We tried to imagine the size of this from the 18" description; since we're a retired couple we don't need a big grilling surface so we thought this would be right for us.  It's much smaller than we imagined, that's ok but the fact that it is so short means I have to stoop over to cook on it (I'm 5'3"). I wish it were taller, it seems to be made for midgets.  But it is in proportion so it looks like a mini-Weber.  Othe wise it operates and cooks like the big grill we used for our growing family in the '80's.  It appears to be the same high quality.