What is the name of the iconic charcoal grill introduced by Weber in the 1950s?

The iconic charcoal grill introduced by Weber in the 1950s is the Weber kettle.

George Stephen Sr. developed the design while working at Weber Brothers Metal Works near Chicago. Dissatisfied with the shallow brazier grills of the time, he used the shape of a metal buoy to create a rounded bowl with a domed lid. The first model was developed around 1951 and began being sold in 1952.

The lid was the key innovation. It helped control heat and smoke, making the grill useful not only for direct grilling but also for indirect cooking and barbecue-style roasting. Its circular shape, adjustable vents, legs, and lid became the template for countless kettle grills.

The original product was marketed as “George’s Barbecue Kettle.” Performer, Smokey Joe, and Go-Anywhere are later Weber product lines or models, not the name of the original iconic grill. “Weber kettle” is therefore the standard answer to this question.