handling, a rectangular packable grill or more grate space matters most.
| Grill | Stated cooking area | Weight | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Smokey Joe 14-inch | Not provided | 8.4 lb | Lid lock doubles as lid holder |
| Weber Jumbo Joe 18-inch | 240 sq in | 18 lb | 18.5-inch plated steel grate |
| Cuisinart 14-inch Portable Charcoal Grill | 196 sq in | 2 lb | Dual adjustable vents |
| Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill | 160 sq in | 14 lb | Rectangular design and char-rail insert |
The Cuisinart is lighter and gives a stated cooking-area figure, with dual vents for airflow adjustments. The Go-Anywhere uses a rectangular shape, while the Jumbo Joe has the largest stated cooking area in this group.
Cuisinart 14-inch Portable Charcoal Grill: Best for a tabletop setup
- 196 sq in cooking area
- Dual adjustable vents
- Three lid locks
- Ash base
A compact alternative with a stated cooking area, dual vents and three lid locks for transport.
Pros
- Stated 196 sq in cooking area
- Dual adjustable vents
- Three lid locks
Cons
- Tabletop format may not suit every setup
- Check the grill's placement requirements before use
For a rectangular alternative, see the Weber Go-Anywhere versus Smokey Joe comparison.
Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill: Best for rectangular packing
- Rectangular design
- 160 sq in cooking area
- Two-piece cooking grate
- Char-rail insert for indirect cooking
A rectangular Weber option for people who prefer a packable shape and want a char-rail insert for arranging coals.
Pros
- Rectangular design is easy to pack and store
- Two-piece grate allows adding charcoal
- Char-rail insert helps arrange coals for indirect cooking
Cons
- Heavier than the Smokey Joe
- Rectangular shape differs from a kettle grill
Is the Smokey Joe easy to transport?
The Smokey Joe weighs 8.4 lb and has a lid lock that keeps its lid attached. That makes it relatively light among these four grills, though you still need a safe way to carry it once charcoal has been used.
Transport it only when the grill and fuel are fully cool. Keep it upright and secure it so it cannot tip or shift in a vehicle.
For a tailgate, picnic or campsite, check whether charcoal grilling is allowed and find a stable outdoor location. Our charcoal grill tailgating guide covers practical choices for those outings.
What should you check before buying?
Confirm that the Smokey Joe's cooking capacity, footprint and fuel type fit your plans. It is a charcoal grill, so you'll need to bring fuel and handle hot coals and ash safely.
Measure the storage spot and the route to it. The grill's dimensions are 16.5 x 14.2 x 17 in, but your usable space also needs to account for safe placement and cooling.
Decide how you'll dispose of ash and where the grill will cool after cooking. The ash catcher helps with cleanup, but it doesn't remove the need to handle hot material carefully.
Is the Weber Smokey Joe worth choosing?
Choose the Smokey Joe for compact kettle grilling and easier carrying, especially if you expect to cook small meals and value the attached lid lock. Pick the Jumbo Joe for more stated cooking area, or the Go-Anywhere if a rectangular grill fits your storage better.
For more portable options, browse our best small charcoal grills for patios and small yards. If you already know a kettle shape suits you, compare models in our kettle grill guide.
We score products by how their stated specs and features fit the searcher's needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can the Weber Smokey Joe cook for?
The Smokey Joe has room to cook for 2–4 people and fits 6 burgers made with a Weber burger press. That makes it a better fit for a small meal than a cookout where you need to serve a group quickly or grill several large items at once.
Can you carry the Weber Smokey Joe with the lid on?
The Tuck-N-Carry lid lock secures the lid to the bowl and doubles as a lid holder. Let the grill and charcoal cool fully before moving it, and follow Weber's instructions for safe handling.
Is the Weber Smokey Joe good for tailgating?
Its compact, lightweight design and lid lock make the Smokey Joe worth considering for tailgating where charcoal grills are allowed. Check the venue's rules and choose a safe, stable outdoor spot with room around the grill before you bring it.
Should you choose the Smokey Joe or Jumbo Joe?
Choose the Smokey Joe if compact size and lower weight matter most. The Jumbo Joe has an 18.5-inch grate and a stated 240 sq in cooking area, so it offers more room if you can accommodate its larger size and 18 lb weight.
