Weber 22-1/2-Inch Performer Charcoal Grill Blue

OK, here we go....I have had so many grills over the years. This is the best. The complaint about the "plastic" side is maybe a complaint from the past? Mine is a durable composit substance that stays cool, cleans easy (mine still looks new, not because I am a neat cook) and provides a nice big area to set stuff. My *only* wish is for a larger grill surface -- or then again, two of these babies back to back on my patio --- now your cooking with fire!

The charcoal bin sounded sorta cheesy to me, but in use it has worked out great. I keep a box of throw away gloves by it to make it eaiser to add as needed.

The hinged grate? Where were you my whole life???

Sliding lid holder? Works like a charm - stops ashes from flying up on your food when you open the lid and holds it nicely.

Starter, does great - what more do you want?

Fuel holders: Don't know how I ever did indirect cooking without them...makes it much eaiser to keep a cool grill. Ribs - 225 degrees for about 3 hours --- much eaiser to do with this grill.

Thermometer holder/hole also works great, much better than having to drill your own hole (yes, I did that to my last one...it DOES work...just sorta red-neckish)

Oh yeah -- clean up is Soooooo much nicer than flipping the da*n thing over and having the legs pop off like the old ones...I actually clean out the ashes _before_ they reach the grate....

Suggestion: when the bottom of the kettle is clean, mark on the bottom handle slide thingy (technical term) where the vents are open and closed at. The little "fins" inside move back and forth pretty far to help with cleaning, but only a portion of that range actually controls the air-flow. It is handy to know where exactly is "closed" and "open".

If you already have a kettle, at least go out and buy the fuel holders, hinged grate and a clip on wire lid holder...money very well spent!

Joe

It took maybe an hour to put the grill together - I did it alone, and I'm a chick - and I was cooking like a pro right away. Steaks, chicken, turkey breast, fish, pork tenderloin, kabobs, potatoes and veggies all came out great. EASY to light - no joke when the instructions tell you you only need to have the disposable propane tank lit for five minutes. Three or four is probably enough. Coals are ready to go in less than 20 minutes from start-up. It gets VERY hot, which is great for searing, but the temperature is easy to control by moving the charcoal baskets around. Even my idiot step-son handled the grill with ease.

What a great compromise for my husband and me - him with his devotion to charcoal grilling, and me with my desire for quick and easy lighting and temperature control. One of the best things about this is how there is none of that horrid smell or mess like you get from lighter fluid starts. I don't feel the urge to change my clothes after lighting the grill. Other great features include having the charcoal bag stored right there with the grill, the attached prep table, and the mechanism that holds the lid open on the grill. It's as easy to use as a gas grill, with the wonderful taste from a charcoal fire. Love this thing. I highly recommend it.

Had an itch to buy this grill for some time, but the only problem was I had too many. Inherited a free gas grill from my father-in-law & used it off and on for the past two years. Then I had my Weber 22 1/2 model (had this for about 10 years, but in perfect shape). Decided to finally buy this when I decided enough is enough - every time I used the gas grill, I just felt like I was taking a stove, putting it outside and cooking. Sure it's fast, but everything in life these days is far too fast - need to relax and enjoy ! So, I'm giving the gas grill away and my son will take the older Weber ( which I know he's excited about as he's one that enjoys going outside the box for receipes on the grill). Well, went to my friends at the local Ace store - they even threw in a bag of charcoal and a propane tank, all for $299. Assembly - I'd say an hour and a half - most difficult part was the ash catcher, but I was being putsy taking my time & I'm not too mechanical. Only part that threw me somewhat was it was all in pictures - at some points, wish it had some text... but it was assembled without a bad word ! There are several cool things & to each of us, somethings are more valuable than other. My favorite is the table. Before I was always putting things on a thrash can lid or the ground. I love the ash catcher. With my other Weber, when you compile the ashes, at times, I felt they blew up on me ! I also like the way you can put the lid on the side without having to look for that little clip and hook in on the side. The propane start is the icing on the cake. I spent a LOT of time researching charcoal grills & IMHO, it'll always be Weber. Besides - it's made in the USA ! Great product, great cooking, great value - NOW ,, GET OFF THE SOFA & BUY ONE !

Everything about this grill I like! First Amazon got the grill to me in just two days and I was only charged 1 cent shipping. The grill is actually the same price everywhere but I saved taxes on the purchase. Assembly was quick and simple and all parts were there. Grilling on the Performer could not be better. The taste of charcoal and wood chips with the ease of starting with propane. A quick shot of gas for about 7 or 8 minutes then letting the coals get up to temp in about 10 more minutes is all it takes to give you a fire that will lend great results. The hinged grate is nice to have so you can add charcoal or wood chips without taking all the food off the grill. The thermometer is helpful, so you can regulate how hot the fire is by opening or closing the air vents. I was surprised an item that the Performer had that I had never used before is a very nice feature. The triangular charcoal holders are easy to use and I think they make the fire last longer than just spreading the coals in the bottom of the grill.

I would definately buy this grill again. I have always liked a charcoaled meal better than gas grilled but the gas was so handy. Now I have exactly what I want in just one grill.

My Weber charcoal grill is just what we have been looking for over the past year! We have a gas grill that we use by the pool, but wanted something different for the "other side" of the house on the deck! This fit the bill! Love the ease of lighting w/the gas start and I had forgotten what great taste charcoal give food! Just love it.