After using a standard kettle for the last 17 or so years, I just treated myself to a new Weber Performer. I love the propane ignition system. The vents on my old kettle were so burned out, I couldn't control the temperature anymore.

Now, my chicken is juicy, and my steaks are not overdone anymore. Anyone else a performer fan? I love mine, although I think I'd rather have a normal propane tank rather then the disposables.

I've got the old Performer and believe its a great grill. I think the new one is an even better value.

You can convert to use a regular propane tank. The old Performer used a 5 lb tank. One 20 lb tank ought to last you a long, long time.

Paul

I've had the "newer" version Performer for almost a year now and LOVE it. This is my first charcoal grill. I;ve had a Weber Bullet for years now but always had a gas grill for everyday cooking. Now I will never go back. Love the gas assist and love the large shelf for holding everything...and the blue color!

I used a gas grill for a couple of years. I purchased one of those real fancy models from BBQ Galore. Well, I tell you, I like my charcoal grill much better. I just wish they would put a side burner on the performer. That way you could use a regular 20lb propane tank and cook with propane also. I hate running back to the kitchen while I'm doing BBQ.

I love my performer more everytime I use it. Anyone else use the charcoal racks that come with it? I use mine for grilling small meals. It makes cleanup a snap. Plus I just shake the coals out when I re-use them.

I use the side burner on my gasser to cook stuff while I'm using the performer or bullet. I also find that I use my performer to light my chimney for the bullet or Smokey Joe.

guess I should hang onto the gasser

Hey, that's a good idea to use the Performer to light the chimney!

I have the older model Performer (stainless steel and 5 lb tank) and I absolutely love it. I've convinced about 3 or 4 of my friends into making the purchase and they are not disappointed either. I've been using the Performer to light my chimneys for the bullet since the day I bought it. Wasn't that the intended purpose

I ordered a blue Performer-should come in any time now.

Mine's mean and green and i'm lovin it! EZ Que and a thermapen are my next purchases.

Well I got my Performer the other day--

first cook--ta da

Spare ribs with mesquite wood-300-350 temp for 2-3 hrs with mop sauce last 45 min.

grilled corn,grilled peaches.

man I like these grill alot-my gasser is just sitiin in the corner pouting for now.

Let it pout :-) Charcoal is much better!

Seems to be unanimous-Performer is the closest thing to sliced bread. I have the older model. Got it about a year and a half ago. Paid $400 but I think it is worth every penny. Afterwards I bought a set of charcoal baskets (prefer the design of the old to the new) and a spare LP tank. Needless to say I plan never to part with this grill. Just hope the cart will last as long as the rest of the grill.

The grill truely is a performer; makes novices look like pros effortlessly. Countless cooks; no dissapointments. Would not ever consider getting rid of it.

Check out the price at buy.com

quote:

Originally posted by V_Rocco:
although I think I'd rather have a normal propane tank rather then the disposables.

you can buy an adapter at most hardware stores that can convert a portable bbq to a 20lb tank.

Cheers!

Pain in the butt keeping this thing at 350. Anyone else having trouble? Any tips?

Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by T.J. Hooker:
Pain in the butt keeping this thing at 350. Anyone else having trouble? Any tips?

Thanks!

imo, holding a steady temp is difficult with any kettle except, perhaps, the RK. The one-touch cleaning system just makes it difficult to fine tune the air flow. I have the Old Performer and use it for direct high heat grilling, and for indirect cooking in the range you're talking about. You will have to fiddle with it quite a lot to maintain that steady temp. I've had some success adjusting the fuel supply, itself. Less briqs will allow you to achieve a lower temp. Now holding it steady is another thing. If I'm doing something that I think is really temp sensitive, I use the WSM and we all know how steady it is.

Paul

I have no trouble at all holding steady temps in my kettle. Two things I do that you might try.

1. First of all, you need to mark where the lever is when the one touch vent is 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0%. It isn't at all a uniform distance between those openings. I used a permanent marker to mark where it is at those openings.

2. I almost always use one or two fire bricks as a partition between the coals and the cooking side. The extra mass greatly helps to keep temps constant and also reduces hot spots. I usually put the coals only on one side and use the other two-thirds for the indirect cooking side.

Also, I almost always use a minion start, even when aiming for a 350 degree temp. I fill up the charcoal holder about 3/4 of the way with unlit charcoal, then put about 10 lit briquettes on top. The hinge can just remain open if you want to fill the charcoal holder with unlit and pile the lit charcoal up on top. Doing so will give a long burn time.

Try the BBQBaffle. www.bbqbaffle.com. I LOVE it. Had much success with butts and ribs. Going to try a brisket next. Holds 250F at the grate like a rock with the vents just barely open on the One-Touch, using lump or briq. Just control the amount of fuel for a consistent burn. You DO need to tend it about once an hour, tho.

It's a great tool for the occasional slow cook. I can't justify a WSM.

Have fun!

Chris

quote:

Originally posted by Chris Beck:
Try the BBQBaffle. www.bbqbaffle.com. I LOVE it. Had much success with butts and ribs. Going to try a brisket next. Holds 250F at the grate like a rock with the vents just barely open on the One-Touch, using lump or briq. Just control the amount of fuel for a consistent burn. You DO need to tend it about once an hour, tho.

It's a great tool for the occasional slow cook. I can't justify a WSM.

Have fun!

Chris

Chris,

Try a Minion start with your BBQ Baffle. I did 3-2-1 ribs without the need to refuel or tend the fire using my Baffle. The temperature was locked staedy at 275*F.

Jim

Thanks for the bbqbaffle site, I think now I'll have to order one.

Question..... How does the bbqbaffle fit in the Performer, and can I use the ignition system to fire it up?

Happy BBQ'ing

Hank