There is nothing better than the taste of charcoal grilling! It helps us connect with nature and the food and share unforgettable moments with our loved ones. A portable charcoal grill is a must whether you are space-conscious or enjoy camping and fishing trips. There are many types of portable charcoal grills, but none as notable and famous as Weber’s popular products; Go Anywhere and the Smokey Joe.
Some might consider that they are quite similar, but choosing one or the other depends on your needs, purposes, and budget. The next sections will offer an in-depth comparison between the two portable charcoal grills to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Overall Quality
Weber is one of the best brands on the market when it comes to barbecues and grills. It comes as no surprise that these two models benefit from a robust, well thought out design. The Weber Go Anywhere comes to support the company’s reputation, benefiting from a lightweight design of approximately 14 pounds.
Go Anywhere is as reliable and sturdy as any other full-sized grill. As with most Weber products you won’t find metal, flimsy parts, so expect long years of use. On the other hand, there are a few things that could be improved in terms of design. For instance, the lid is relatively low, so it’s not overly suitable for roasting food. If you are looking for a grill to roast larger cuts of meat then we would recommend something like the Cobb Premier Grill. However, for traditional barbecue grilling the Go Anywhere is an excellent choice.
The Weber Smokey Joe is what most people would consider a classic portable charcoal grill – compact, lightweight, and perfect for an on-the-go barbecue. The main obvious difference in design is that Go Anywhere has a rectangular shape, while the Smokey Joe sports a round kettle barbecue design. Aside from storage requirements, there aren’t many functional differences between the two designs. Although some people might believe that the shape influences the amount of heat generated inside, this is a misconception because neither a rectangular nor a round shape will affect the grill’s ability to generate heat.
The Smokey Joe also scores high on quality and durability, making it difficult to rank one over the other. The ash catcher and the legs are made of aluminum, which lowers the chances of rust developing and makes it lightweight. Unlike Go Anywhere, the ash catcher is placed underneath the bowl.
One drawback of the Smokey Joe’s design is that the lid cannot be locked in place, so you might want to consider strapping it in place by yourself. Additionally, it does not come with any carry handles, only the one on top of the lid. So, you can only pick up the grill by the bowl or the legs. You should also be careful if the grill is still hot when you touch the bowl.
Finally, both grills score high on efficiency. They require a surprisingly small amount of charcoal to cook food to perfection, so you will save money in the long-term, no matter which model you use. None of the two portable grills are ideal for prolonged cooking because there is limited charcoal space. However, this is the case with all on-the-go grills.
Features
The Weber Go Anywhere packs simplicity and functionality without unnecessary features to weigh it down. It is one of the best portable charcoal grills on the market with a few subtle add-ons. For example, most products come with one vent on the lid, while The Go Anywhere has two. This allows for unmatched temperature control, allowing two zones for grilling, and even directing the heat exactly where you want it. This is impressive for a portable charcoal grill ready to accompany you on all of your camping trips!
The cooking grate is made of heavy-duty steel, adding a bit of weight to the otherwise lightweight design. Under the grill, there is a plate where the charcoals and ash remain away from your food and the bottom of the grill. The firebox has different vents on both sides; this allows you to make a roaring fire, medium flame, or very low heat, depending on what you want to cook.
The Smokey Joe comes with a sturdy lid and a comfortable handle. The nylon grip ensures that it does not overheat, mostly due to the metal heat deflector underneath. This feature is also found in the Go Anywhere’s design.
In addition to this, the lid has a vent with four holes, which, along with the vent on the bottom, allow you to precisely control the temperature. One main drawback of having vents on the bottom is that they can easily get blocked with charcoal, limiting the airflow. This is why it is essential to clean the remaining charcoal and ash every time you finish cooking.
In terms of the bowl and lid, they both have a porcelain-enameled coating. This helps to prevent rust but also ensures the even circulation of smoke around the cooking area. As a result, it is a suitable choice for beginners and seasoned cooks as well.
Portability
A great feature of the Go Anywhere is, of course, its portability. Although it has numerous features often found in full-size grills, The Weber Go Anywhere does not compromise portability. The legs are foldable so that they can be placed over the lid. There is a locking system to keep it in place, and you can carry the grill with you wherever you go.
The Smokey Joe lacks in this category, but not because it is not compact and lightweight. The main feature that decreases its ease of transportation is the lack of a locking system on its lid and carrying handles.
Cooking Area
The cooking area might not seem as important as portability, but it is still relevant since we might also take our friends and family on a camping or fishing trip. Weber Go Anywhere comes with a 160 square inches area, or enough to cook up to 6 large burgers at a time, sausages, or four steaks. Weber Go Anywhere can quickly cook for about four people in one go.
The Smokey Joe has very similar cooking capacities but slightly smaller as it is about 147 square inches. It can cool 3-4 large steaks or six burgers. It might be recommended if you prefer a circular design rather than a rectangular one. Some people might find it easier to arrange or turn the food around so that the grill could cook for 4-5 people at once.
Accessories
When shipped, the Weber Go Anywhere comes with a cooking grate, a charcoal grate, two lower vent covers, two legs, a handle, the barbecue lid, and the user’s manual with assembly instructions. The Smokey Joe has the same accessories but is made of different materials since the legs and the ash catcher are beautifully crafted from durable, lightweight aluminum.
Ease of Use
If you have already done some charcoal grilling, the Weber Go Anywhere is as familiar as a grill can be. There is no need for a large amount of charcoal to light up in no time. The setup is easy and, when folded, it looks like a rectangular box that can be easily placed in the trunk of your car. There is also the option to purchase an additional carry bag if you need it.
The Smokey Joe is also as easy to use as you would expect, without being any less effective than a full-size grill. Like the Go Anywhere, it has two grates – one for cooking and another for charcoals. The ash catcher is quite efficient in grabbing all the falling bits. The entire vent system is straightforward to use by turning them with your hand, allowing you to achieve the desired temperature. For more information on how to use a Weber Smokey Joe check out this article.
As for heating up and cooking, both grills are excellent. Once you open their vents, the fire will be blazing in no time. Also, they come with a useful recipe book filled with tips, ideal for beginners looking for different types of cooking options.
Maintenance and Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning grills, most people are quite reluctant, and rightly so. The Weber Go Anywhere, fortunately, is quite different. The cooking grate can be simply cleaned with a quality grill brush. After that, you remove the cooking grate and gently wash off the grease with warm, soapy water and a cloth or brush.
The Smokey Joe has a superior feature that makes cleaning a breeze. Weber included an ash catcher right underneath the bowl, in the middle of the support legs. This will catch any falling ash, so you can easily clean it after cooking. Apart from washing the grates, this is the main cleaning part – just like with the Go Anywhere.
As for any other grill, you must remove the remaining charcoal and ash. Otherwise, the debris can block the air vents, limiting the amount of oxygen and choking the fire. When you empty the firebox, make sure that it is cold – it’s not a complicated system; all you need to do is tip the box and discard the waste, ideally in a metal bin.
All charcoal grills get a buildup of carbon under the lid caused by smoke and grease in time. This is normal for all models, and you can gently scrape it to remove the debris. However, do not scrub it too much, or you will remove the seasoning. Eliminate the larger parts, so they do not fall on the food while cooking.
Warranty
Weber is exceptionally confident in their grills’ quality, which is reflected by their 10-year warranty for burns and rust regarding the firebox for the Go Anywhere. Additionally, the handle has five years warranty, but not regarding aesthetics, such as discoloring or fading. All the other components have a 2-year warranty. The Smokey Joe is quite similar as it comes with ten years for the lid and bowl regarding rust and burns, five years for the ash cleaning system, five years on the plastic parts, and two years on all the other parts.
Budget and Value for Money
The Smokey Joe is considerably cheaper than the Go Anywhere, so it might be the go-to choice if you are on a budget. In terms of value for money, the two grills are indeed worth the investment, but they also come with several drawbacks. The Go Anywhere emerges as the one that’s closest to perfection when it comes to a portable charcoal grill – for a few extra bucks, of course!
Weber Go Anywhere vs Smokey Joe – Which One Is Best?
As with any other portable charcoal grills, you need to compromise on a few features. They are both quality products that will last for a very long time, so it is down to your preference and budget. The Smokey Joe has a few inconveniences, such as the lack of carrying handles, making it a bit awkward to transport, and the lid does not have any locking system. On the other hand, it does have an ash catcher, but this might not be so useful in windy weather.
If you are on a budget, the Smokey Joe is undoubtedly a great choice. Since it lacks a few portability features, it is slightly inferior to the Go Anywhere, which can be easily packed and carried anywhere you need. However, if you don’t mind using some cords to lock the lid in place for the Smokey Joe, it will surely be worth every cent. The products are also highly similar in terms of cooking area, quality, and cooking versatility.
Where to Buy a Smokey Joe BBQ
The Weber Smokey Joe comes in a variety of sub models including design features, colours and specifications. Check out the Amazon to find the best current prices for the model that suits your requirements.
Where to Buy a Weber Go Anywhere BBQ Grill
If you prefer the sound of the Weber Go Anywhere grill and you want the best possible price available, check out the range of options for the Go Anywhere in these listings.
Summary
All in all, Weber is a trusted leader when it comes to barbecue accessories and all types of grills. If your budget allows it, the Go Anywhere is the ideal choice compared to the Smokey Joe because of some of the few features that make it superior – such as its dual airflow control and portability. It is ideal if you often use your grill or go on frequent trips. It’s very easy to secure and carry around, no matter the occasion.
Otherwise, the Smokey Joe is a highly affordable option, perhaps even better if you are only planning to use it casually, so the lack of locking systems and carrying handles will not be a significant issue. It is an excellent portable charcoal grill that helps you cook each meal to perfection; it is beginner-friendly and very smooth on your budget. The value for money is undoubtedly higher than expected with this model, despite its few lacking features.