Ina Garten's grill of choice is a no-frills Weber — nab one for $99 at Amazon

Well folks, we've just about made it to grilling season — and if you're in the market for a new outdoor cooker, you'll have to decide whether you go the gas or charcoal route. While there are cases to be made for both, our beloved Ina Garten has a clear favorite: charcoal, specifically a Weber grill, which she often uses on Barefoot Contessa. These kettle-style cookers might not have a slew of bells and whistles, but it's their simplicity that makes them so iconic. Charcoal, heat, a grate and a lid are all you need to get a mouthwatering char on your steaks and burgers, and $99 is all you'll need to grab the Weber Jumbo Joe Premium Charcoal Grill at Amazon.

When asked about which type of grill she uses, Garten responded, "I prefer a charcoal grill because I like the flavor" — a common sentiment among charcoal enthusiasts. (In diplomatic fashion, she adds, "But if you prefer the ease of turning on a gas grill, that's perfectly fine too!") It all comes down to whether you value the taste of your food over speed; a charcoal grill will give you that crave-worthy smokiness.

The Weber Jumbo Joe is ideal for both amateur and advanced grillers alike, thanks to its no-nonsense design. The lid has dampers you can open or close to lower or boost the grill's temperature, but aside from that, there are no confusing controls. Just keep an eye on your food to prevent it from burning, and you'll be good to go.

This model can fit about 13 burgers at a time, so your picnic guests won't have to wait long for their food. The durable bowl and lid are coated in porcelain enamel for superior heat retention and to prevent rusting and peeling, and there's a handy hook to keep the lid off the ground while it's not in use. Heat shields on the handles help protect your hands, and when it's time to pack it up, it has wheels for rolling it into the garage or shed.

An endorsement from Ina Garten would be enough, but this grill also gets a lot of love from Amazon reviewers.

One Weber devotee called the brand the "gold standard," adding, "Love these Weber grills, they do the job well and [it] seems like they never rust away into a pile."

"Love charcoaling on them," gushed another impressed griller. "Brings out the flavors in almost everything. They last a pretty long time. Worth the money."

"This grill is exactly what I wanted," raved a third. "I used it for the first time a few days ago, and it worked perfectly. ... Easy to use. Easy to clean. I cooked up around eight chicken thighs at once and still had room for more. All in all, a very solid product."

"These Weber grills are built to last and parts are always available when you need them," shared a longtime fan. "I have a simple 22-inch grill that has hundreds of hours of use and is still working fine. It cooks food really well ... I have had other similar grills that don't even compare ... in performance and in build. My opinion? It's the best grill."

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few shoppers did have comments about the grill's stability.

"I really like Weber grills," said a mostly pleased buyer. "I bought two ... But we've only used them once and they are already a little wobbly and need some tightening."

"Wheels aren't very secure," echoed a final customer. "Better for stationary use." That said, they noted that the grill is "easy to put together."

P.S. Here's a piece of cookware that Ina swears by — and so do I! It's even safe to use on your new favorite grill.

More Weber grills worth checking out

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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.