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

I skipped the charcoal phase most folks go through, so I've been using gas grills for years. This year I decided to get a charcoal grill just to have fun with. I bought this one primarily because of the auto-ignition feature. Basically, it has a propane welders torch built into the base of the kettle that lights the charcoal.

I also really like the built-in storage and work surface. It is entirely self-contained, so it doesn't require any more space than the unit itself takes up. The wire grate at the base works really well for storing gloves, fire extinguisher, and extra tools. The built in hooks for tools holds the three most often used tools close at hand. There is also a lid holder, that keeps it out of the way when the grill is open.

I bought the blue one, which is a really nice cobalt blue. It looks really stunning.

I've been using it for four months now, and I haven't used the gas grill since! My wife, who thought I was nuts for wanting to try charcoal, absolutely loves it. It is neat, clean, easy to use, and only takes about twenty more minutes than gas (to allow the coals to reach temperature, something that isn't required with gas). And the food -- it is just another world of flavors. My gas grill is very high-end (made by Lynx), but the food that comes out of the Weber just blows me away. The charcoal flavor just can't be replicated on gas, even with smoke wood.

This grill is a cooking machine, and it is a good one. Weber clearly put a lot of thought into making it easy to use and hassle-free. Buy one and put it beside your gas grill. My guess is that you'll find, as I did, that you'll use the charcoal grill more often.

UPDATE: I replaced the little, disposable propane bottles with a twenty pound refillable tank using this squirrel-proof hose:

Freedom Grill FG-50HA Stainless Steel Propane Hose Adapter

It won't run out for years, and can be refilled for the price of 3-4 of the disposable bottles. This is an especially good thing to do if you already have a big propane tank left over from a previous grill, as in that case it will only cost you the price of the hose. If you only use a couple of bottles a year, you may not want to bother with it. If you are going through them so quickly they know you at the hardware store, give it a try.

Grilling was alreay fun. Now it's even more fun with the no-hassle gas starter feature and easy ash removal. The charcoal storage is another plus.

I bought a Performer a few months ago and have cooked through a couple of hundred pounds of charcoal with it since then. Only now do I feel ready to provide a review. I also have a Weber gas grill and have been using it for the previous 10+ years. My father had a Weber kettle for years and could really make it sing. So I am a Weber kind of guy. Gas and charcoal.

Gas is easier and and cleaner and more consistent. If I could only have one grill it would be gas. Charcoal does provide a flavor enhancement and for steaks and such it offers a much better sear because it is hotter. Frankly if you like steaks and chops, get a Performer. If you like smoke flavors the Performer is good, but you can get the same or even more effect with a gas grill using planks or wood chips. The difference is mainly in control, with gas being easier to control. For example, if you do not want the smoke flavor, on a Performer it would be necessary to cook with the lid off. That is fine for fast cooking food, but not practical at all for a roast.

In other reviews there have been comments about how hard it is to assemble a Performer. It took me less than an hour from opening the box to firing it up and I took my time. There have been comments about the extra cost for the Performer. As far as I am concerned the cost is minimal for this superior performing grill. If you buy a good cookbook such as the Cook's Illustrated grilling book, or the Weber charcoal book you will read about lump charcoal and briquettes. Lump is generally preferred by experts, it burns hotter, but also responds more quickly to reduced burning rates when the air vents are partially closed, and offers a cleaner flavor. The problem with lump is that it comes in various sizes and shapes and can be harder to start especially in a chimney starter. The gas starter on the Performer is not affected by the size or shape of the lumps. Put another way, the Performer makes the use lump much easier and faster. So it opens up more possibilities if you like to experiment. Of course the Performer gas lighting system works fine for briquettes too, and speeds up the whole process. This is a nice side benefit for busy people.

For those who will be learning how to grill with charcoal on their new Performer there is more challenge than with gas because of the variability of the charcoal. It is very much about building and controlling a fire.

The flavor of food cooked on a Weber kettle with the lid on is different than on any other grill. Roasts in particular will pick up a smokey flavor that is distinctive. Not everyone prefers it, so if you are unsure, you should try and experience this flavor sensation before committing to the purchase. Standing rib roasts, chickens, legs of lamb, turkeys, tenderloins etc. will all come out with a distinctive flavor when cooked in a Weber kettle. Here, too, experimentation can affect the outcome. What kind of charcoal (briquettes burn slower and with sightly less heat than lump and this can be helpful for larger cuts of meat that take longer to cook)? Should wood chips be added for flavor? Should the lid be on or off? Should the meat be cooked over direct heat, or indirect heat, or both? All of these decisions will affect the outcome. If you are intrigued, then a Performer is a good choice. If this all sounds like a pain in the neck, get a gas grill.

Compared to a gas grill you will spend more money in the long run for fuel, you will spend more time on clean up, and you will have a learning curve to get the most out of a Performer grill. If the challenge sounds like fun, then this is the grill for you. If you are only going to use your grill occasionally and would prefer consistent, excellent results only possible with steady and repeatable temperature control and with minimum hassle, get a gas grill.

If you can't decide, like me, you need at least one of each. What the heck, you only live once. The most important thing to remember is to have fun. Bon Apetit!

We love this grill. We were not interested in a second kitchen outdoors but just a good grill and easy to use. We love the gas ignition but then once the coals are going you turn it off and have a regular great tasting bbq.
My husbnd says it is the first time he actually likes to go out and start the grill- and that is something. Cleaning is great!

I just bought the Weber Performer Grill.It has the ease of gas yet the slight flavor of charcoal.

Why would anyone buy something different????

I use the Natural Lump Wood charcoal which is ready for grilling in 15 minutes.

Simply put.....this grill is AWESOME!!!