We purchased this grill for my father after we received one for myself and we can't praise the quality enough!
The grill arrives in a pretty large box, so you'll probably want it delivered to where you're going to assemble it unless you have a large vehicle to transport it in (this may impact delivery options for gift-giving).
The good
I wouldn't consider myself a true grill master, but I've used a few charcoal grills in my day. The Performer's surface is easily the most spacious one that I've worked with. The roominess inside the grill provides plenty of area for customizing heat zones.
The fact that the cover isn't hinged and can lift completely off allows for full access from every angle when the situation warrants it. This can be useful when I'm grilling for a large party and need to handle the food properly while carrying on conversations with my guests.
This is the first grill I've ever owned with a proper ash trap (instead of a tray in the bottom or something similar). I _love_ the fact that I only have to empty it when it gets full, instead of every time I start the charcoal.
The grill's material feels solid and well-made, just as one would expect from a Weber. I'm not sure that the thermometer in the grill cover is particularly accurate, but I appreciate the ability to ballpark the temperature inside the grill with a glance from the other side of the deck.
The air regulation is effective and fairly typical. The lower air vents also double as the mechanism for pushing ash out of the bottom of the grill into the ash trap. The ash never actually blocks the vents, though, so that seems to work pretty well. It can be a bit tricky to see how open the lower vents are in the middle of a grilling session. After a little experience, though, I can guess pretty well just by the position of the lever.
The work area is _extremely_ convenient. It's made out of a hardy plastic. If left exposed to the elements, it can get pretty dirty, so I do recommend getting the cover for the grill (especially if you live in the freezing north as I do).
The charcoal storage in the grill itself is super convenient. I no longer have to haul a heavy bag from the garage, the charcoal is right there to be used.
The wheeled base works pretty well on my deck. When I move the grill, though, I normally lift the work table side about an inch off the ground because the small casters can easily get caught in the gaps between the wood planks.
The bad
It isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Given the price of this grill, I think it's essential to also get the grill cover to protect your investment.
The nutshell
This is the best grill I've used in my life. I love it. Treat it with love, and it'll love you back with some of the tastiest chicken, beef, and veggies you'll ever eat.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Discover similar items
& Up
Grill Features: Portable
Grill Features: Built-In
Color: Black
Color: Grey
Width: Up to 9.9 in.
Width: 10 to 19.9 in.
Height: Up to 9.9 in.
Height: 10 to 19.9 in.
No results available. Please adjust the filters and try again.
$790
$499List:$550.80
$139List:$154.80
$219List:$232.80
$275List:$298.80
$119List:$130.80
$99List:$109.00
$394
$99
$417
$279List:$329.00
$248List:$279.00
Customers also viewed these products
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Reviews with images
No gas ignition on this model. Everything else is the same.
No gas ignition and that's all right by me.How many realize this without reviewing in detail the difference between this Performer and the one selling for $50 more? So, if it wasn't obvious to you before when you happened to look at this model please allow me to point that out. And, that's the only difference - all other parts and functions are the same.This is my second Weber Performer; the first was the original, all metal model, which I finally decided to replace after many years of service and countless grillings.Why not opt for the gas ignition? I've been using a chimney charcoal starter for many years since the gas ignition feature on my original Performer wore out and decided to just save $50 with this one.The 22.5" Weber Kettle is the best charcoal grill for the money available today. It's simple to use and very versatile. It's big enough to have different cooking zones. Charcoal uses radiant heat to cook and direct grilling allows for extremely high heat to sear steaks and burgers. The grill's style also allows you to cook with indirect heat for chicken, ribs and other foods needing lower heat and longer time to cook just right. Of course, charcoal gives all your food a superior taste over a gas grill.The Performer just makes the Kettle so much better with a work table surface area, integrated tilt out charcoal storage bin, large storage rack beneath and it rolls / moves easier than a standard Kettle.Some useful tips if you buy the Performer:* Buy a Weber rotisserie insert for this grill. Weber doesn't recommend it for the Performer, but it fits fine and you will be amazed at how great the rotisserie element works! For those of you wondering why Weber won't recommend the rotisserie, it's because you cannot stow the kettle's lid on the side of the Performer with the rotisserie unit is in place. That's ok. Inconvenient? A little, but no biggie.* For grilling, I switched to the cast iron insert by Crayton a little over a year ago. Fantastic! They are relatively expensive, but once you've tried them you'll wonder why you didn't switch earlier.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2013
The plastic standoffs used to attach the bar for holding the lid both caught on fire during the first use while preparing to cook my wife's Mother's Day steaks. One of my first thoughts while assembling the grill was surely this is a heat resistant plastic as it is attached to the bottom half of the grill. I guess my assumption was wrong as I watched in disbelief that the outside of my new grill was on fire. The stench of burning plastic filled the air and migrated over the steaks depositing a lovely flavor. I grabbed my wife's glass of water and put out both standoffs. I will be calling Weber tomorrow to let them know how their grill ruined Mother's Day dinner.
Well Weber only offered to send me new standoffs and the person on the phone didn't seem genuinely concerned with this issue. I have returned this grill.
Nice concept but needs some modifications.
For those who have commented on how they have owned Weber for years and never had a problem. I will bet you have never been is an aircraft accident, but if you were you or family surely would want whatever caused the accident fixed so it doesn't happen to someone else. Same principle here.
Well Weber only offered to send me new standoffs and the person on the phone didn't seem genuinely concerned with this issue. I have returned this grill.
Nice concept but needs some modifications.
For those who have commented on how they have owned Weber for years and never had a problem. I will bet you have never been is an aircraft accident, but if you were you or family surely would want whatever caused the accident fixed so it doesn't happen to someone else. Same principle here.
Images in this review
