| Many outdoor chefs swear by charcoal for the smoky, old-school flavor it lends to meat--but no one likes the mess or the hassle of starting the coals, or the chemical aftertaste that lighter fluid can leave. The Performer’s Touch-n-Go ignition system uses liquid propane to light charcoal briquets with just the touch of a button. Once the coals are white-hot, you’re ready to cook. Even cleaning up afterwards won’t get your hands dirty, thanks to Weber’s patented One-Touch cleaning system--a simple sweep of a lever pushes ashes into a removable catch pan for quick and easy disposal. The Performer’s exceptionally-durable construction includes a rust-resistant, porcelain-enameled steel bowl and lid. Heavy-duty, hinged grates made from plated steel offer easy access to the classic kettle-shaped bowl when it’s time to add briquets to the fire. A dual-purpose thermometer allows cooks to monitor the temperature inside the grill, then removes to test meat for doneness. A Tuck-Away holder holds the lid conveniently out of the way plus provides a windscreen for lighting. Rugged, weather-resistant wheels are crack-proof in the most extreme temperatures and allow easy transport, while locking casters prevent the grill from rolling while you cook. Rust-free aluminum vents adjust to provide perfect airflow in changing conditions. An integrated storage container keeps up to 20 pounds of charcoal dry and within reach, and the granite-look Thermoset work surface provides a handy place to store marinades and sauces while you cook. Also included are welded steel charcoal fuel holders that facilitate cooking with direct or indirect heat as well as a five-pound liquid propane tank. The assembled unit measures 40 by 50-1/4 by 28-1/2 inches, with a 22-1/2 inch cooking surface. Bowl, handles, lid, and One-Touch cleaning system are covered by a 10-year warranty; cooking grate and charcoal baskets have a 1-year warranty; and the burner assembly, hose, test valve, and regulator have a 3-year guarantee. Weber grills are made in the USA. --Mary Park |
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 Another Winner From Weber! |
| Review Date: November 22, 2005 |
| Reviewer: John G. Gleeson Sr., Frederic, Mi USA |
I have used a Weber One Touch Gold for many years, but the truth of the matter is that in Northern Michigan winter, it is frequently more than I care to attempt to try to get the fire going. Nomatter whether I use the chimney or parrafin starters, that cold wind does not get me enthused to charcoal grill in January.
So my sons gave me a Performer as a surprise gift (Bless those lads!!)! And, like most Weber products, it's a winner.
ASSEMBLY: It took less than twenty minutes for my older son and I to assemble it. The directions are crystal clear, the parts are well and carefully packed, and the only item not included is the small propane container, which is readily available at hardware stores. (Our local Home Depot had four packs for just under $10.00.)
QUALITY: This is a solidly built unit. The kettle bolts to the frame with four large bolts, and the adjoining work surface is similarly attached. While some have complained that it is not as good as its predecessor, I can vouch for the overall quality of design and construction.
PERFORMANCE: With the gift came a demand for "RIBS!!" There were enough people here to warrant a comparison test with my old One Touch Gold. The Performer had a fire ready to go about 8 minutes before the One Touch was ready, and the fire was hotter by over 50 degrees as measured on the thermometers in the handles. (I believe that the air vents at the bottom are larger in the Performer, which would account for this.)
The work surface adjacent to the kettle is worth the additional cost of this unit over the One Touch. No longer is there a need to balance a tray of goodies on the rim of the kettle with one hand, while trying to place food items on the grill with the other. The tip out charcoal storeage bin is another neat feature.
CONCLUSION: I am an admitted Weberholic. I don't think that they make a grill that is less than excellent, and I cannot imagine any feature that a charcoal griller would want on a grill that this unit lacks. So, now there are four Weber Grills on the deck, and while I will still use the gas grills a lot, I know that this coming January will see charcoal grilling in Northern Michigan.
Thanks, Weber!!
ADDENDUM: I got some hardwood charcoal (not briquets!) and have done burgers, chops and steaks. The fire is super hot and lasts about 40 minutes, but the flavor of the meat is superb!! |
Form vs Function
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| Review Date: April 14, 2005 |
| Reviewer: R. Glazer, Boston, MA |
There has been a lot of talk about the '05 model vs the older model. I just sold my old style model for New Performer and am very happy with it. For all its nice looks, the old Performer has some major design flaws and in some senses is more form than function. For starters, the stainless charcoal bin door lid also serves as the work surface, which is a huge pain when you are adding more coals as you have to move your food or dishes. It's also not that stable due to its dual function. Due to its placement, when taking coals out of the bin, the dust gets all over the stainless surface. Stainless looks pretty, however it's really not the best material for a work surface b/c it stratches and you will be be wiping it down all the time. The Thermoset plastic may feel cheap, but its very easy to clean and easier to maintain. The stainless tool holder attachments are also extremely flimsy in the old version as they clip on during assembly and are often knocked loose. Although I love the grill, these issues always bugged me, particularly the door issue.
Rather than trying to be cheap, I think that Weber has addressed some of the major design flaws with this grill with the '05 model. The charcoal bin can now be accessed from the side and the thermoset work surface is probably more practical when working with a charcoal grill. It also looks is if some solid tool holders have been molded into the frame. Given that the old 5lb gas tank would probably last a few years with regular use, I think Weber saw this as a chance to both save some space and reduce some cost without a great inconvenience. It seems as if you will only need 1-2 disposable cartridges per season. Finally, my guess is that by brining down the pricepoint and splitting the difference with the old one touch platinum, Weber is hoping this version will appeal to a larger crowd. As great as the old Peformer was, there just aren't a lot of people that are going to spend $400 on a charcoal grill, except for the die hards like me.
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Money Well Spent! BUY IT!
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| Review Date: March 26, 2006 |
| Reviewer: T. Arseneault, NH |
When I first was going to buy a charcoal grill I knew it was going to be a Weber, so I ordered the 22 1/2 kettle gold one touch, and every grill accessory to go with it which came out to about $275- then I saw the price on this one and at first a little scared to spend that much on a grill but said what the heck, cancelled the other items and ordered this one and man am I glad I did! This is the mother of all Weber Grills! Gas starting comes with the charcoal baskets,large side table,storage under the grill,Tuck-Away lid holder,tool holder,charcoal bin storage. Starting this thing is SO EASY with the gas ignition I couldn't believe it! I can't say enough to buy this grill! My only problem was which Grill cover to buy because the measurments on the ad says that it's 50inches long which is NOT the case it's really 43 inches long- Weber 9911 Premium Full-Length Heavy-Duty Vinyl Cover is the one you want for this grill also the Dark blue color is really more purple than Dark Blue BUT it might darken over time and use, AND Weber changed the propane tank from the 5lb refillable to the disposeable ones- 16.9oz or the 14.1oz that can be used on the Weber Q grill- I hope I answered any question you might have had with this grill and two words sums up this grill-
BUY IT!
Update!!!!!!! 07/26/2008...............
After 2 years of owning this grill I'm still loving this thing, and it has never darkened over time either, it's still purple, or as some people call it blue, it looks just like the day I bought it too!In fact I'm going to sell my other grill (GAS GRILL) because it never gets any use with this one around!!!! |
Simply Awesome!
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| Review Date: October 19, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Chask3, |
I purchased my New Performer in February of 2005. I love my grill !
I use this grill at least 3 times a week and really have nothing but praise for it.
Here's why.
Plain and simple... if you want a grill that gives you the great positives of charcoal cooking flavor over gas, and a grill that gives you the primary convenience that gas has of quick ignition and readiness to cook, look no further.
No more need for starter fluid burn off or its residual taste in your foods. No more labors of love to get a fire started in a starter chimney. This unit seemingly was designed for people that want the best of both worlds and Weber actually makes a supreme effort to let you realize that dream.
Trust me... there is nothing "cheap" about the quality of its plastic work surface. I have used and abused my grill for better than 8 months now and it may be in need of a good cleaning, but it shows no sign of deterioration. It is quite sturdy. Before I purchased my Performer, I located the year earlier model and had an opportunity to buy it locally. But I chose not to. One main reason is that the newer design for 2005 is far friendlier in regards gaining access to coals in the storage bin.
Speaking of the coal storage bin, I have had many bags of coal stored in the compartment and the coals suffer none for being there. The grill has been left in the rain several times and yet the storage bin opening is far enough under the top to protect the coals from any rain. When I come out to cook, my coals are dry and ready for me, just like I left them. It also looks great to me because I do not see it while cooking and when I need to get coals, it is easy to just reach under and tilt it forward to access my coal bag. Weber clearly went along with the "KISS" idea (Keep It Simple Stupid) in making this design and they got it right!
The boats for the coals are not for every cooking episode. They may not allow maximum flow of air around them for good hardy burning, but that is actually a GOOD thing. The boats are designed for indirect heating methods of cooking where you might want your coals placed to one side or not directly under your food for some reason (roasting, slow cooking to simulate smoking, etc.). Any idea that they just be for every grilling session so as to keep off the grate was not their purpose I don't think. So a slightly restricted airflow actually is a positive sometimes as would be the case when you seek slower burning coals. Do not be afraid to utilize the regular grate for coals to burn upon like any other conventional grill and simply store the two empty coal baskets or boats on the lower storage rack until you are ready to use them at an appropriate time.
I feel that with all consideration and fairness, Weber has designed and improved on a grilling idea that will exceed the performance value of many others easily.
Did I mention that I really think this grill is Awesome!?!
**** UPDATE: 4 YEARS LATER ****
February 2009 and I can tell you that my grill has held up well.
My grill still remains ready to go at any moment and consistently provides great cooking experiences and flavorful meals. I would guess that it is still about 98%, the 2% being only the loss of the newness shine from exposure to constant weather, yet its enamel still looks well and is in really great shape.
For all the cooking I have done I am really surprised that I have not had to replace anything whatsoever on this item.
I had expected to renew the ignition button and maybe the gas connections and flame ports.... but for me, that has not been the case.
Not a single thing has failed after constant use and abuse over the past four years. I don't imagine that I am just lucky with this grill. I attribute its longevity and performance more to this grill truly being a fine quality build.
All things considered, I have little doubt that I will still be using this grill and loving it even four years from now. No regrets.
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Love this grill
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| Review Date: February 24, 2006 |
| Reviewer: B. Darby, Orange, CA USA |
I have been using my Weber performer for six months and absolutely love it.
My old Weber charcoal grill was from the late 70's and required the ash to be scooped out by hand which was very messy. Also, recycling the un-burnt charcoal from the previous nights grilling required each piece of charcoal be picked up and dumped back into a chimney (I don't use starter fluid).
So, I started looking for a better solution. Gas grills are cleaner and faster but don't provide the taste that I have become accustomed with charcoal. My initial reaction to the Performer was that it was too expensive for a charcoal grill. Now I think it is worth every penny.
What the performer offers over the lower priced Weber charcoal models:
* A push button gas ignition system that will have the charcoals ready to cook in about 15-20 minutes and is much less hassle and mess than a chimney
* A charcoal storage bin that will hold one 20 lb bag
* A dual purpose temperature gauge built into the handle to monitor the grill temperature and when inserted into meat, can determine when it's cooked
* A Thermoset table top which is easy to keep clean and provides an adequate work surface
* A hinged grill making it easy to add charcoal or wood during barbequing. I have never needed to add more charcoal but I do add wood chips for smoking
* A convenient bowl holder bolted onto the side of the barbeque instead of the less convenient hook mounted underneath the bowl on the other Weber charcoal grills.
* An enclosed ash catcher under the grill which is easy to change and doesn't dump ashes like the open ash catcher on the One-Touch Silver charcoal grill.
* Tools holders molded into the frame
* Charcoal briquet holders that can be easily moved over the gas ignition source then positioned for either direct or indirect grilling
With a little practice, charcoal cooking temperature is easily regulated by closing down the vents reducing air flow and lowering the temperature.
Besides charcoal a variety of wood can be burned which enhances the flavor of the barbeque. Jack Daniels sells bags of wood chips made from whiskey barrels. Remove the skin from the chicken and the whiskey flavor penetrates the meat making a wonderful tasting chicken that doesn't need barbeque sauce.
Gas grills are ready to cook faster and regulate temperature quicker, but can not compete with charcoal for taste.
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