Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black: A Reliable and Portable Grilling Solution

If you are looking for a portable charcoal grill that delivers great performance without compromising on size, the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black is a fantastic choice. I recently used this grill, and I was thoroughly impressed by its compact design, ease of use, and overall grilling performance. Whether for backyard barbecues, camping trips, or beach cookouts, this grill is a reliable companion for grilling enthusiasts.

Why I Like the Weber Jumbo Joe

Having used various charcoal grills over the years, I found the Weber Jumbo Joe to be one of the best portable options available. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl help retain heat exceptionally well, ensuring even cooking. Another feature that stood out to me is the Tuck-N-Carry lid lock, which doubles as a lid holder to prevent placing the lid on the ground. This small yet thoughtful feature makes grilling more convenient, especially in outdoor settings.

Additionally, the dampers allow precise temperature control, a must-have for achieving the perfect sear on meats. Despite its compact size, this grill can hold up to eight burgers made with a Weber burger press, making it ideal for small gatherings.

Key Features of the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill

1. Portable and Lightweight: Weighing just under 20 pounds, this grill is easy to carry and transport.

2. 18-Inch Cooking Surface: Provides enough space to grill multiple items simultaneously.

3. Porcelain-Enamel Coating: Prevents rust and peeling while retaining heat efficiently.

4. Tuck-N-Carry Lid Lock: Functions as both a locking mechanism and a lid holder.

5. Dampers for Temperature Control: Easily adjust the heat inside the grill for precise cooking.

6. Durability: The high-quality materials ensure long-lasting performance even with frequent use.

My Experience Using the Weber Jumbo Joe

Setting up the grill was quick and straightforward, thanks to the 3D interactive assembly instructions available on the BILT app. Once assembled, I was eager to test its performance. I loaded it with charcoal and used the dampers to regulate airflow. The grill heated up quickly, and I was able to cook burgers, steaks, and vegetables with great results.

One thing I really appreciated was how well the grill retained heat. Even with the lid open occasionally, it maintained consistent temperatures. The compact size did not compromise the cooking capacity, and I found it perfect for cooking meals for a small group.

Additionally, cleaning the grill was surprisingly easy. The removable ash catcher helped dispose of ash without making a mess. Given its portability and performance, I found this grill ideal for outdoor adventures.

Buying Guide: What to Consider When Choosing a Portable Charcoal Grill

When selecting a portable charcoal grill, keep the following factors in mind:

1. Size and Portability

For outdoor grilling, a lightweight and compact design is essential. The Weber Jumbo Joe strikes a perfect balance between portability and cooking space, making it a great choice for those who need a grill that can travel easily.

2. Cooking Capacity

Consider how many people you typically cook for. This grill’s 18-inch cooking surface provides ample space for preparing meals for small groups, making it suitable for family outings and small gatherings.

3. Heat Retention and Control

A good grill should have efficient heat retention and adjustable airflow. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl of the Weber Jumbo Joe help with heat retention, while the dampers allow precise temperature adjustments.

4. Durability and Build Quality

Investing in a durable grill ensures long-term use. The Weber Jumbo Joe is made with high-quality materials that resist rust and peeling, providing excellent longevity.

5. Easy Maintenance

Cleaning up after grilling should not be a hassle. Features like an ash catcher or removable grates make maintenance much easier. This grill’s design ensures a straightforward cleanup process.

Final Thoughts on the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill

After using the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black, I can confidently say it is one of the best portable charcoal grills available. It combines excellent heat retention, portability, and user-friendly features that make grilling enjoyable. Whether you need a grill for camping, tailgating, or backyard cookouts, this model is a top contender.

For anyone looking for a reliable and affordable charcoal grill, the Weber Jumbo Joe review speaks for itself. Its compact design, coupled with high-performance grilling capabilities, makes it a fantastic investment for those who love outdoor cooking. If you are searching for the best portable charcoal grill, the Weber Jumbo Joe is undoubtedly worth considering.

Top reviews from the United States

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  Otherworldly_Persephone

  5.0 out of 5 stars It’s a Beauty: Durable and Spacious Grill

  Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2020

  Style: Grill 

  This is a very spacious and nice grill. I was shocked at how large it is , expecting to have one I can only assume is the size of the smoky joe. I was able to cook an entire rack of ribs and two steaks with plenty of room. Later I put an aluminum tin filled veggies and the lid closed with absolutely no problem . The kettle style is not only useful for things like tins in the grill but It is really nice looking. This grill works well even if you don’t have a table. I cooked on the ground. I wish the arm for holding the lid had a better way to be tucked away when not in use because I’ve been scratched by it trying to move it around a few times. It is a very durable grill. It has a free warranty for 10 years. I had an issue with my lid that was very minor and noticed it the first day. Rather than return my purchase I contacted customer service and Weber has already mailed me out a new one. They are amazing and nice! If you are looking for portability, the ability to grill for a group, and a nice looking grill, this is your grill. The enamel process that they used for the finish is not like cheap paint on other grills. The finish does not peel or have any issues when heated. I just wish it had a carrying bag like the Smoky Joe. Currently there isn’t one large enough for this big boy.
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  Chad Kealey

  5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing little grill; perfect for a small family.

  Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2016

  Style: Grill 

  Fantastic grill for travel or at home. I bought this specifically for camping & vacation, but now it's the most used grill in my collection. I've grilled veggies, burgers, pork chops, london broil, brats and chicken. Set up properly, it's also suitable for higher-temp smoking (mine seems to like to run about 275 with both vents about 1/4 open; any less than that puts out the fire). I've done a couple chuck roasts and ribs in this thing and all came out great. It's also wonderfully fuel-efficient. A 6 hour chuck roast cook used a total of 50 briquettes (standard Kingsford; loaded 25 into a Weber char-basket, put 5 lit on top, then add 5 more about every 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours).
  
  If you don't already have them, I strongly recommend getting a set of the Weber char-baskets (I only ever use one in this, but you can't buy them as singles). They fit perfecty under the grate and keep the coals together to get the maximum burn time out of them; it's also very easy to shake the ash off by just jiggling the basket. Also, if you'll be doing longer cooks, the Weber hinged grate could come in handy for adding coals. So far, I've gotten by with just sliding them through the handle area or lifting the grate slightly.
  
  My only complaint is the height of it. It's a little too short to leave on the patio, and placing it on most normal-height tables makes it a bit too tall. The Weber table sold specifically for this is more expensive than the grill and doesn't seem all that sturdy. For now, I went to the local W-mart and got a "camp table" (half of the top is wire mesh, meant for holding camp stoves and grills) that is height-adjustable. It works OK, but at some point I'm going to build a table/cart so I can keep it at just the right height.
• 

  Hikin Den

  5.0 out of 5 stars Nice unit, good assembly photos

  Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2019

  Style: Grill 

  This review pertains to the Weber Jumbo Joe 18" charcoal grill. It is your basic unit, not intended for grill connoisseurs who want features like the ability to raise and lower the grill. I have not cooked on it yet but I think it will perform well, since what is important is a tight design and good/easy ventilation options, which this unit has. The unit appears to be well made, heavy duty enough but not too heavy, since it is intended to be portable. Everything fits together as it should. I cringe when I see assembly instructions with pictures but no verbiage, but these instructions (pictures only) were well done and fairly easy to follow. A couple of reviewers criticized the arm that holds the handle out of the way plus allows you to slide the lid to one side of the grill while you check your food (rather than having to find someplace to set the lid down), but I think this feature works very well so far (again, having not grilled yet). Another reviewer said the handle gets too hot while grilling...I hope that isn't the case but we will see. I suppose I'll use a hot pad if that happens, not a big deal unless the handle melts, which seems unlikely! So far I am pleased.