Weber Performer.. opinions?
"Hi All.. I've been an BBQ fan for a long time. I love the way food comes out. I'm accustom to charcoal BBQing, and only recently have tried Gas grilled food from a top-of-the-line gas grill. So, I recently decided to purchase a BBQ. Not realizing grills were so expensive (my initial budget was $200-$300), I went back online and decided to do more research. Initially, I wanted a gas grill, but saw many of the top gas grills included briquettes to simulate the nature of using charcoal. Most of the lower end gas grills don't have this feature. I looked at the Capt'n Cooks and, while they have good value for the dollar, I wasn't impressed by their build-quality. So I figured, why not just look at charcoal grills? I don't plan on BBQing everyday, maybe 2 times a week at peak summer times. I came across the Weber Performer, which looked nice with a work area and gas igniter, but the plastic work surface was cheap-ish. Then, I found the older Weber Performer with the stainless steel work surface and "better" gas igniter system. The older one is more expensive ($399 vs $299 for the new "cheap-ish" one). Do you think $399 for the previous (but brand new) Performer is a good bet for me? Am I going to wish I got a low end gas grill over the Performer?"
Comments
Like to know where to find one with the stainless steel top, thats what I’m looking for.
Where can I find one of the older units with the stainless steel top?
I am in w Tom and Darrin. I want to find one of the older units w stainless steel top to replace the one I have just like it that I have worn out over the last 15 years of using it 3-5 times per week.
The Weber Performer, either one is the greatest grill that I have ever owned, I have wanted a charcoal grill forever but always heard about the pitfalls. The Performer addresses all of them and the food tastes great. I actually enjoy grilling again.
I have the Stainless Weber Performer. I’ve had it for over 3 years now and grill 20% of the time and use it as a smoker 80% of the time. It’s still fantastic. The steel gets a little scratched but with regular cleaning, it works great - and I use it at least 2 a week. Just an FYI - make sure you keep the screws tight for the lid holder. They do get loose after a while. If you know where I can find one of the stainless steel ones, I’d actually consider buying another one.
I’ve been using my Weber performer for 13 years. I did a rehab on it 3 years ago (new lid, propane can, ash catcher and one-touch ash cleaner). It works great and the propane lasts for a super long time. Go for the old model with the stainless steel top. Look for a used one on craigslist.
I just bought my new Weber Performer, and I gotta tell ya, this device seems to have been designed SPECIFICALLY for moi! I am absolutely in love with it. I have never understood why anybody prefers cooking with gas better than charcoal (plus wood chips, etc.). The weber performer erased any/all pains of true BBQing (lighting coals, sequestering ashes, counter space, checking/controlling temp, dividing coals for indirect cooking, etc.). I love this contraption as much as if it were a sentient being! I even splurged and bought the rotisserie attachment, which works like a charm, and now I’m in seventh heaven.ha ha ha ha
I have the new Performer, but have seen and used the older model. By my lights, the new one is an improvement over the first, with better storage and ease of use. The plastic work surface is not cheap in the least. This comes from someone who always hated to barbecue, but I used the Performer nearly every day this summer and it is my intention to continue all through the long Central New York winter.
I have been using the stainless steel model since about 1991 or 92 and must now sadly, send her to Weber grill heaven. I’ll be getting the new, next generation performer and if I get half the years of service with the new one, I’ll be happy.
Since we bought our present Performer, we’ve bought four homes and six new cars. While Weber will outlast all other grills, the most amazing thing about it is that it can not and will not burn food or flame up when used properly. Something you can only say about the Weber!
I also have a weber S-650 & have to say I like using the performer better. Food tastes better, great used as a smoker, easy to use! Worth every penny. MIne is the newer version. I have no complaints about the plastic top. It cleans easily with windex. just spray it on & wipe it off! The downfall with the Stainless steel versions is the mini propane bottles are very expensive to replace! Plus the charcoal holder is in the middle of the workspace so the handle gets in the way!
I just purchased the new version a few weeks ago. It’s the best grill I have ever owned. I love this grill! The convenience factor is amazing compared to my regular weber. The plastic top is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, I prefer it over stainless steel, it’s way better. I have a stainless steel gas grill and as far as I’m concerned, they can keep it. I want low maintenance and the plastic top gives me that. No rust, no scratches. Visit a store and judge for yourself before listening to someone on the internet.