Weber is best known for its round charcoal kettle braai, but the range sold in South Africa also covers gas braais, compact and portable models, and a ceramic kamado. The quickest way to choose is to pick your fuel first (charcoal or gas), then the size that suits your household, then decide which features are worth paying for.
How the Weber range is organised
Weber groups its braais into a few families. Model names and availability change over time, and not every model sold overseas is stocked in South Africa, so check what local retailers carry before you set your heart on one.
Charcoal kettles
The kettle is the design Weber is famous for: a round bowl, a domed lid, and vents in the bowl and lid to control the heat. You can braai directly over the coals or bank the coals to the sides and cook indirectly with the lid closed, for roasts, whole chickens, bread and smoking.
- Original Kettle: the core charcoal kettle. Simple, with a bowl, lid, grid and ash catcher.
- Master-Touch: a step up, sold locally in the 57cm size. Listings describe an improved ash collection system, and the range offers extra features such as a hinged or insert-compatible grid.
- Larger and premium kettles: Weber also makes kettles with built-in work surfaces, gas ignition for the charcoal or other extras. Check local availability.
Who it suits: most households that want one versatile charcoal braai. The 57cm size is the common family size.
Gas braais
- Spirit: Weber’s entry to mid-level patio gas family, widely sold in South Africa with two-, three- and four-burner models. Some versions add a side burner or a high-heat sear zone.
- Genesis: a larger, more premium gas family for people who cook full meals outside. Local stock appears limited, so ask retailers.
- Q series: compact gas braais with a cast-iron grid and a lid, sitting on a table or an optional cart. Popular for balconies, townhouses and caravans.
- Traveler: a compact portable gas braai designed to fold for transport.
Who it suits: people who braai midweek, live in complexes or want precise heat control. Our gas braai buying guide explains burners, size and cylinder setup in more detail.
Portable charcoal
- Smokey Joe: a small portable charcoal kettle for picnics, camping and small balconies where allowed.
- Weber also sells other compact charcoal models internationally; check which ones are stocked locally.
Who it suits: couples, campers, or as a second braai.
Kamado
- Summit Kamado: Weber’s kamado-style charcoal cooker, sold through South African retailers. It sits at the premium end of the range and is aimed at enthusiasts who want low-and-slow smoking and very high heat for pizza. Read our kamado guide to see if the kamado style suits you.
Weber range compared
| Family | Fuel | Size | Price band | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Kettle | Charcoal | Family | Entry to mid-range | First “proper” braai, versatile cooking |
| Master-Touch | Charcoal | Family | Mid-range | Kettle fans who want more features |
| Smokey Joe | Charcoal | Small, portable | Entry-level | Picnics, camping, small spaces |
| Q series | Gas | Compact | Mid-range | Balconies, townhouses, caravans |
| Traveler | Gas | Portable | Mid-range | Travel and camping |
| Spirit | Gas | 2–4 burners | Mid-range to premium | Regular family gas braais |
| Genesis | Gas | Large | Premium | Big outdoor-cooking setups |
| Summit Kamado | Charcoal | Large | Premium | Smoking, slow cooking, pizza |
Choosing between a Weber kettle and a Weber gas braai
The choice comes down to flavour, time and space:
- Kettle: more smoke flavour, works without electricity or gas, and costs less to buy. Lighting charcoal takes about 20 minutes with a chimney starter.
- Gas: ready in minutes, easy to control, cleaner. Better for weeknights and places where charcoal isn’t allowed.
Many people start with a kettle and add a gas braai later. Our gas vs charcoal vs wood comparison covers the trade-offs.
Useful Weber accessories
- Chimney starter: the easiest way to light charcoal without fire-lighter fluid.
- Charcoal baskets or rails: keep coals to the sides for indirect cooking.
- Hinged or insert grids: let you add coals or swap in a pizza stone, wok or griddle insert on compatible models.
- Thermometer: a probe thermometer takes the guesswork out of roasts.
- Cover: protects the braai from sun and rain.
- Briquettes: give steady, long heat for kettle cooking. See our charcoal and briquettes guide.
Check compatibility before buying accessories, since grids and inserts are made for specific models and sizes.
Where to buy Weber in South Africa
Weber braais are sold through Weber’s own channels, specialist braai and outdoor stores, department and homeware stores, and online retailers such as Takealot. Some large general retailers also stock selected models. Ask the retailer about local spares and after-sales support, and confirm warranty terms with the seller or Weber directly, since they differ by product.
Care and maintenance
Kettle
- Empty the ash catcher after every cook once the ash is cold. Ash holds moisture and causes rust.
- Brush the grid while warm.
- Keep the vents moving freely and clear of old ash.
- Wipe the enamel with a damp cloth; avoid harsh abrasives that scratch the coating.
Gas
- Leak test with soapy water every time you connect a cylinder: bubbles at a joint mean a leak.
- Keep the cylinder upright and outdoors, and turn it off at the valve after cooking.
- Clean the grease tray and drip cup regularly.
- Burn off the grid on high for a few minutes and brush it clean.
- Inspect hoses and the regulator every season.
Cover both types when not in use, especially at the coast.
FAQ
Which Weber kettle size should I buy?
The 57cm kettle is the common family size and gives room to cook indirectly with coals on both sides. Smaller kettles suit couples, and the portable Smokey Joe suits picnics and camping.
What is the difference between the Original Kettle and the Master-Touch?
Both are charcoal kettles. The Master-Touch adds features over the Original, such as an improved ash-handling system and extra grid options. If you braai often and want easier cleaning, the Master-Touch may be worth the step up.
Is a Weber Q a good braai for a balcony?
The Q series is compact and runs on gas, which makes it a popular balcony and townhouse choice. Check your body corporate rules first, keep it clear of flammable materials and use it only in a well-ventilated outdoor space.
Can you use wood in a Weber kettle?
Weber kettles are designed for charcoal and briquettes. Small wood chunks or chips added to the coals for smoke flavour are fine, but a full wood fire isn’t what a kettle is designed for.
Does a Weber kettle work during load shedding?
Yes. A charcoal kettle needs no electricity, and neither does a gas braai with a manual or battery igniter.
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