I've had a performer delux for a few years but it didn't come with the propane lighter, baskets or the gormet grill top. But the thing I really like is the storage bin on the side that holds a full 17 lb. bag of charcoal and my oven mit. And a small piece of a used bag is all you need to start the chimney fire. There is also room to store chimney starter and baskets under the kettle. I store it out doors in the elements during the winter with the cover on and the charcoal and grill are good to go the following spring. The only thing it is missing is a hook to hang the grill on while you are setting up your coals. A delux hook would include a dog guard to keep my dog from licking it!
It's amazing how often this question gets asked "what grill should I buy?", and the number of people who get upset when you don't go with their preferred model. I wish you many years of enjoying your grill.
Thanks Patrick! But hey, I love them all! I’ve recently been a bit jealous of the bigger table on the deluxe/premium models after doing a larger brisket.
@@BbqMikeG haha thank you sir! Yep spotted it on the side of the road one day heading to the store, never made a faster u turn in my life 😂 came with a chimney too!
Thanks for explaining the different grills and why the price difference. I have the $139 model, and have been using it for more than 10 years. I'll consider the performer model if this one ever needs replacing.
Nice video! My local big box store had Weber performers on clearance for 190 so I grabbed one. I have two RecTeq pellet smokers and a Blackstone griddle. I’ve really been wanting to add a Kettle, I’m very excited to try it out today on some chicken and steak!
Im afraid the electric element might stop working collocated with the high heat of the charcoal, the charcoal grate gets white hot so I’m pretty sure the element wouldn’t survive. So I only use the electric element for smoking, it comes out when I use charcoal.
FYI - I would not suggest doing what he mentions at 7:34 about putting your chimney on the side table. I watched this video before purchasing my Performer model and after doing this during my second cook, it left a very bad burn ring on the table of my brand new grill. I reached out to Weber, and they were unwilling to cover under their warranty, but gave me the option to pay $150 w/o shipping for a side table replacement - yeah right! In other words...I wouldn't put anything too hot on the surface. Otherwise - a good grill and very good review / analysis!
Hey Jeremy! I’m so sorry about your table. In all honesty, my table still looks brand new after using it for this purpose but most of the time I’m placing my chimney on the charcoal grate. I was only mentioning based on my experience so thank you for warning others.
@@garthgrills No problem, not your fault! I wouldn't be surprised if they lowered the grade of the steel or coating through the years of production. I am more upset that a replacement costs half the price of the entire grill! Thanks for responding.
Love my performer deluxe but still love my original premium kettle. 100% agreed they can literally do anything with proper fire management. I have the sns and vortex and they are totally worth it. Just picked up a used 18" wsm and that's been fun especially with the pit barrel cooker hanging system. Congrats on the grill! Keep on grilling!
I live Weber too. I have 2 performers, and 3 Kettle Premium 22’s. I just bought the 3rd this morning for $25 and it was like new. It also has the P vents which is my first of those. I’d have to say I’m a Weber fanboy!
I should add that my performers are premium with gas assist. You still use the chimney, but the gas assist runs a couple of minutes to start the charcoal. Is is super convenient, and you don’t realize how easy it makes the process. Good Luck!
I’ve mentioned to others who have the gas assist… I’m sure it’s amazing. I’m probably a little jealous. But it’s not a game changer. It’s a nice to have for sure.
I've bought 4 Weber grills over the past couple years and have had problems with all but one of them. In order of purchase I bought a Genesis II, the Traveler, Performer, and the Jumbo Joe. I had quality issues with them all but the Traveler. The one you show there, the Performer, I had 2 quality issues. Number one was the castor wheels not locking into place. Picking it up to move it and the wheels fall out. Weber replaced them, but only one worked sufficiently to lock into the plastic insert. Issue number 2 is now that I'm on my second season with it the table is showing notable spots of rusting. One rust spot is about as large as my hand, the other is about the size of my palm, and the final spot is about the size of a quarter.
@@garthgrills The Genesis 2 is the only real workhorse I have. The Traveler only gets used a couple times a year for camping. The Jumbo Joe has not been used yet, and the Performer has only been used 4 or 5 times. I noticed with it yesterday that there is a 6 or 8 inch strip of paint peeling off the table right along the edge of the table. Right now you need to look closely to the see the rust but I expect it to be very visible by next year
I have the same grill and love it. However I question a man that lights a chimney upside down. This grill does excellent cooks(don’t light your chimney upside down & don’t light on the shelf)
Ha well you’re allowed to question! I find it useful when lighting a small amount of coals since the “proper side” separates them when there’s only a small handful.
All the kettles cook the same but that table is really nice! I got an old performer for free and the lid bale is not as straight up as yours which is a bother. You do scare me with starting the chimney on the table though. It's too nice for that mess. Great video!
Hey mate, I just bought the performer premium, I love it. Good video mate, if you ever make it to Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, I'll let _you_ buy _me_ a beer!
You made the right choice. You dont need the propane assist lighting. And the bigger table (like you said isnt worth the extra $130) i would however recommend the slow and sear insert. Im sure you have heard about it 😂 really turns your kettle into a smoker. Also an underated item to own is an elevated cooking area, or warmer is what they call it. If your burning a hot enough fire you can still sear and cook on it without burning your meat. Kettles are a versatile grill with so many mods but are a great stepping stone into the world of smoking meat 👍 great video!
The slow n sear is on my list! I’ve just been putting it off but I definitely need to get one. The water trough insert alone is awesome. I haven’t heard of the warmer. I’ll need to look into it. Thanks for sharing!
Agreed on all points. For me the only reason I prefer the 3-legged models is because I like the look of them, and I don’t mind using the ground as my table. :)
I’ve had my Performer for about 12 years now and the table/cart/charcoal bin/and propane lighting system is worth it. My ignition stopped working so I use a flame stick to light off the propane now. 5 minutes of gas will get the chimney going with ease so it saves using fire starter cubes or paper.
I fully admit that there are times when I wish I had a slightly larger table. I just did another brisket and the smaller table I had was lacking a bit. There’s nothing wrong with spending a bit more money and getting the deluxe!
Thank you been debating between a Master touch or Performer Standard.. and yes you are right.. the whole point of grilling is starting the fire.. this brings us back to being cavemen... creating fires to cool.. nothing manlier than a man cooking raw meat over flame...
I'm leaning towards the performer too. The side table is actually a decent size, probably I won't be needed any additional working space. Is it easy to move it around? I know it was wheels but from the looks it seems quite east to grab and move around. Is that so?
I’ve always felt the side table is enough working space. I actually have a cutting board larger than the table and it provides a little extra space when you need it. The wheels help it move around just fine but I tend to keep mine in the same spot. It does move with ease though!
I’m sure it’s amazing! I’m not sure if there’s as many accessories for the 26” though. A lot of other companies make things specifically for the 22”. But you’d be able to cook a lot more at the same time.
In all honesty I don’t know what the angle is for the lid holder. I know the master touch has the same mechanism but I’m not sure if my performer allows for access to the grilling area.
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I've had a performer delux for a few years but it didn't come with the propane lighter, baskets or the gormet grill top. But the thing I really like is the storage bin on the side that holds a full 17 lb. bag of charcoal and my oven mit. And a small piece of a used bag is all you need to start the chimney fire. There is also room to store chimney starter and baskets under the kettle. I store it out doors in the elements during the winter with the cover on and the charcoal and grill are good to go the following spring. The only thing it is missing is a hook to hang the grill on while you are setting up your coals. A delux hook would include a dog guard to keep my dog from licking it!
That speaks to their quality! I think you can add a hook for the lid. Maybe something to look into.
It's amazing how often this question gets asked "what grill should I buy?", and the number of people who get upset when you don't go with their preferred model.
I wish you many years of enjoying your grill.
Thanks Patrick! But hey, I love them all! I’ve recently been a bit jealous of the bigger table on the deluxe/premium models after doing a larger brisket.
@@garthgrills I have a table on my porch, so my kettles are table-less. Makes it easier when I want to take the kettles somewhere.
That’s a pro tip right there. It’s all a learning process with fun experience along the way. I’m sure my setup will change over the years.
That gas assist is worth every bit, I got really lucky and trash picked a fully functioning performer with it one day.
Fair enough! Maybe I’m happy without it because I’m secretly jealous I don’t have it. Ha. Great find!
@@garthgrills hahaha I don’t know who was dumb enough to let it go for free but I was in the right place at the right time!
I can’t believe somebody would trash one! If you stumble upon another one let me know! 😂
@@Southjerseysmokin I call that kind of kettle a "Curb-ie" because it's free and on the curb! Major score!
@@BbqMikeG haha thank you sir! Yep spotted it on the side of the road one day heading to the store, never made a faster u turn in my life 😂 came with a chimney too!
Thanks for explaining the different grills and why the price difference. I have the $139 model, and have been using it for more than 10 years.
I'll consider the performer model if this one ever needs replacing.
Nice video! My local big box store had Weber performers on clearance for 190 so I grabbed one. I have two RecTeq pellet smokers and a Blackstone griddle. I’ve really been wanting to add a Kettle, I’m very excited to try it out today on some chicken and steak!
It’s the perfect addition to your smokers! Sometimes you just need to grill over some open flame. Have fun with it!
Nice channel , I recently retrofitted my Weber performer with the heating element out of my master built smoker , added flexibility!
Quick way to light some coals! That sounds awesome 👏
Im afraid the electric element might stop working collocated with the high heat of the charcoal, the charcoal grate gets white hot so I’m pretty sure the element wouldn’t survive. So I only use the electric element for smoking, it comes out when I use charcoal.
FYI - I would not suggest doing what he mentions at 7:34 about putting your chimney on the side table. I watched this video before purchasing my Performer model and after doing this during my second cook, it left a very bad burn ring on the table of my brand new grill. I reached out to Weber, and they were unwilling to cover under their warranty, but gave me the option to pay $150 w/o shipping for a side table replacement - yeah right! In other words...I wouldn't put anything too hot on the surface. Otherwise - a good grill and very good review / analysis!
Hey Jeremy! I’m so sorry about your table. In all honesty, my table still looks brand new after using it for this purpose but most of the time I’m placing my chimney on the charcoal grate. I was only mentioning based on my experience so thank you for warning others.
@@garthgrills No problem, not your fault! I wouldn't be surprised if they lowered the grade of the steel or coating through the years of production. I am more upset that a replacement costs half the price of the entire grill! Thanks for responding.
You can set the chimney inside the grill so you don't mess up your table.
Yeah I do both but I love that this table is durable enough to place it there if you needed to. I definitely place it inside more than not though. 👍👍
It went up in price. Just got one and love love it.
I’ve noticed they’ve all gone up in price but I guess that’s to be expected. Glad you love yours!
Love my performer deluxe but still love my original premium kettle. 100% agreed they can literally do anything with proper fire management. I have the sns and vortex and they are totally worth it. Just picked up a used 18" wsm and that's been fun especially with the pit barrel cooker hanging system. Congrats on the grill! Keep on grilling!
Thank you Anthony! The sns and vortex are on my list! I’m sure they’ll make their way into a part 2 video.
Live in the city with a little garden so the performer perfect for me
The folding table is perfect for that!
Excellent and straight to it! Thank you
Thank you so much, Mark!
I live Weber too. I have 2 performers, and 3 Kettle Premium 22’s. I just bought the 3rd this morning for $25 and it was like new. It also has the P vents which is my first of those. I’d have to say I’m a Weber fanboy!
That’s a lot of BBQs! Do you use them at the same time? Thanks for watching :-)
@@garthgrills it really depends on how many things I’m cooking. Normally I’m only using 1 or 2, but over the years I’ve become a grill addict.
Clearly! I only have the one bbq and now a smoker. It would be hard to manage more than that!
Picanha tasted almost better the second day. I took a slice home and it was great! Garth does a great job of creating meals on the BBQ.
Thanks, Dad!
I should add that my performers are premium with gas assist. You still use the chimney, but the gas assist runs a couple of minutes to start the charcoal. Is is super convenient, and you don’t realize how easy it makes the process. Good Luck!
I’ve mentioned to others who have the gas assist… I’m sure it’s amazing. I’m probably a little jealous. But it’s not a game changer. It’s a nice to have for sure.
I also have the performer with gas assist. 18 years old and still performing flawlessly. Highly recommend.
I bought one off of marketplace for 80 bucks has the cover and gas assist works. Also has a nice custom wooden table. I thought it was a great buy.
That’s a fantastic buy! You scored!
I've bought 4 Weber grills over the past couple years and have had problems with all but one of them. In order of purchase I bought a Genesis II, the Traveler, Performer, and the Jumbo Joe. I had quality issues with them all but the Traveler. The one you show there, the Performer, I had 2 quality issues. Number one was the castor wheels not locking into place. Picking it up to move it and the wheels fall out. Weber replaced them, but only one worked sufficiently to lock into the plastic insert. Issue number 2 is now that I'm on my second season with it the table is showing notable spots of rusting. One rust spot is about as large as my hand, the other is about the size of my palm, and the final spot is about the size of a quarter.
I’m sorry your experience hasn’t been as good as mine! It’s a shame that they didn’t hold up for you. I bet they get a lot of use, though!
@@garthgrills The Genesis 2 is the only real workhorse I have. The Traveler only gets used a couple times a year for camping. The Jumbo Joe has not been used yet, and the Performer has only been used 4 or 5 times. I noticed with it yesterday that there is a 6 or 8 inch strip of paint peeling off the table right along the edge of the table. Right now you need to look closely to the see the rust but I expect it to be very visible by next year
I have the same grill and love it. However I question a man that lights a chimney upside down. This grill does excellent cooks(don’t light your chimney upside down & don’t light on the shelf)
Ha well you’re allowed to question! I find it useful when lighting a small amount of coals since the “proper side” separates them when there’s only a small handful.
All the kettles cook the same but that table is really nice! I got an old performer for free and the lid bale is not as straight up as yours which is a bother. You do scare me with starting the chimney on the table though. It's too nice for that mess. Great video!
That table is bullet proof though! I mostly start my chimney on the cooking grate to be fair. Would love to see your story or experience!
Hey mate, I just bought the performer premium, I love it.
Good video mate, if you ever make it to Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, I'll let _you_ buy _me_ a beer!
Hey Mike! Thanks for watching! And that’s a deal. Should I ever be in your neck of the woods… beers on me!
You made the right choice. You dont need the propane assist lighting. And the bigger table (like you said isnt worth the extra $130) i would however recommend the slow and sear insert. Im sure you have heard about it 😂 really turns your kettle into a smoker. Also an underated item to own is an elevated cooking area, or warmer is what they call it. If your burning a hot enough fire you can still sear and cook on it without burning your meat. Kettles are a versatile grill with so many mods but are a great stepping stone into the world of smoking meat 👍 great video!
The slow n sear is on my list! I’ve just been putting it off but I definitely need to get one. The water trough insert alone is awesome. I haven’t heard of the warmer. I’ll need to look into it. Thanks for sharing!
Agreed on all points. For me the only reason I prefer the 3-legged models is because I like the look of them, and I don’t mind using the ground as my table. :)
I agree! It’s one of the most classic looking bbq’s out there. Thanks for the watch!
Great video!
Thank you, Craig!
I’ve had my Performer for about 12 years now and the table/cart/charcoal bin/and propane lighting system is worth it. My ignition stopped working so I use a flame stick to light off the propane now. 5 minutes of gas will get the chimney going with ease so it saves using fire starter cubes or paper.
I fully admit that there are times when I wish I had a slightly larger table. I just did another brisket and the smaller table I had was lacking a bit.
There’s nothing wrong with spending a bit more money and getting the deluxe!
@@garthgrills There was only one version of the Performer when I got mine. It’s good to have options now.
Thank you been debating between a Master touch or Performer Standard.. and yes you are right.. the whole point of grilling is starting the fire.. this brings us back to being cavemen... creating fires to cool.. nothing manlier than a man cooking raw meat over flame...
Glad the video could help you decide, Jorge!
Maybe one of these days I’ll get a original Weber but for right now I’ll stick with my Aussie walk-about.
Can’t argue with portable! I’m sure you can do some damage on that though!
@@garthgrills definitely have in the 4 years I’ve owned it lol, most recently was a tomahawk, love me some steak with a handle
I'm leaning towards the performer too. The side table is actually a decent size, probably I won't be needed any additional working space.
Is it easy to move it around? I know it was wheels but from the looks it seems quite east to grab and move around. Is that so?
I’ve always felt the side table is enough working space. I actually have a cutting board larger than the table and it provides a little extra space when you need it.
The wheels help it move around just fine but I tend to keep mine in the same spot. It does move with ease though!
@garthgrills Thanks. The chopping board tip makes a lot of sense, hadn't thought that one out! Cheers :)
What about the 26 inch kettle, I never see them
I’m sure it’s amazing! I’m not sure if there’s as many accessories for the 26” though. A lot of other companies make things specifically for the 22”. But you’d be able to cook a lot more at the same time.
The master touch doesn’t allow the lid to go into that 90 degree angle Like the performer right? I like being able to get into the entire surface area
In all honesty I don’t know what the angle is for the lid holder. I know the master touch has the same mechanism but I’m not sure if my performer allows for access to the grilling area.
I'll bet you are glad you didn't waste your money on the Spark. They went under faster than the Titanic.
I actually haven’t looked into them since I was considering them. I’ll have to look them up. Are they completely done now?
@@garthgrills Nothing to look up. Gone.
Wild. Thanks for the heads up!
Weber is an American classic for sure. But it's not a BBQ "technically" is it? Eh whatever. I will use one all my life.
I’m intrigued! What is it, technically?