Weber 441001 18 1/2" One Touch Silver Kettle Grill, Black

The barbecue pioneers at Weber--they've been making grills since 1951--know how to design a grill that lasts. The One-Touch Silver's porcelain-coated steel bowl and lid are exceptionally strong and designed never to rust, fade, or peel. The grill's hardware is of the highest quality. The aluminum vents and ash catcher won't rust, and the grill's tripod base, nylon handles, and all-weather wheels combine to make this Weber both exceptionally sturdy and easy to maneuver. Weber's patented One-Touch cleaning system--a clever setup of lever-activated blades--sifts ash out of the kettle and into the grill's removable catch pan. You never have to get your hands dirty--and emptying the kettle takes only a few seconds.

For those in search (or need) of culinary guidance, Weber includes a 31-page owner's guide filled with cooking tips and time-tested recipes for grilling everything from pork chops to bratwurst to Cornish hens.

Product Description
This is the Grill with which the Weber Legend took hold and now this familiar shape of the Bar-B-Kettle is a backyard icon. This 18-1/2" grill is a favorite of apartment dwellers and small families alike.

Assembly is a snap. The only tool you'll need is a hammer to tap the wheel lugs on. In 15 minutes you can be lighting your coal.

The beauty of this grill is the kettle design which maximizes heat retention and allows the grill to act like an oven with the top on. I've cooked whole chickens, cabbage, bread, and pizza using this method. The top also has a hook on it so you can hang it from the side of the grill while you add sauce or tend to what you're cooking.

My only complaint about this is its size. Its great for direct cooking steaks, chops, etc. But to do some more long term smoking of ribs, whole chickens, its a little small because the coals get too close to the sides of the food and some parts might get scorched. If you do a lot of slow, indirect cooked foods, go for the 22 1/2 inch weber kettle grill.


Excellent 1st grill   April 25, 2005
Big Bear (San Jose, CA USA)
37 out of 37 found this review helpful

Unlike most reviewers here who had grill(s) for many years, this Weber 18.5" One Touch Silver is my first grill. Also, unlike most here, I'm a total newbie when it comes to grilling.

The first impression I have with this Weber grill is how forgiving it is even for a newbie. I think its the rounded design and perhaps choice of materials that makes it so.

I made the mistake of not realising I need to open the bottom vent but the grill still managed to allow me to finish some pretty good steak and pork chops for 2. I only realised it when I've done cooking and the coal died down. :-)

There are also some other newbie mistakes which I made and hope someone else reading this before buying his/her first grill will avoid:

1. Kingsford match lit charcoal. As a high-tech professional, I like innovations and the match lit charcoal sounded liked a great idea until I read its really only charcoal soaked with lighter fluid. It is convenient however but probably not the 1st choice if you're seroius of grilling.

2. Ash tray. It catches ash alright but any slight wind will blow the ashes all over the place. Try putting some water in the tray or use a deeper one with water. That'll both extingish the ash and keep them in place.

3. Left over coal. Being a total newbie, I threw some away, not realizing I can leave them in the grill for next time.


In summary:
- Great 1st grill, simple and forgiving
- Better documentation needed, newbies will probably miss the bottom vent like I did
- Ash tray not useful during grilling unless water added or no wind
- Excellent form factor for Town House use, should be useful for decks of apartments too


I Love My Weber One-Touch Grill!   September 4, 2000
35 out of 35 found this review helpful

I started with the Weber Smokey Joe compact charcoal grill and liked it so much I bought the larger Weber One-Touch (with the 18.5" wide grilling space). It's easy to assemble, has a thoughtful and simple ash-removal lever, is durable and provides great tasting food every time! Our grill easily accomodates ample food for 4 people... if you regularly cook for more than 4 (or have really large appetites) then choose from the wide variety of larger sizes. When you buy a Weber grill you'll get a handy booklet with great recipes. Plus, if you visit Weber's excellent Web site (www.weber.com) you'll find additional recipes that are out of this world (the Grilled Pork Tenderloin wrapped in pancetta is mouth-watering delicious!). If you aren't resticted by condo regulations to gas-grills, then definitely go for the charcoal grill in order to get the superior flavors available only when you cook on charcoal. I liked Weber's simple directions on how to use the grill so that you'll maximize flavors, minimize charcoal use and make the most of this incredible grill. Weber grills RULE!


Love It!   June 7, 2000
Stacey Ulry (Austin, Texas)
28 out of 31 found this review helpful

My husband and I love our Weber. We have had numerous expensive grills and this one cooks better than all of them.


Good, solid grill   September 4, 2005
S. Tortorice (Long Island, NY)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This grill is a solid purchase for those who like to do some basic grilling. It's nothing fancy (I suggest the Weber "Gold Line" for more hardcore grilling enthusiasts), but gets the job done.

I have only two complaints:

1)The handle on the grill top gets way too hot to touch without using an oven mit. Weber should consider redesigning this aspect of the grill as a handle that stays cool to the touch would seem much more useful and logical.

2)My grill arrived damaged. I did not notice the damage until I began grilling later that night. I then noticed the grill top had a small knick out of the enamel and the pulling handle had been slightly bent and clearly resoldered when examined from the inside of the lower portion of the grill. Since I had already used the grill and had discarded the box, I did not bother returning it. But I do caution others to carefully examine their grill when it arrives, INSIDE AND OUT!!!