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Weber 70th Anniversary Edition Kettle Charcoal Grill 22″ Review

All of our reviews are done independently by our team of testers and are in no way influenced by advertising or other monetary compensation from manufacturers. Click here to learn more about our unbiased product review process.

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Weber 70th Anniversary Charcoal Kettle
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Are you cuckoo for kettles? Then hold onto your briquets kids, because Iโ€™ve got a doozie for you! Introducing Weber’s 70th Anniversary Edition Kettle Charcoal Grill 22โ€!

Before we dive into the heart of our review, we feel that it is worth noting that the allure of this particular Weber kettle grill is the numerous retro finishes that are unique to this limited edition collectible edition. If you aren’t swayed by its collectibility or its sense of nostalgia, you can get the same premium performance for less with the standard Premium Kettle which we have previously reviewed and awarded a platinum medal.

So what can we say about the iconic Weber Kettle that hasn’t already been said since it first appeared 70 years ago in 1952? Weber Kettles have been at the forefront of all-American BBQ fun since the first hot dog sizzled on that now familiar round cooking grate. Weber Kettles enjoy evergreen popularity throughout the world. They’re affordable, relatively easy to use and maintain, and capable of cooking everything from steak to cake with great results.

Weber Kettle circa 1950s

Weber Kettle nostalgic archive pic

I need that chef’s hat! Compare this nostalgic, archival photo to the current Weber Original Charcoal Kettle 22″. Not much has changed on that basic model.

Weber Original Charcoal Kettle 2022

Weber Original Charcoal Kettle 22"

But Weber never stopped brainstorming and today they offer a selection of kettles in a variety of sizes, colors, and features.

Weber Kettles

So why not celebrate 70 years of backyard bliss with a special collectorsโ€™ edition?

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These limited edition kettles have all the same great features as Weber’s Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22″ models shown here.

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22″

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

They come in four cool, 50s retro colors: Hollywood Gray, Diner Green, Rock N Roll Blue, and Hot Rod Yellow.

Weber 70th Anniversary Kettle colors

Plus Weber throws in their Gourmet BBQ Cooking System and a few, sexy, eye-catching extras.

Gourmet BBQ Cooking System

The special plated steel cooking grate has a removable, round center.

Weber Gourmet BBQ System charcoal grate

The center can be replaced with optional inserts like a pizza stone or griddle.

Weber Gourmet BBQ System accessories

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Now for the sexy stuff

Instead of the standard wire shelf at the bottom, this special edition kettle has a solid utility tray last featured in 1950s models.

Weber 70th Anniversary Kettle utility tray

White walls!

Weber 70th Anniversary white walls

Faux wood nylon handles reminiscent of 1980s and 90s kettles. Check out the integrated tool hooks.

Weber 70th Anniversary Kettle faux wood handle

You gotta love the 50s hood ornament inspired lid thermometer.

Weber 70th Anniversary Kettle thermometer

The lid exhaust damper commemorates 70 years of kettles.

Weber 70th Anniversary Kettle exhaust damper

And you get a limited-edition, retro-themed metal sign and bottle opener.

Weber 70th Anniversary Kettle sign

“Looks good! Where do I sign up?”, you ask

Wellโ€ฆ. Before you rush out to grab one of these beauties, we need to mention they cost twice as much as the standard Original Kettle Premium Grill. That double-dollar whammy will stop a lot of grillers dead in their tracks wondering, “Why should I pay twice as much for a few extra ornaments?” If you don’t think these special edition grills are worth the price you probably shouldn’t buy them. There is no appreciable performance benefit over the standard Premium Kettle which we have previously reviewed and awarded a platinum medal.

On the other hand, if the 70th Anniversary edition puts a smile on your face and you’re still interested, you may have reasons to feel like the majority of new owners who gush with praise for their backyard trophies. Some are serious Weber Kettle collectors. For them this is a must-have. One fellow wrote, “There’s a price tag on having your grill double as a piece of art.” Some just want to stand out and be the envy of their neighborhood. Judge not lest ye be judged.

It’s easy to appreciate these cool-looking, colorful kettles. From a utilitarian standpoint, a standard Weber Premium Kettle cooks just as well. However, it’s sure hard to argue that it looks just as good as the retro anniversary model. We’ve seen some complaints about defective enamel and dented or bent parts, but the vast majority of buyers posting reviews of their special commemorative kettles are in love.

Packaging and assembly

Packaging was simple and effective. As with all Weber Kettles, the straightforward design made assembly easy.

Conclusion

For serious kettle collectors, reel your drooling tongues back in your mouths and just pony up the dough. You need these commemorative Kettles. For the rest of us, it depends on the size of your wallet and popping eyeballs.

The bottom line is that Weber’s 70th Anniversary Edition succeeds as a great grill and striking commemorative limited edition. It’s not for everyone, but it’s really not made for everyone. So should we award our Gold Medal or Platinum Medal? To answer that question, I reached out to my pal Ed Reilly. With 750+ vintage grills and smokers, Reilly is the Guinness World Record holder for the largest barbecue grill collection. Without hesitation, he responded with a resounding, “PLATINUM!”

Warranty

Bowl, lid, and center ring: 10 years, rust through/burn through.

ONE-TOUCH cleaning system: 5 years, rust through/burn through.

Plastic components: 5 years, excluding fading or discoloration.

All remaining parts: 2 years.

We thank Weber for providing a 70th Anniversary Edition Kettle for our tests.

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Product Information:

  • Model:
    70th Anniversary Edition Kettle Charcoal Grill 22"
  • Item Price :
    439.00
    *Price Subject To Change
  • Where to buy (buying from this supplier supports this website):
  • Made in USA:
    yes
  • Review Method:
    Cooked On It
    We have hands-on experience testing this product. We have also gathered info from the manufacturer, owners and other reliable sources.
  • Primary Function:
    Grill
  • Fuel:
    Charcoal
  • Primary Capacity:
    Mid-Size (about 17 burgers) : 363 square inches

Manufacturer:

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Published On: 7/22/2022

  • Max Good, AmazingRibs.com’s Full-Time Grill Tester - Max Good is AmazingRibs.com's Vice President of Product Reviews & Keeper of the Flame and is the world's only full-time reviewer of outdoor cooking equipment including smokers, grills, pizza ovens, griddles, and more.

 

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