Weber kettle sizes: 47, 57 or 67 cm?

The three sizes compared

Cooking area is worked out from the grate diameter; the 57 cm figure matches Weber's listing for the Original Kettle E-5710.

Why 57 cm is the standard

The 57 cm kettle balances space, fuel use and price. It takes a family meal of burgers and sausages in one go, has room for a two-zone fire with food on the cool side, and fits a whole chicken or a small joint under the lid. Most Weber accessories, including the Gourmet BBQ System inserts, rotisserie rings and pizza stones, are designed first for this size.

That is why the Master-Touch and Performer, Weber's more feature-rich kettles, are mainly sold in 57 cm. Our Weber kettle models compared guide sets out the differences between them.

When to choose 47 or 67 cm

A 47 cm kettle suits couples, small patios and anyone who mainly grills a few items at a time. It uses less charcoal and is lighter to move. The trade-off is less room for indirect cooking: a two-zone fire leaves only a small cool area.

A 67 cm kettle suits people who regularly cook for large groups or want space for big cuts on indirect heat. It uses more charcoal and takes more space, and fewer accessories are made to fit it. For most households the 57 cm is the better choice, with a larger gas BBQ or a second grill for occasional big parties.

Our BBQ cooking area explained article turns grate sizes into burgers and servings, and how much charcoal for a BBQ gives fuel amounts.

Height and footprint differ less than grate size suggests. All three stand on legs at a similar working height, but the 67 cm bowl is noticeably wider and heavier, so check the space on your patio with the lid hanging on its side hook. Smaller portable kettles, such as the Smokey Joe and Go-Anywhere, sit below the 47 cm size and are designed for picnics and camping rather than a garden.

Covers and accessories

Kettle covers are sold by grate size, and covers for kettles with side tables or work tables, such as the Performer, are different shapes again. Check both the size and the model before ordering. Our how to measure for a BBQ cover guide helps with third-party covers.

Charcoal baskets, hinged grates, cast iron grates and smoking accessories are also sized. Weber's GBS (Gourmet BBQ System) grates have a removable centre for inserts such as a wok or pizza stone and are mainly made for 57 cm kettles.

To check which size you own, measure the cooking grate edge to edge. It will be close to 47, 57 or 67 cm.

Compare Weber kettle models →

Choosing a kettle

If you are not sure, choose 57 cm. Then pick features: the Original Kettle for simplicity, the Master-Touch for a hinged GBS grate and lid holder, or a Performer for a work table and storage. Our best charcoal BBQs guide compares these kettles with Napoleon and Oklahoma Joe's alternatives, and how to use a Weber kettle explains vents and set-ups.

Note:Whatever the size, place a kettle on firm, level ground away from fences and sheds, keep children and pets clear, and empty ash only when it is completely cold.

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard Weber kettle size? The 57 cm kettle is the standard and most popular size.

How many people does a 57 cm Weber feed? Typically four to six, depending on the food and how you set up the coals.

Do Weber 57 cm covers fit other kettles? They fit most round 57 cm kettles without side tables. Kettles with tables need their own covers.

Is a 47 cm Weber big enough for a family? For a small family grilling simple food, yes. For indirect cooking or groups, 57 cm is better.