Weber 60020 The Ranch Charcoal Kettle

There is a similar model out there called the Whalen King Kettle. It has virtually the same cooking space but takes a smaller bite out of your wallet. Anyone know anything about it? Happy grilling...


Best giant Charcoal grill I've seen   June 20, 2003
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I have a family of 7 with a few extra around a lot of the time. Grilling used to be a step by step process which usually meant I ate after everyone else because I was still cooking when most were eating. We like to do meat and vegetables on the grill and with this grill I can do it all at once and sit down with the family and enjoy! You can build your fire off center and spin the grate to move one item off and another item over the flame. You can also build small fires on two sides and put meat in the middle and smoke anything. Easy to control vents allow you to regulate the heat and burn time of the coals. Also it doesn't use a bag of cahrcoal at a time as you might think. You can use one Weber Chimney Starter (which I also recommend)full to cook most items. The grate is TOP quality. I used to go through a grate a year on my old Weber Kettle. This grate is beefy and I think must be finished better. No rust at all after two years. The only thing that keeps me from rating this 5 stars is dealing with ashes. You have to remove both grates (and the cooking grate is a handful)and shovel ashes out. The bottom has three vents that are not made for ash removal. At least you can cook a ton before ashes become a problem. It is expensive and a load but I would do it again in a heartbeat if a tornado came and blew it away. That is about the only thing I can think of that would keep this thing from lasting for 20 years or more.


L"Let the flames begin"   September 16, 2002
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

This is the title of Chris Schlesinger's new book. This book also has been an inspiration and recommedation for me to purchase this grill. I can cook anything on this baby. I have the room to do pizza perfectly and much easier. I have grilled 7 bone in Rib steaks on a multi level fire with delicious results using natural lump charcoal and a nice Oak log. Grilling just doesn't get any better. I don't have to worry anymore if I have enough room to grill for a large party. This is built to last. Your right Chris, I believe this grill has changed my life.


What-a-Deal   July 8, 2002
 12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I have used a 22" kettle for 18 years and have always wanted a kettle where I could use the inderect style of cooking with more accuracy. This kettle allows me to cook for one, two, or fifty,(people) with little problem.

The setup for this grill is easy, and the first use was great. My neighbor looked over the fence, "Man, what a barbecue!"

The hinged grate is sturdy, and allows easy access for adding wood to the fire. The lid works very well in the holder.

The entire kettle is sound and the heat neaded to sear meat properly does not deform the grate (I keep a very hot fire).

The price ... shipped is a very good value.