Lighting Up a Weber Performer - which way is best?

[JGo37]

Hi Pit-Heads! I've decided to go with new Weber equipment within my budget, and there's always a good $ 50 - $60 difference between the performers with Touch-n-Go ignition and the model without the added gas igniter. I'm stepping up my game here and getting away from the grill/smoker combos at half the Weber price that leak like a sieve. I'll be getting options, so I can create indirect heat zones for smoking when not grilling, and I use this stuff in MO winter too. Help me make a decision here!

[Attjack]

I don't have touch-n-go but would like it.

[DWCowles]

I rather used Weber fire starter cubes to light the charcoals especially for a low and slow cook using the SnS.

[jfmorris]

I never had a way to light charcoal OTHER than wax cubes or crumpled newspaper until I got my Performer Deluxe last year. Now I use that to start the charcoal for all my cooks, even on other grills. If using the SNS, I still start the 10-12 briquets in a chimney over the propane burner, and then dump them in the SNS. If using the charcoal baskets that came with the Weber, I fill those up, position them over the burner, and once they are lit, move them to where I want them using tongs. I've got a hose that lets me use a 20# propane tank, but tried it with a small tank once. It does not use a lot of gas, as you only leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes tops.

[JGo37]

Somebody voted on this old posting and I saw this comment again. What got me was using it for all your cooks. Duh - I now use an old camping single propane burner that I didn't use anymore to light all my chimneys. Why doesn't everyone?

[Steve R.]

I'm intrigued by the Touch-n-Go system and debating just buying the kit and retrofitting mine. But I voted to skip the touch-n-go based on the cost difference. Plus, I enjoy doing more with less.

[RonB]

When I purchased my Performer, I thought the TnG ignition was a gimmick, but I use it all the time now. It works great with the standard Weber chimney upright, and it works great with the mini Weber chimney upright or upside down. I haven't tried it with the standard chimney upside down. And as noted above, it works great with the charcoal baskets too. I also converted mine to a 20 lb tank. It may last several years on one charge.

[JGo37]

The answers from the guys who have the TnG and use it are persuasive. I'm collecting a handful of cookers and also use a chimney with fire starters for everything I do. I didn't think of using the TnG to start coals for other uses. Now I know I'll break even on costs in a couple months and I should go with the feature no matter... I'm also thinking of getting a trailer from Harbor Freight and mounting a smoker, grill and steamer on it to bring it along when I fish / camp. The starter will come in handy on the road, and I'll start a thread on the trailer to see who else has done that. Thanks!!!