Thoughts on the Weber Performer

[binarypaladin]

I've written here once or twice about expanding my cooker collection. Some guy on Craig's List is getting rid of a Weber Performer Premium for $160. I'm likely gonna grab it on Monday that that's the earliest the guy can meet up.

Any thoughts? The price is obviously good and since I have a tricked out 22" kettle, I'm familiar with the cooker, have accessories, etc. Is the table decent? The storage? Anything really disappointing I should be aware of.

These things seem ridiculously overpriced for what they are. Am I missing something about some feature? Is this really anything other than a table plus a 22" premium (which I have, albeit a slightly older model). For the price this guy is selling it for, it's seems good enough for me, but I am trying to figure out what the Performer adds that's worth $300 over the price of a regular premium kettle.

Should I pick this thing up, David Parrish will likely be getting another order. (I just need to decide between another original or the premium SNS this time.)

[Huskee]

I agree that sticker is overpriced, at least IMO, charging essentially $150 for the table/cart. But you're getting the whole deal for about $10 over the price of the kettle alone (the new price anyway). If it's in good shape and the fins seal well for proper temp control I'd definitely be interested at that price. What would be great is if it came with a SnS.

[binarypaladin]

Okay, so nothing magical. I do want a table/cart (I actually use the top of my trash cans right now, lol) and the charcoal storage is nice. Nothing seemed bad about it, but when I saw the price I was just like, "I could build a really nice table for $300."

So far as I can tell, the unit is still in the box, so the price is really good. And yeah, it would be nice if it had an SNS, but I have a feeling most people who get an SNS aren't exactly in a hurry to sell their kettles!

[Huskee]

New in box? Heck yeah, snatch that thing up!

[binarypaladin]

We'll see. I'm hoping to have my first bragging acquisition post this week. Ha.

[kmhfive]

Good luck! That's a great deal -- table/cart and charcoal storage for $10!

[HawkerXP]

I would jump on that one. Its great having 4 legs, with wheels for being able to move it around without the chance of tipping. The newer ones have the metal table which is another plus.

[jgreen]

I went for the 26 to get extra cooking space, but the table would be really handy to have.

[RonB]

I bought the Deluxe model in 2010, (had to look the date up... ). I thought the "gimmicks" were just that - gimmicks. Now I love the charcoal storage and I use the table for every cook. I also love the gas ignition, but the Premium doesn't have that. I also use the shelf on the bottom to store the SnS, GrillGrates, and charcoal baskets that came with the grill.

This is a long winded way of saying go for it.

[Danjohnston949]

I think Discussion is Over, I call for a Division of the House, if the Secretary will determine if there is a Quaurom Present! 🤗😇🤗 👍👍👍👍👍 All in Favor Say BBQ! 🐷🐷🐖🐷🐷
Me and Mr. Roberts are Old Friends❓ Considering You already have a Kettle W / S 'n S You might want to Consider a Vortex!
Eat Well and Prosper! From A Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[JeffJ]

Don't forget about the propane ignition system. That is a nice convenience. In addition to the Performer, I use it to light a chimney for my 26 and PBC.

[binarypaladin]

JeffJ sadly, the premium doesn't have the ignition system.

jgreen I was actually considering a 26, but I already have a 22 which, for family cooking, is always enough (except when doing chicken wings). They're also a pain to find used, although that's not a requirement. After checking CL, I found that getting a second 22, was easily the cheapest want to expand my outpoint. I was actually just looking for another Premium kettle, though I would have settled for the regularly (they're normally going for around $40). This Performer is kind of an oddity.

I kind of want a dedicated smoker, but really... why? How often am I hosting a party where 16lbs of pork isn't enough? (And two units actually doubles that anyway.) The biggest issue was really being able to grill and smoke at the same time. I've made a bit of a resolution to get more vegetables into action and that seems like it generally lends itself to grilling rather than smoking.

RonB Yeah, the storage seemed really nice, especially the charcoal storage. It doesn't rain much here but... my kids currently can't get enough of the hose and sprinkler attachment which has proved to be more of an issue than rain!

The only "downside" is that I likely need another SNS. I can't really imagine using a kettle without one at this point and maybe another Drip 'N Griddle which, after using, seems somewhat underrated if that were possible. Oh, and more drilling. Ha.

[RonB]

You could always move the SnS from one grill to the other for a while, unless you are cooking on both. Or the charcoal holders could be used as a substitute too.

[binarypaladin]

Yeah, that's a possibility. We'll see. I won't actually pick this thing up until tomorrow anyway presuming this is all legit.

[kmhfive]

As Danjohnston949 stated, you may want to look at the vortex for the second cooker. That's one I'm considering just for wings!

[Danjohnston949]

kmhfive, I only do Wings, Thighs, Steak, Chops and Salmon on the Performer Deluxe and Vortex! I Can't
Afford C' Wings❓
🤗😇🤗
From a Backyard Cremator in Fargo ND, Dan

[binarypaladin]

Lame. The guy completely botched the ad. Seems like he gets a lot of grills and sells them. I didn't ask, but he had some big Weber gas grill (sorry, got zero interest in gas) and some other brand charcoal grill. Oh well, I guess I need a thermostat instead. lol

[ken g]

I love my Performer. With the SNS, DnG and a PartyQ accessories, it is a kick butt smoker in addition to a great grill. I have had no issues with the table. The only complaint I have is the axle shaft on mine is rusting. I keep it covered with the Weber Performer cover so it is out of the elements. I don't get the propane lighting system. Looks to be a unneeded expense to me. I got rid of my gas grill to be done with propane.