Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill Review: The Ultimate Charcoal Grilling Experience

When it comes to charcoal grilling, the Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black stands out as a premium choice. As someone who enjoys outdoor cooking, I was looking for a grill that could deliver excellent performance while being easy to use and maintain. After using the Weber Master-Touch, I can confidently say that this grill meets and exceeds expectations. With its sturdy construction, thoughtful design, and high-quality grilling performance, this product has become a favorite in my backyard.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things I noticed about the Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill was its solid construction. The grill features a durable porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, which help with heat retention and prevent rusting. The One-Touch Cleaning System is a game-changer, making it incredibly easy to dispose of ashes after grilling sessions. Unlike traditional charcoal grills that require messy cleanup, this system simplifies the process with an efficient ash catcher.

The grill also comes with a Tuck-Away Lid Holder, allowing you to slide the lid to the side instead of placing it on the ground. This small but useful feature keeps the cooking area clean and organized. Additionally, the built-in lid thermometer ensures precise temperature monitoring, which is essential for achieving perfect grilling results.

Cooking Performance

The Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill offers a 443-square-inch total cooking area, providing ample space to grill multiple items at once. I was able to cook up to 13 burgers using a Weber burger press, which is perfect for family gatherings and backyard barbecues. The Gourmet BBQ System (GBS) hinged cooking grate makes it easy to add more charcoal while grilling, allowing for uninterrupted cooking sessions.

One of the standout features is its superior heat retention. The porcelain-enameled material maintains even heat distribution, ensuring consistent cooking results. Whether I was searing steaks, slow-cooking ribs, or grilling vegetables, the grill delivered exceptional flavor and tenderness.

Another feature that impressed me was the warming rack. This allows food to stay warm without overcooking, which is especially useful when grilling for larger groups. The convenience of this feature ensures that everything is served hot and fresh.

Ease of Use and Convenience

Using the Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill is straightforward, even for beginners. The hinged cooking grate allows easy access to add more charcoal, making it simple to maintain the desired cooking temperature. The One-Touch Cleaning System further enhances convenience, making post-grilling cleanup effortless.

Additionally, the tool hooks on the side of the grill allow for easy access to grilling tools such as tongs and spatulas. This feature eliminates the need to constantly search for accessories while cooking, enhancing the overall grilling experience.

Durability and Longevity

Weber is known for producing long-lasting grills, and the Master-Touch model is no exception. The porcelain-enameled finish not only helps with heat retention but also protects against rust and wear. After multiple grilling sessions, I found that the grill maintained its quality and performance without showing signs of deterioration.

Furthermore, the sturdy wheels make it easy to move the grill around, whether for storage or repositioning in the backyard. Unlike some grills that feel unstable when moved, the Weber Master-Touch remains solid and well-balanced.

What I Liked About the Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill

• Excellent heat retention ensures even cooking and great-tasting food.

• Tuck-Away Lid Holder allows for convenient lid placement while grilling.

• One-Touch Cleaning System makes cleanup hassle-free.

• Gourmet BBQ System (GBS) cooking grate enhances grilling versatility.

• Ample cooking space suitable for large meals and gatherings.

• Built-in lid thermometer helps monitor temperature easily.

• Durable porcelain-enameled construction ensures long-lasting performance.

• Tool hooks provide easy access to grilling accessories.

Considerations Before Buying

While the Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill offers many advantages, there are a few things to consider before purchasing. First, like all charcoal grills, it requires more time to heat up compared to gas grills. However, the superior flavor and cooking control make the wait worthwhile. Additionally, the price may be higher than basic charcoal grills, but the durability and features justify the investment.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Charcoal Grill

If you are considering purchasing a charcoal grill, here are a few factors to keep in mind:

1. Cooking Space: Consider how much food you plan to grill at once. The Weber Master-Touch provides 443 square inches of cooking space, making it ideal for medium to large gatherings.

2. Build Quality: Look for durable materials like porcelain-enameled finishes, which enhance heat retention and prevent rust.

3. Cleaning System: A One-Touch Cleaning System simplifies cleanup, making grilling more enjoyable.

4. Temperature Control: Features like built-in thermometers and adjustable vents help maintain precise cooking temperatures.

5. Additional Features: Tool hooks, warming racks, and specialized cooking grates add convenience and versatility.

Final Verdict

The Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their grilling experience. With its excellent heat retention, large cooking area, and user-friendly design, this grill stands out as one of the best charcoal grills on the market. I personally enjoyed using this grill and found it to be a reliable and high-performing cooking companion.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced griller, this Weber grill offers everything needed for a seamless and enjoyable cooking experience. If you’re looking for a durable, efficient, and well-designed charcoal grill, the Weber Master-Touch is definitely worth considering.

Top reviews from the United States

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  Ronald L. Johnson

  5.0 out of 5 stars This is the grill!

  Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2017

  Color: BlackStyle: Grill Only

  I really struggled in selecting the right charcoal grill but Weber was always my first choice, just which one? I have a Weber gas grill that has been my go to for a few years now, but the lack of charcoal and that distinct flavor was always in the back of my mind. I'm no purest but I do understand those that will not cook on anything other than charcoal.
  
  I don't know how many stores I went to in order to compare these grills but I looked at the Original Kettle, the Master-Touch, Performer, Performer Premium and Performer Deluxe. I pulled each one out and spent 10 minutes looking at the quality and features of each one. I finally landed with the Master Touch because it has the right amount of features at the right price, and this is a fantastic grill with some very obvious upgrades that are worth the extra money. .
  
  The packing of the grill is top notch with quality materials. The cardboard and plastic bags are just better packing then what I expected and the grill was perfect right out of the box. Assembling the grill was a breeze but one of the legs was a little difficult to install. The clip you place in the post opening prior to the leg kept sliding out of the way and would not engage. I had to spread the clip out a little to give it more "holding power" but the leg went right in. The engineers at Weber also have a neat little trick for installing the top handle. The instructions are clear not to over tighten the nut, and they give you a little wrench that slips off the nut when it is just right. It's that type of attention to detail that is important.
  
  The quality of the grill is outstanding and the upgrades are noticeable. The handles are all an upgrade in materiel and the top adjustable vent has a plastic handle that makes it easier to change temperature when the grill is smok'n hot. The side handle has two clips for grilling tools, but I'm not sure how much I'll use those. The wheel covers are also a nice touch and when you look at this grill you see quality.
  
  The removable aluminum ash catcher may not be very important for grilling, but it sure makes cleaning up a breeze. Who likes scooping out ashes, not me, and moving the lever back and forth a few times pushes the ashes into the detachable ash pot for easy, mess free disposal. This was the first time I ever used an ash catcher, but now that I have I'll not go back.
  
  I was on the fence about the Gourmet BBQ system but that in my opinion is the star of this grill and was a must have. The removable center cooking grate is a nice feature in itself for adding charcoal, and my chimney starter almost fits perfectly. Regardless how you load the charcoal this insert makes it easier without having to take off the entire grate. I ordered the sear grate and griddle and used both on the very first test run of the grill. The sear grate leaves beautiful marks on your meat but I saw other reviews complaining about the sear grate sliding off. The grate has 4 posts that lock it in place and it did not move at all on my grill. The sear grates themselves are wider than most and this is a great addition to the collection. I obviously could not use the griddle and sear grate at the same time so I threw the griddle on Weber gas grill and cooked shrimp in some butter sauce. I really like the griddle and can't wait to cook some breakfast. I plan to order the poultry roaster, dutch oven, and maybe the Korean BBQ insert but in my opinion Weber could do a little better job in providing information for this system. There are multiple inserts not shown on their website including the dutch oven, biscuit and waffle maker just to name a few, but overall the Gourmet BBQ is a must have and I'm very happy I got it.
  
  The grill also came with the Char-Baskets for indirect cooking. I've not used these yet but appear to be a very nice addition in managing charcoal. It will keep the charcoal separated and you will not have to reach in and constantly separate charcoal. I can't wait to use these.
  
  The next step up is the Performer series. The larger cart with locking casters and the side table is a nice addition, and it has some nice grill tool hooks. But in my mind the table was just a little too small and these little extra features did not justify the extra $100. The Performer Premium and Deluxe have larger and nicer tables and other features that really are not needed, and the price jumps $250 and $300. I just could not justify the extra money and I think the Master-Touch is the perfect grill with the right amount of upgrades.
  
  I wish I could rate myself because I'd give me 2 stars for ordering an off brand cover. It's nice but not as nice as the Weber covers and I only saved $5.00. I'll wait a few weeks but eventually I'll order the Weber brand cover. Don't be cheap!
  
  Anything other than a Weber was just not going to work. Look at all the grills lined up outside at the local hardware store. The material is not as nice and the fit and finish is just not there. You don't see a lot of Weber's sitting outside because they keep the good stuff inside the store. Weber is the go to grill for quality of material and workmanship and I expect this grill to last me for a long time.
  
  Hope this helps!
  
  I was undecided on the gourmet BBQ system was .
• 

  Mel

  5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent grill

  Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2024

  Color: BlackStyle: Grill Only

  Excellent grill, the design is well thought out. Lots of usable features. Handy lid holder works well, the flip open grates to refill the charcoal are a nice addition (I also use them to add wood chips). The 2 charcoal trays add flexibility and control of indirect heat, depending on what is being grill I'll use 1 or both trays or spread the coals directly on the grate. The vents work great and offer a good amount of control over the heat and it also works well to position the lid so the vents pull the heat and smoke across the food. The built in mechanical temperature gauge functions well and is nice to have.
  The ash pan design makes it easy to remove the ashes without removing the grates. The finish is holding up well and still looks like new after many uses. Nothing negative to say, it's a quality well designed grill.
• 

  Carla Heinz

  5.0 out of 5 stars Grilling Mastery Achieved: Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill!

  Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2024

  Color: BlackStyle: Grill Only

  The Weber Master-Touch Charcoal Grill in 22-Inch Black is nothing short of a grilling masterpiece. Its versatile design and superior craftsmanship have elevated my outdoor cooking experience to new heights. From perfectly seared steaks to mouthwatering burgers, and vegetables, this grill delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. The spacious cooking area provides ample room to grill for a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings with friends and family. Plus, the built-in features like the lid thermometer and ash catcher make cleanup a breeze. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, the Weber Master-Touch is sure to impress with its performance and durability. Say goodbye to ordinary grilling and hello to culinary excellence with this exceptional charcoal grill!