3 Best Grills for Kettle Grill, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need extra indirect cooking space on your grill BBQ Future Stainless Steel Grill Expander Rack It fits grills up to 22.5 inches and adds warming room.
• You want to double the capacity of your 22-inch kettle Onlyfire 22" Kettle Grill Cooking System This system expands your 22-inch Weber kettle for better heat management.
• You prefer traditional charcoal grilling with precise heat control Grill Boss 22-Inch Charcoal Kettle Grill It offers durable charcoal cooking with precise vent control and heat retention.

Our 3 picks

1 Best overall

BBQ Future Stainless Steel Grill Expander Rack

Best for: adding indirect cooking space to existing grills

Compatible Appliance

Kettle Grill, Ceramic Grill (what this guide is about)

Fuel Type

Gas

Material

Stainless Steel

Dimensions

5 × 5 × 2 inches

Weight

1 pounds

View on Amazon: BBQ Future Stainless Steel Grill Expander Rack Affiliate link

This grill expander adds a 15.6 by 12.88 inch cooking surface to your existing grate. It stands 3.9 inches high and fits grills from 18 to 22.5 inches wide. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and heat. Three legs provide stability on your current grate. You can use it for indirect smoking or keeping food warm. It works with kettle, ceramic, and gas grills.

Pros

• Adds 15.6 by 12.88 inch of extra cooking space
• Fits grills from 18 to 22.5 inches wide
• Constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel
• Stands 3.9 inches high for versatile cooking
• Includes three legs for stable support on existing grates

Cons

• Limited to grills 18 to 22.5 inches wide
• No remote or smart controls mentioned
• Requires manual placement on existing grate

Good fit if

• You need more space for indirect cooking or smoking
• You want to keep finished food warm while cooking
• You have a kettle or ceramic grill under 22.5 inches

Skip if

• You have a grill larger than 22.5 inches
• You need a fixed, built-in expansion system
• You prefer a single-piece grate replacement

Verdict: BBQ Future Stainless Steel Grill Expander gives you extra room for smoking or warming on grills up to 22.5 inches. It is a practical add-on for backyard cooks who need flexible space.

2 Best budget

Onlyfire 22" Kettle Grill Cooking System

Best for: expanding 22-inch kettle grill capacity

Compatible Appliance

Kettle Grill (what this guide is about)

Weight

12 pounds

View on Amazon: Onlyfire 22" Kettle Grill Cooking System Affiliate link

This Onlyfire system expands your 22-inch Weber kettle grill capacity by 250%. It includes two stainless steel half-moon grates and two heat deflectors for indirect cooking. The base rack sits securely on original grate tabs to prevent spinning. At 12 pounds, it adds weight but stability. It suits those who want more space and better heat control for smoking or searing.

Pros

• Expands cooking surface up to 250%
• Includes two stainless steel half-moon grates
• Comes with two half-moon heat deflectors
• Base rack prevents spinning on original tabs

Cons

• Adds 12 pounds to your grill setup
• Only fits 22-inch kettle grills
• Requires manual placement of components

Good fit if

• You own a 22-inch Weber kettle grill
• You want to cook more food at once
• You need indirect heat for smoking

Skip if

• You have a 18-inch or 24-inch grill
• You prefer a compact, lightweight setup
• You only cook small portions

Verdict: Onlyfire 22" Kettle Grill Cooking System gives you double the cooking space and better heat management for your 22-inch kettle. It is ideal for families or entertainers who need more room and versatile cooking zones.

3 Best premium

Grill Boss 22-Inch Charcoal Kettle Grill

Best for: traditional charcoal grilling with precise heat control

Compatible Appliance

Kettle Grill (what this guide is about)

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Form Factor

Kettle

Primary Material

Porcelain-coated steel

Placement

Outdoor

Application

Camping, Backyard, Tailgating

View on Amazon: Grill Boss 22-Inch Charcoal Kettle Grill Affiliate link

This Grill Boss unit is a 22-inch charcoal kettle grill with a 27.6-inch width and 36.5-inch height. It features porcelain-coated steel construction for heat retention and durability. You get a built-in thermometer and adjustable vents for precise temperature control. The design includes a slide-in ash catcher for easy cleanup and two wheels for mobility. It suits you if you want a standalone charcoal grill with a warming rack.

Pros

• 22-inch porcelain-coated steel cooking area retains heat well
• Built-in thermometer and adjustable vents allow precise airflow control
• Slide-in ash catcher simplifies post-grill cleaning
• Includes an elevated warming rack for sides or bread

Cons

• Requires assembly as it ships unassembled
• No digital temperature display or smart connectivity
• Single charcoal fuel type limits versatility compared to gas options

Good fit if

• You prefer traditional charcoal grilling for smoky flavor
• You want a portable unit with wheels for tailgating
• You need a warming rack for keeping food warm

Skip if

• You want a gas or pellet grill for convenience
• You need a compact grill under 22 inches
• You prefer electric grilling for indoor use

Verdict: Grill Boss 22-Inch Charcoal Kettle Grill is a solid choice for charcoal purists who value heat retention and easy cleanup. It fits you if you want a durable, portable grill with precise vent control.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right one

1. Check grill diameter fit

   Match the accessory to your specific kettle diameter. The BBQ Future Stainless Steel Grill Expander Rack fits grills between 18 and 22.5 inches wide. This range covers many standard models. If you own a 22-inch Weber kettle, the Onlyfire Cooking System is designed for that exact size. Verify your grill measurements before buying. An incorrect fit can cause instability or unsafe cooking conditions. Ensure the accessory sits securely on your existing grate or rim.

2. Select fuel type wisely

   Decide between charcoal or gas based on your cooking style. The Grill Boss 22-Inch Charcoal Kettle Grill uses charcoal for traditional heat. This fuel type offers distinct flavor profiles and precise vent control. Accessories like the BBQ Future expander are compatible with gas grills too. Consider your preference for flavor and heat management. Charcoal requires more setup time but provides authentic taste. Gas offers convenience and quicker temperature adjustments. Choose the fuel source that aligns with your typical backyard meals.

3. Evaluate material durability

   Look at the construction material for longevity and heat resistance. The BBQ Future expander uses stainless steel, which resists rust and corrosion. This material is ideal for outdoor exposure and frequent cleaning. The Onlyfire system also features silver stainless steel construction. Durable materials ensure the accessory maintains its shape under high heat. Check for thick gauge metal in the specs. Thicker steel handles weight better and lasts longer. Avoid thin materials that may warp or degrade over time.

4. Consider weight and portability

   Assess the weight if you move your grill often. The BBQ Future expander weighs only one pound, making it easy to store or transport. In contrast, the Grill Boss charcoal grill weighs significantly more due to its larger frame. Heavier units stay stable but are harder to move. The Onlyfire system weighs twelve pounds, offering a middle ground. Consider your storage space and how often you relocate your cooking setup. Lighter accessories are better for frequent movers, while heavier grills suit permanent setups.

5. Assess cooking capacity needs

   Determine how much food you typically cook. The Onlyfire system doubles the cooking space for a 22-inch kettle. This is useful for families or entertaining large groups. The Grill Boss offers a 22-inch cooking surface as a standalone unit. The BBQ Future expander adds indirect space for smoking or warming. Evaluate your usual meal sizes. If you cook for four or more, extra capacity is valuable. Smaller gatherings may not need expanded space. Choose based on your regular hosting habits and food volume.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best outdoor pizza ovens under 100
• best outdoor pizza ovens under 150
• best kettle charcoal grills
• best toasters with grill