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Weber Smokey Joe Gold Review

Model 40020 Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill

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Anyone who cooks on the go should look at the Weber Smokey Joe Gold. At 10 lbs, with a lid lock and easy carrying handle, this can go just about anywhere with you; the beach, camping, tailgating or cookouts at the park.

For as simple as this is, little things like the lid lock doubling as a lid holder are really cool. Weber has even included a 31 page owner's manual with all kinds of cooking tips and recipes. While I get my recipes from the Internet, you may not have access on a camping trip.

At 14.5", you can get three steaks on it or six burgers. That's not bad for something as portable as this baby. While you can get something like the Bubba Keg Grill (now the Big Steel Keg Grill) and use it's trailer hitch feature to port it around, we're talking 1/20th the price here, so it's a no brainer for the practical traveler.

Here are a few things some buyers have to say about the Weber Smokey Joe Gold:

Highlights

The bowl and lid have a porcelain enamel coating
14.5" triple nickel plated cooking grate
10 year limited warranty
Handle is glass reinforced nylon
Safe transport with included lid lock

Recommended
Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Gold

Weber Smokey Joe Gold Features

Weighs 10 lbs so it's very portable	Plastic lid handle that won't wear out like wood
Heavy-duty triple nickel plated steel cooking grate	14.5" diameter cooking area
Comes in Black only	Weber cookbook included
Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid	The vents are non-rusting aluminum
Glass-reinforced nylon handle	A dual purpose lid-lock / lid holder
17 inches high	14.25 inches wide
14.5 inches deep

Pros

Easy to take with you with the lid lock and light weight
Good heat distribution and retention
Quality construction

Cons

The legs aren't as sturdy as they could be
You need to make sure kids and animals don't knock it over when they're playing.
The side air vents are not a favored new feature by some users. Prefer the vents on the bottom because they are below the coals.

Weber Smokey Joe Gold Summary

The majority of the reviews for this unit have been highly positive, noting some new features that make this grill more portable than the Weber Smokey Joe Silver. Notably, the new plastic handle and the lid lock.

However, a few people have voiced concerns with the move from a bottom vent with ash pan to the solid bowl bottom and side vents. The claim is that this grill cannot get up to searing temperature, nor will the coals remain lit once the hood is put in place since the vents are above the coals.

What are your thoughts? Please share your weber grill review.

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Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Gold