I've owned a 22 1/2" kettle for over 40 years (not the same one!) and finally decided to give the larger kettle a try.  I cook a lot on the grill and usually have to cook two rounds of food - I should have switched to the 26" kettle a LONG time ago.  While it's only 3 1/2" bigger in diameter, it has a lot more cooking area and NO MORE multiple rounds of cooking!  It has all the same accessories available as the smaller kettle and you can even but Grill Grates for this model.  I can now cook the entire meal at one time and nothing gets cold or soggy anymore.  Highly recommend this grill if you cook for more than 3 people at a time.