Forget charcoal lighter fluid. No more electric starters. The Performer charcoal grill uses gas to light coals fast so you get charcoal flavor with the convenience of a gas grill. There's plenty of cook space with a 22-1/2-inch porcelain-enameled bowl and lid. Other features include: a factory-assembled stainless steel One-Touch cleaning system with a removable black aluminum ash catcher; a heavy-duty, plated, hinged cooking grate that makes it easy to add briquets; Charbin storage container that keeps up to 20 pounds of charcoal dry; Touch-N-Go gas ignition system; dual-purpose thermometer built into the lid; Tuck-Away lid holder; and locking casters and crackproof all-weather wheels.
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
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Great to go back to charcoal:
After years of owning a Weber Spirit gas grill, I made the choice to go to charcoal and have been very satisfied with this grill. Weber has done their best to rid the charcoal grill of many of their drawbacks; lighting the charcoal, cleaning up the ashes, and not having an associated prep surface. The only drawbacks that remain are 1:clearly charcoal takes longer to light/prep before cooking (most people including me always rush this step and are disappointed with charcoal, by the time people take the... more info
They Thought Of Everything:
Let's see, I think I've had my Weber Performer for a couple-three years now, and I can only add my agreement to the hundreds of laudatory reviews already on here. The aspect that stands out most to me is just how much thought -- how many features -- the astute griller sees evidenced in this product. Weber (one of the few 'big companies' I feel strongly positive toward) went over this one with a fine-toothed comb in the planning stages, and it has paid off marvelously. Expertise is reflected at every turn,... more info
Pull the trigger:
I waited an entire year before I finally purchased mine. Being a frugal person who already owned a perfectly good (One Touch Gold) kettle, I just couldn't justify the extra money. One day I saw it on sale with free shipping so I took the plunge. Now that I've been using it for a couple years, I can tell you my only regret was waiting an entire year before pulling the trigger. This grill is everything it says it is, and I love it. I use this grill several times a week. I use it for grilling, rotisserie... more info
When will it be summer again:
I love this grill. My family and friends will attest to that. We use it almost every weekend and some weekdays during the Spring and Summer months. It makes charcoal grilling fast. There are two minor complaints: 1. The knob that controls propane for heating coals broke after a year. But after calling Weber they shipped a replacement which I installed, all at no charge. So not too bad. 2. There is only one level for cooking, so you have to be careful to control the temperature. It took a little... more info