Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover Review: The High-Feature, Low-Cost Weber Alternative?

There’s a ritual that repeats in my backyard every spring. The snow melts, the birds return, and I uncover my old, beleaguered charcoal grill. For years, it was a familiar dance of frustration: a wobbly tripod base that threatened to tip over with the slightest nudge, a lid I never knew where to put once it was hot, and a complete lack of prep space. I’d find myself balancing plates of seasoned steaks on a nearby patio chair, tongs tucked under my arm, desperately wishing for a third hand. This wasn’t just inconvenient; it actively took the joy out of grilling. The search for a replacement was always daunting, a battle between budget-friendly models that felt flimsy and premium brands that commanded a premium price for features I considered essential. I needed a grill that was stable, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, without forcing me to empty my wallet for the privilege.

What to Consider Before Buying a Charcoal Grill

A charcoal grill is more than just a metal container for hot coals; it’s a key solution for unlocking authentic, smoky flavor that gas grills simply can’t replicate. It’s the centerpiece of backyard gatherings, the catalyst for family cookouts, and the tool that turns simple ingredients into memorable meals. The main benefits lie in the high heat charcoal can achieve for perfect searing and the rich, complex flavors imparted by the smoke. A quality charcoal grill offers a hands-on, rewarding cooking experience that connects the chef directly to the fire.

The ideal customer for a product like the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover is someone who frequently hosts gatherings, values convenience, and wants premium features without the associated high cost. They’re the backyard warrior who has struggled with wobbly, feature-poor grills and is ready for an upgrade. This type of grill might not be suitable for those who live in apartments with strict fire codes, or for individuals who prioritize push-button convenience over the authentic charcoal experience; a gas or electric grill might be a better fit for them. Likewise, a dedicated solo camper might find a 22-inch kettle too large and opt for a smaller, more portable hibachi-style grill.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A 22-inch grill is the industry standard for a reason, offering ample cooking surface for a family or small party. However, you must consider the total footprint. Models with side tables, like the one we’re reviewing, expand to over 45 inches wide. Ensure you have adequate patio or backyard space to operate it safely, with proper clearance from any structures.
• Capacity/Performance: Cooking surface area, measured in square inches, dictates how much food you can cook at once. The 354 square inches offered here is perfect for grilling a dozen burgers or several racks of ribs. Beyond size, look for features that control performance, such as adjustable air vents (dampers) for temperature regulation and a built-in thermometer for monitoring heat without lifting the lid.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of a grill is determined by its construction. A porcelain-enamel coating on the bowl and lid is crucial for heat retention and resistance to rust and burn-off. Cheaper grills use simple paint that flakes quickly. A sturdy frame, preferably with four legs instead of three for enhanced stability, is a significant, often overlooked, advantage.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Grilling should be a pleasure, not a chore. Features like a hinged lid, foldable side tables for prep, tool hooks, and an easy-to-clean ash removal system dramatically improve the user experience. A removable, high-capacity ash catcher is far superior to systems that require you to scoop out ash manually, making cleanup faster and cleaner.

While the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Feature-Packed Contender Arrives

Unboxing the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover felt different from the start. The components felt substantial, particularly the porcelain-enamel coated bowl and lid, which had a satisfying heft. Confirming reports from other users, the assembly was a project. Working alone, it took me just under two hours, a process that involved careful attention to the improved assembly guide. As one user noted, “it would’ve been a lot quicker had there been two people,” a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. However, the time investment was well worth it. Once completed, the grill stood solid and steady on its four-legged frame—a major upgrade from the precarious tripods I’ve used in the past. The immediate standouts were the features you’d normally pay extra for on big-name brands: two foldable side tables, a heavy-duty hinged lid, and a comprehensive ash catcher system. The enamel finish was deep and lustrous, and as another user who was initially worried found, it appeared to be a “very high quality enamel coating.” My initial takeaway was one of pleasant surprise; this grill presented a feature set and build quality that seemed to far exceed its price point. You can explore all the included features on its product page.

Deep Dive: A Masterclass in Grilling Performance and Design

After assembling the grill and admiring its features, the real test began: cooking on it. Over several weeks, we put the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover through its paces with everything from burgers and hot dogs for a crowd to low-and-slow smoked pork shoulder and reverse-seared ribeye steaks. This wasn’t just about cooking food; it was about evaluating every aspect of the grill’s design, from temperature control to simple quality-of-life enhancements.

Design, Stability, and Unmatched Convenience

The single most transformative feature of this grill is its core design, which prioritizes stability and convenience. The four-legged stance is a game-changer. I’ve spent years nervously grilling on a three-legged kettle that felt one careless bump away from disaster. The Harbweb, by contrast, is rock solid. Even when opening the lid or loading up the side tables, there’s zero wobble. This stability provides an incredible sense of confidence, especially when grilling around kids or pets. The two large wheels make it easy to move across the patio, and the two stationary legs keep it firmly planted once in position.

Then there are the side tables. This is a feature I’ve always coveted but couldn’t justify the cost of on premium models. Having two foldable prep stations integrated into the grill is nothing short of revolutionary for my workflow. No more balancing trays on nearby ledges. I can have my raw meat on one side, my clean plate and tools on the other, and everything is within arm’s reach. They fold down smoothly for more compact storage, a thoughtful touch. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users, one of whom stated, “Equipped with two foldable side tables, this grill provides extra space for food prep and utensils.”

Finally, the hinged lid. If you’ve ever struggled with finding a place to set a blazing hot, 22-inch grill lid, you will adore this feature. Instead of hanging it precariously off the side or placing it on the ground, it simply swings up and out of the way. One user perfectly captured the value, comparing it to an expensive add-on for a competitor: “The lid hinge is stronger than the Weber add on I could imagine, of which would cost extra $65 and work to put it on the Weber.” These three elements—four legs, two tables, and a hinged lid—work in concert to create a grilling experience that feels effortless and professional. It’s a design that really sets it apart in its price category.

Cooking Performance & Precision Temperature Control

A grill can have all the bells and whistles in the world, but it’s worthless if it can’t cook well. Fortunately, the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover excels here, too. The 354.82 square inch cooking surface is generous, easily accommodating enough food for 8-10 people. During our tests, we grilled 12 large burger patties simultaneously with room to spare. The heavy-duty steel cooking grate is hinged on both sides, a feature some users highlighted as a “flip-up” grate. This seemingly small detail is brilliant in practice, allowing you to easily add more charcoal or wood chunks during a long cook without having to remove all the food and the entire grate.

Temperature control is managed through a dual-venting system. There’s a damper on the lid and another on the bottom ash-catcher assembly. By adjusting these, we could easily dial in the grill for different cooking styles. Opening them wide created a vortex of airflow for incredibly high heat, perfect for achieving a deep, crusty sear on steaks. For our smoked pork shoulder, we choked the vents down to about a quarter-open, and the grill held a steady 250°F for hours with minimal intervention. The lid-mounted thermometer, while not as precise as a high-end digital probe, gives a reliable estimate of the ambient temperature inside the dome, which is crucial for smoking and indirect cooking. We found the heat retention to be excellent, a testament to the thick-gauge steel and quality enamel coating that traps heat effectively.

Build Quality, Durability, and Long-Term Value

When you see a grill with this many features at this price point, the natural question is, “Where did they cut corners?” Based on our testing, it wasn’t in the most critical areas. The bowl and lid are coated in a thick layer of porcelain enamel, rated to withstand temperatures up to 1652°F. This is essential for durability. It prevents the steel from rusting and ensures the finish won’t peel or flake off after a few high-heat cooks, a common fate for cheap, painted grills. This high-quality coating was a pleasant surprise for users, with one noting they were “really happy with this grill” and that it “turned out to be very high quality enamel coating.”

The frame, legs, and tables are made of sturdy steel that feels robust once assembled. While the plastic handles and wheel hubs are standard for this class of grill, they feel solid and functional. The included grill cover is a fantastic addition, protecting the grill from the elements and further extending its lifespan. Combined with the 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty, the overall package represents an incredible long-term value. While we did note some user feedback about receiving damaged or defective parts, which is a risk with any shipped item, the positive reports about the company’s responsive customer service offer peace of mind. Investing in a grill that is built to last is key, and the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover offers impressive durability for the price.

Effortless Cleanup with the One-Touch System

The final, and often most dreaded, part of any barbecue is the cleanup. The Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover makes this process remarkably simple thanks to its ash removal system. A lever on the outside of the bowl operates three fins on the inside, which sweep ash down into the high-capacity, removable ash catcher below. This “touchless” system means no more scooping or tipping the grill over to empty it. After the coals have completely cooled, you simply slide the lever back and forth a few times, detach the catcher, and dispose of the ash responsibly. It’s clean, efficient, and takes seconds. This feature keeps the bottom vents clear for better airflow on your next cook and dramatically reduces the mess. For anyone who has battled with the dusty, dirty aftermath of a traditional kettle grill, this cleanup system is a significant and welcome upgrade that makes you more likely to want to grill again tomorrow.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover is strongly reflected in the broader user feedback. The overwhelming sentiment is one of surprise and satisfaction, with many users directly comparing it favorably to more expensive brands. One happy customer noted, “I bought this to replace my old Weber, I was shocked to discover it was half the price and had more features, but I’ve cooked on it a few times and absolutely love it.” Another found their perfect grill after a long search, stating, “I spent a lot of time… looking through different grills to try to find the perfect bang for my buck… I certainly found it in this grill.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. A few users reported issues with quality control right out of the box. One reviewer was disappointed to find that “two of the pre-drilled holes necessary to put together we’re not pierced through!” Another stated their grill was “damaged and bent right out of the box.” While these issues are concerning, it’s important to note that even the user with the un-drilled holes was “very pleased with how the company responded,” offering to ship a replacement piece immediately. This suggests that while occasional manufacturing defects can occur, the company’s support is responsive. You can read more user experiences and see the latest feedback before making a decision.

How Does the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover Compare to the Competition?

The Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover occupies a unique space, offering full-size kettle performance with premium convenience features. However, the market for charcoal grills is diverse, catering to different needs from ultra-portable camping to tabletop cooking. Here’s how it stacks up against three distinct alternatives.

1. Giantex Double-sided Cast Iron Hibachi Grill

The Giantex Hibachi Grill is a completely different beast, designed for direct-heat, high-temperature grilling in a compact form factor. Made from heavy cast iron, it offers phenomenal heat retention and searing power, making it ideal for things like yakitori, satay, or searing individual steaks. It’s a tabletop model, perfect for small patios, balconies, or camping trips where you want intense heat without the bulk of a kettle. While it lacks the versatility for indirect cooking or smoking that the Harbweb provides, it excels at its specific purpose. If your primary need is a portable, powerful searing machine for a couple of people, the Giantex is a fantastic choice. However, for all-around backyard cooking for a family or party, the Harbweb’s size and features are far more practical.

2. MAISON HUIS Portable Charcoal Grill

The MAISON HUIS grill prioritizes portability and style. It’s significantly smaller and lighter than the Harbweb, designed to be easily carried to a picnic, beach, or tailgate. Its multi-functional design and adjustable height offer some versatility, but its small cooking surface limits you to cooking for just two or three people at a time. It’s an excellent choice for the griller on the go who values aesthetics and doesn’t need to feed a crowd. The Harbweb, in contrast, is a stationary backyard anchor. While it has wheels, it’s not designed for true portability. The choice between these two comes down to a simple question: Do you grill at home, or do you take your grill with you on adventures?

3. Uten Large Portable Charcoal Grill Kit

The Uten grill is the epitome of utilitarian portability. Its stainless steel, folding “suitcase” design is clever, packing down into a remarkably small and easy-to-carry package. It’s built for tailgating and camping, offering a surprisingly large cooking area for its folded size. However, its thin stainless steel construction lacks the heat retention and durability of the Harbweb’s porcelain-enamel bowl. It’s fantastic for direct-heat grilling of burgers and hot dogs but struggles with temperature control for anything more complex. For those who need a functional, no-frills grill that can be thrown in the trunk of a car, the Uten is a strong contender. But for the home chef seeking a robust, feature-rich grilling station, the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover is in a different league entirely.

Our Final Verdict on the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover is a phenomenal value and a standout performer in the crowded charcoal grill market. It masterfully bridges the gap between budget-friendly basic models and overpriced premium brands. It takes the classic, proven 22-inch kettle design and enhances it with thoughtful features that genuinely improve the grilling experience: rock-solid four-legged stability, indispensable folding side tables, a convenient hinged lid, and an effortless ash cleanup system. While there are isolated reports of shipping damage or manufacturing flaws, the overall build quality, particularly the durable enamel coating, is impressive for its price point.

We highly recommend this grill to any backyard cook who has been yearning for premium features without the premium price tag. It’s perfect for families, entertainers, and anyone tired of juggling plates and tools around a wobbly, basic grill. It delivers on the promise of delicious, charcoal-fired food while making the entire process, from prep to cleanup, more enjoyable. If you’re ready to seriously upgrade your backyard barbecue game, this is the grill to get. Check the latest price and secure your own Harbweb 22 Inch Charcoal Grill with Cover today.