 | Brand Weber Model 40020 Listprice $39.70 Price $34.69 |
Perfect for cookouts, tailgate parties, or car camping, Weber's Smokey Joe Gold grill is the classic traveling grill. With its 14-1/2-inch-diameter grate, the Smokey Joe Gold easily cooks three steaks at a time or twice as many burgers. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid resist rust and deliver even heat. When it's down, the lid lock doubles as a lid holder, letting you slide the lip out of the way while you cook. And, when the feast is done, simply fasten the lid lock over the top handle, pick up, and go. As an added bonus, Weber throws in 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. ....read more
Portable fun
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is a lovely table top grill packed with features. It has 2 side vents, locking handle lid and all the qualities expected from Weber. I prefer the Smokey Joe Gold instead of the silver and it is only $5 more. The locking lid handle is great for transportation and storage as it keeps everyhtng together. I clean my cooking grate with a wire brush and oven cleaner, just spay the oven cleaner and let it sit for 20. mins and then brush off and wash with detergent. I use oven cleaner on the kettle also but wipe with a cloth instead of wire brush. I wipe the cooking grate with a little cooking oil before storage to prevent any rusting.
Really Does Perform Well
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Received the Smokey Joe Gold as a gift 2 years ago. This was my first charcoal grill, after having used only tabletop propane gas grills.
Using this grill, I learned these things:
1. You must use premium charcoal. (Kingsford in my area). Wal-Mart, store brand, and instant light charcoals have too much binder, and will not burn. I thought it was poor vent location, but when I changed charcoal, it worked fine.
2. The venting design keeps the vents from clogging with ash, and prevents grease from dripping out of the grill.
3. Line the bottom with aluminum foil, and oil the grate after every use.
4. It will not do true BBQ low and slow cooking. It works best at full throttle – all vents open.
Side Note: A charcoal chimney starter is awesome. Light the charcoal, and by the time you have the hamburgers made, it is ready; gray charcoal in 15 minutes.
If you are considering the Silver or Gold, I would go with the Gold because it has a lid lock, and I found that to be a valuable addition.
I will never go back to the tabletop propane gas grill. The charcoal flavor is excellent, the Smokey Joe is built well, and cooks well – for it’s intended purpose. I wouldn’t use this as a home grill like the 18″ or 22″, but in an apartment or out camping, this grill beats the tabletop propane model hands-down.
Can’t beat a Weber!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Having owned several Smokey Joe Silvers (small, regular version) over the years, I knew I could trust Weber to make a good quality portable grill. At first I was a bit skeptical about the lack of holes at the bottom and a charcoal dust catcher, but the side vents (which are obscured in the pictures) provided adequate ventilation for the coals while containing the charcoal dust in the bottom of the kettle. I used to carry my old Smokey Joe in a garbage bag to keep the dust out of my car. With this version, I don’t believe this will be necessary. For my “maiden cookout”, I had a campsite right on the beach with some pretty strong winds. The Smokey Joe Gold performed excellent! Love the lid latch! I noticed that some of the reviews for this product were negative as they had issues with coal ventilation. I had another campsite that was virtually windless and had no problems as well. I imagine this has a lot to do with the quality of charcoal (ahem, Kingsford) and quantity of lighter fluid, plus the time allowed to soak and burn time before cooking.
Very happy!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Purchased this as a gift for my boyfriend, he was thrilled. It’s a fantastic little grill, perfect for a small deck or if you don’t chargrill often. Would definitely recommend!
Best little grill out there! Period!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this grill back in 2005 and still it is with me today. (It’s actually my 2nd one which I had since 1998) I cook on it at least once a week and have made bbq for 1 – 10 people. It’s perfect for the beach, patio, camping, etc…
I have learned this pit well and I have no problem grilling beef ribs (2 racks), beef fajitas, sausage, 1 chicken (split halves) all on one grillin. You can make awesome steaks, fish, etc… anywhere you go without too much pit to carry or too much wood/charcoal used.
I chose this one over other similar Weber models because it has the vent on the lid AS WELL AS THE SIDES. Without these, the fire smothers too easily. You can’t beat the price either.
Pay attention to buying the “Gold” and not the “Silver” as the silver doesn’t have the vents on the side, but instead on the bottom.
Excellent Quality
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I checked all the stores – i had decided on the weber Grill – with free shipping and no sales tax it was cheaper to order on amazon for the same item i could have purchased in a store.
I like the carry handle,and the weber quality,I did research on weber all all the reviews were positive,the gril is made to last a long time
Works well but note the vents are on the side
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
The grill arrived and getting it put together was a snap. I’ve used the smokey joe in the past. My last one was, unfortunately, stolen by the ne’erdowells who hangout in a park by my apartment. I ordered this model for the metal transport handle (no more leaving the grill by the fence to cool!) In any case, i soon realized that this grill was different.
My old standard smokey had the air vents in the bottom of the grill. I very much prefer the bottom vent configuration for the ease of cleaning and the general airflow to the charcoal. This grill has side air vents. I assume this design is to prevent coals from falling out of the bottom if/when you pick the thing up by the handle.
All in all, it seems to work OK as long as you clean the the charcoal ash regularly.
Less than expected
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I purchased the Smokey Joe as a camping/alternative grill. I have been disappointed in its’ performance. It is very difficult to get a good coal bed established! It appears that there is not enough ventilation from the bottom to allow sufficient air to the coals. It is very difficult to get the charcoal hot enough to grill steaks/hamburgs/hotdogs. I would not buy another
Awsome porcelain grill
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I like the fact that this is a rust resistant grill. Stays warmer longer than normal metal grill.
my second one
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
After 19 years our ‘lil Smokey Joe had seen it’s better days. We purchased this grill as a last minute decision for use at a music festival. It just happened to be the one available at my local hardware store. It soon turned out to be our primary grill and went with us everywhere.
Weber makes a great grill and this is a great design. I’ve read the reviews about how it doesn’t draft or other complaints…I don’t know what they are talking about. It has three places to allow airflow through the sides and lid. Also the bar that locks the lid locks into another bar in the back so that you can set the lid at any angle, helps keep down flair-ups and controls the temperature.
Its small size is still able to accommodate enough food for up to six persons.
I give this grill two thumbs up, you just have to learn how to use it!
Silver or Gold?
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I bought the Gold model. When the wind is blowing, the Gold model is fine, and the signature feature (the handle that snaps over the lid) is a good safety item when grilling is over.
When the wind is not blowing, the grill does not work properly. The reason is because the vents are paradoxically situated above the coals. This problem can be alleviated by folding a medium-size piece of cardboard and standing over the grill fanning the coals for 10-15 minutes. When this is done, you will be a Smoky Joe too but at least the coals will be hot. However, do not put the grill top on when the wind is not blowing, for the coals will smoke and go out almost immediately (even with the vents open). After one use, I drilled 3 vent-holes in the bottom. It helps, but I still have to fan the coals. A common hair styling blow dryer can also be rigged to provide the necessary ventilation. I have tried this, and the low setting seems to work fine.
Great Redesign
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is my second Smokey Joe. The first one lasted me 6+ years. I also have an 18″, 22″ and the Bullet Smoker. I use my Smokey Joe 90% of the time and typically a couple of times a month all year long. Was leary at first about the air vents being on the side instead of at the bottom, but I needed to replace my trusty Smokey Joe because it was rusting out after being outside for 6+ years. First off, the adjustable vents on the side promote very even heating across the grill surface. On the old Joe, I put fewer coals in the middle of the grill because it’d get too hot in the center as the air flow came directly from the bottom and the center coals would get the most heating. Conversely, there’s no issue with ash and hardwood charcoal clogging the vents either. Found that ash doesn’t blow up through the cooking grate in windy conditions either. Also, without the vent on the bottom, there’s no need for an ash tray at the bottom so no getting ashes all over the back of the car when transporting.
The lid holder is a simple and great design. You just fold back and snap it into a bracket and the lid just kinda slides into it. When done cooking just close the lid, unsnap the holder and it pops into grooves built into the top of the handle. It’s truly a great product.
Great Redesign!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The Smokey Joe was redesigned a number of years ago, and all the improvements to the base design and gold model specifically, make it a great portable grill. I would still recommend using a chimney starter if you can (no more lighter fluid to spill in your vehicle, and eliminates the flavor of lighter fluid from food that novice grillers can’t seem to avoid). If you don’t have a chimney starter, pick one up. Perfect coals everytime. This grill or the Weber Q are perfect tailgating grills. Now if only I could get mine in blue with the retro Brewers logo…
gold smokey joe
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
lid has clamp to hold shut when moving or traveling , 30 pieces of charcoal to cook meal for two or three people , hold flavor in with lid on ,has two vents on side and one on top to cook the way you want it,small easy to handle, ideal for one person, last long time , easy carry on trip , easy to clean with grill brush
get the Weber Smokey Joe SILVER instead
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
the Gold model was poorly created.
the side air vents are ABOVE the coals.
if you put the cover on while your food cooks, your fire will steadily go out. the fire needs air flow from the bottom to stay lit if you have the cover on. this is where the Silver model beats out the Gold model.
the best way to cook with the Gold model is to grill without the lid on the grill. i grilled six 1/3 lb burgers with the lid off and the grill kept the fire going ok. the wind was blowing enough to supply enough air to the fire and keep it lit and hot.
if i could go back in time, i would’ve bought the Silver model instead.
Weber gets an F for the poor design of the Smokey Joe Gold. shame on you Weber!!!
Smokey Joe Gold
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is Joe Gold # 2. Wore out the first one. Full time rv’er so the grill gets a bunch of use. Love the draft controls on the side instead of the bottom draft. New model has a molded plastic handle which is better that the old wood handle (cracked and pretty much used up.). Don’t bother purchasing any other brand for charcoal grilling as this one is a keeper.
Awesome,Easy nice small grill
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This grilled works like how you would want a grill to work, i even cooked with it in the cold out side J FRESCO said
The tailgater’s friend
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Weber is a name you can trust. Great little grill for feeding a handful of hungry football fans, and the handle lock makes travel ideal. No complaints.
Exceed all expectations
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
We bought this little grill for quick grilling and were quite amazed at how long the charcoal heat lasts. The heat distributes very well and the cooking area is enough to put 5 decent size hamburger patties and few hot dogs. We grilled steaks for a party of 8 on this. I definitely recommend it.
Can’t Cook on Cold Coals!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I love Webber and I purchased this little Smokey Joe because I have been so happy. It it built very well and looks good too but this little gye has a MAJOR design flaw!! The vents on the bottom of the unit are too small! If you cook with the lid on and all vents open (max air flow possible) your charcoal will be cold and nearly out in 20 minutes and your chicken or whatever will be uncooked. Now the fun begins. Take everything out, blow compressed air on the coals to get them going or add more lighter fluid… It’s a matter of air flow being adequate to keep the coals hot. I plan on drilling more holes but rust will limit it’s life. Maybe I will complain to Weber?
weber grills are unsurpassed in quality
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have owned weber bbq’s in every shape and size. From the gas genesis gold to the smokey joe and have never been let down. I highly recommend their product. Bottom line is you get what you pay for.
Good grill
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is a good portable grill for on the go or the single person. Perfect size, grills great and is holding up well after many months. Would buy again.
5 hours, 24 bricks
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Rating:5 out of 5 stars
super, you need a bit of time to get the stuff well heated, but then it doesn’t stop, and it cooks really good (either i cook good as well
smokey joe grill
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
It is a nice looking & well made grill. I thought it did make alot of smoke. Not sure if it was my husbands fire starter or because grill is on the small side. Burgers came out good though.
Don’t worry about the negative reviews!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
As I was waiting for my smokey joe shipment to arrive, I decided to read the negative and positive reviews to see if I had made a good or bad purchase.
In the negative reviews, I read about how there was insufficient air drafting because the air vents were not located at the bottom of the grill and therefore the grill would not become hot enough. This problem is completely false! My smokey joe grill gets red hot!
Secondly, there were complaints about how there were no vents on the bottom so the ash could not come out like in the Silver edition. However, the new feature of having a closed base is soooo much better because it is much cleaner! If you’re grilling in an apartment or on a deck, you can just close up the top and close the vents and save the coals for another time. Forget the mess of having ash flying around on a windy day because of an ash catcher! Oh and by the way, cleanup/removal of coals is as easy as dumping it in a coal bucket or a dumpster!
Finally, the ability to lock the top of the lid is a great feature because it makes transportation so much easier than if you could not lock the top like in the Silver.
So, if you are like me and are reading all these complaints about a lack of good draft because there are no vents on the bottom and such, forget them. Those people are morons! THIS IS A GREAT SMOKEY JOE!
Love our Smokey Joe
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
We have a large gas grill but we love to cook with natural charcoal and this is perfect for our needs.
Great grill
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This grill is compact and yet plenty of room to cook four burgers and rolls. The grill also is great for taking to the beach.
Get one
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
If you bbq away from home this is your grill. Just purchased a replacemnt for one that I’ve used for over 12 years. From 49er and Giants games to camping trips in Yosemite, up and down the coast from Jenner to Big Sur and Death Valley to Utah, this grill always comes through.
Much longer cooking time than Smokey Joe Silver
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
We love Weber grills and have been using a Smokey Joe Silver and larger Weber grills for 30 years. We like to camp and always bring our Smokey Joe with us so I purchased the Smokey Joe Gold becasue of the locking top and carrying handle. However, this grill has vents on the side, not on the bottom, so the air flow does not circulate through the coals as Weber grills are usually designed. It took twice as long to cook our food in the Gold as opposed to the Silver. It is good for transporting but not as good as the Silver for cooking.
Review of Smokey Joe Gold Charcoal Grill
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Great item , easy to assemble and use. Locking cover is priceless for portability.