Weber’s 22-inch Original Kettle is the definitive charcoal grill. Its simple, bowl-and-lid design hasn’t changed much in decades because it doesn’t need to. This is the grill that teaches you how to cook with fire.

The heavy-gauge steel body and porcelain-enameled finish are built to handle years of weather. The real magic is in the airflow. The dampers on the lid and bowl give you precise control over temperature, letting you sear a steak or slow-smoke ribs for hours. The 363-square-inch cooking area fits about a dozen burgers comfortably. Cleanup is straightforward—ashes collect in a one-touch system for easy disposal.

It requires more attention than a gas grill. You’ll need to manage your charcoal and learn the vents. That’s the point. For the price, you get a tool that makes you a more engaged cook, producing a flavor that’s impossible to replicate.