Weber Performer Grill Review – Best Charcoal Grill?

Introduction

Tired of uneven heat scorching your steaks? Frustrated with constant temperature fluctuations ruining your smoking attempts? The classic charcoal grill experience can be challenging, often resulting in inconsistent results and frustrating maintenance. The Weber Performer aims to solve these common grilling woes, offering a versatile platform that blends the tradition of charcoal cooking with modern conveniences. It’s designed for the weekend warrior who wants reliable results, easy cleanup, and the ability to tackle a range of outdoor cooking projects.

Overview

The Weber Performer isn’t just another charcoal grill; it’s a complete outdoor cooking system cleverly packaged in a compact design. Combining the iconic Weber kettle shape with premium features, it delivers exceptional heat retention, a built-in table for convenient tool access, and a tuck-away lid holder for easier monitoring. Designed for backyard grillers of all skill levels – from novices looking for a simple and reliable grilling experience to more experienced cooks seeking enhanced versatility – the Performer is a powerful and practical addition to any outdoor kitchen setup. Its space-saving design and portability make it ideal for smaller patios or anyone who appreciates a grill that can be easily moved and stored.

Features

Tuck-Away Lid Holder: Frequently moving the lid to check on food can be a hassle and a potential safety hazard. The Performer’s innovative tuck-away lid holder allows you to safely and conveniently prop the lid open or to the side, freeing up your hands and ensuring optimal grilling conditions.

Lid Thermometer and Heat Shield: Precise temperature control is crucial for consistent cooking results. The built-in lid thermometer allows you to monitor the grill’s internal temperature with accuracy. The heat shield on the lid handle protects your hands from scorching heat, ensuring comfort and safety during grilling.

Fold-Down Table with Tool Hooks: Say goodbye to cluttered countertops and frantic searches for your tongs. The integrated fold-down table provides a convenient surface for prepping food and keeping your grilling tools within easy reach. Three integrated tool hooks ensure your essential implements are always close at hand, streamlining your grilling workflow and elevating the overall cooking experience.

Gourmet BBQ System Hinged Cooking Grate: The Performer’s unique hinged cooking grate is a game-changer. This innovative feature allows you to easily lift and flip food, monitor doneness, and add charcoal without disrupting the cooking process. What’s more, the Gourmet BBQ System compatibility unlocks a whole world of culinary possibilities – from searing steaks on a cast-iron grate to smoking ribs in a dedicated smoker box. This expands the grill’s capabilities far beyond traditional charcoal grilling.

One-Touch Cleaning System with Ash Catcher: Cleanup is often the least enjoyable part of grilling, but the Performer’s One-Touch cleaning system makes it surprisingly easy. The rotating aluminized steel One-Touch system allows you to effortlessly remove ash and debris from the firebox. The high-capacity ash catcher further simplifies cleanup, minimizing mess and maximizing your time for enjoying your delicious creations.

Benefits

Improved Workflow and Convenience: The integrated table and tool hooks create a streamlined and efficient grilling workflow, keeping everything organized and within easy reach.

Safe and Comfortable Operation: The heat shield and tuck-away lid holder enhance safety and comfort, making grilling a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Effortless Cleanup: The One-Touch cleaning system and high-capacity ash catcher drastically reduce cleanup time and effort, allowing you to spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious food.

Consistent Heat Retention for Perfect Results: The Performer’s bowl and lid design excels at heat retention, creating a stable cooking environment that’s perfect for both searing and low-and-slow smoking. You’ll achieve consistent results, every time, regardless of the weather or grilling conditions.

Expanded Cooking Versatility: Beyond standard grilling, the Gourmet BBQ System compatibility opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Smoke ribs, bake pizzas, or sear steaks to perfection – the Performer adapts to your every grilling whim.

Usages

Exceptional for Low-and-Slow Smoking: With its excellent heat retention and Gourmet BBQ System compatibility, the Performer can easily handle low-and-slow smoking projects, like brisket or pulled pork.

Great for Grilling Steaks to Perfection: The high heat capabilities, combined with the Gourmet BBQ System searing grates, enable you to achieve perfectly seared steaks with a beautiful crust and juicy interior.

Ideal for Family Barbecues: The spacious cooking area and versatile features make the Performer a fantastic centerpiece for family barbecues and gatherings.

Perfect for Weeknight Burgers and Hot Dogs: The Performer heats up quickly and cooks efficiently, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious grilled meal without the hassle.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional heat retention
• Versatile cooking capabilities (smoking, searing, grilling)
• Convenient fold-down table and tool hooks
• Easy cleanup with One-Touch system
• Durable construction

Cons

• Charcoal grilling requires more attention than gas or electric grills
• Can be a bit bulky for small patios
• Assembly required (though relatively straightforward)
• Price point is higher than basic charcoal grills.

FAQs

Is the grill difficult to assemble?: Assembly is relatively straightforward and typically takes around an hour with the provided instructions and basic tools.

How easy is it to clean?: The One-Touch cleaning system and ash catcher make cleanup a breeze. Simply rotate the cleaning system to remove ash, and empty the ash catcher as needed.

What fuel types are compatible?: The Weber Performer is designed for charcoal grilling. It accepts standard charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal.

How well does it retain heat?: The Performer’s insulated bowl and lid design provide exceptional heat retention, maintaining a stable temperature for consistent cooking results.

What is the cooking capacity?: The Performer boasts 363 square inches of cooking area, providing ample space for grilling a variety of foods.

Product Specifications

Fuel Type:	Charcoal
Cooking Area:	363 square inches
Dimensions:	29″D x 42″W x 43.5″H
Warranty:	Limited manufacture warranty – 10 years on bowl and lid, 1 year on other components
Material:	Porcelain-enameled steel, Alloy Steel
Weight:	1.5 Kilograms (packaged)
Ignition System:	Manual
Accessories Included:	Gourmet BBQ System hinged grate
Temperature Range:	Up to 750°F

Ratings

Heat Distribution:	4.8
Ease of Use:	4.7
Overall Rating:	4.6
Searing Capability:	4.5
Versatility:	4.4
Durability:	4.6

Recommendation

The Weber Performer is an excellent choice for backyard grillers who want a versatile, reliable, and feature-rich charcoal grill. If you’re looking to upgrade from a basic kettle grill or want a convenient and portable grilling solution, the Performer delivers exceptional value and performance.

For those new to charcoal grilling, the Performer’s features, like the lid thermometer and One-Touch cleaning system, make the learning curve significantly easier. It’s also an ideal choice for experienced grillers who appreciate the enhanced control and flexibility offered by the Gourmet BBQ System.

Conclusion

The Weber Performer is a top-tier charcoal grill that elevates the outdoor cooking experience. Its combination of classic design, innovative features, and exceptional performance makes it a worthwhile investment for serious grillers. While charcoal grilling demands a bit more attention than other methods, the Performer’s user-friendly design and consistent results make it a joy to use, ultimately delivering delicious and memorable meals for family and friends.