Cheap Weber Performer Charcoal Grill

NOTE: This review was updated on 08/10/2011. The update will follow my original review.

First I'm going to compare/contrast the various Weber grills, then for the new Weber user I'll explain why the Weber Kettle grill is such a fantastic choice. I have used and abused my Weber One-Touch Silver for over six years now, and though the Performer has quite a few advantages over the other models, is it really worth the extra cash? I say yes, and here's why -

I've used just about every variation of the Weber kettle grills over the years, and I currently own a One-Touch Silver. The following features are the advantages over the Silver.
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- Hinged Cooking Grate
One of the first upgrades I bought for my Silver was a hinged grate, it's nice that this one (as well as the Gold) comes with it; I have found this instrumental for indirect cooking.

- Ash Pan
Also like the Gold, the Performer comes with a much higher quality ash pan. The Silvers ash catcher has been problematic in the past (it's fidgety, cheap and doesn't function well in high winds).

The features above apply to the Gold, which is roughly half the cost as the Performer. Here are the advantages over the Gold, justifying the extra cost -

- Table Surface
This is a huge advantage. Having plates, condiments, spices, etc nearby as well as being able to do some prep right next to my grill has been awesome. I've used separate tables in the past with my Silver, but having a dedicated table is far more convenient.

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- Storage Bin
The storage bin is designed to hold a couple bags of charcoal, but I actually find it more useful for storing everything other than coal. I have a place for charcoal in the garage and I actually find this more useful for storing things like wood chunks, grill mitts, the grill cover (when not in use) trash bags, paper towels, and things of that
nature.

- Gas Ignition
I wasn't sure how much I would actually use this when I bought the grill, because chimney starters are easy to use, but there are a couple distinct advantages with gas ignition -

First, it's easier to light the coals more evenly. With a chimney starter, by the time the coals near the top are ready - the ones near the bottom have burned for some time, which means the coals will not be lit as evenly when it's time to cook. With gas ignition it's easier to obtain a more even heat across the coals. Also, the coals are ready a bit faster with gas ignition.

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Second, it's far easier to re-light previously used coals. With a chimney starter this is a pain because you have to collect the previously used coals, which can be messy. With gas ignition all you have to do is rake the coals towards the center and press a button.

- Wheels and Locking Casters
In my neighborhood we like to do cook-offs during the summer and everybody brings their grills out in the front, so we can easily talk trash with each other :). Moving my Silver around is far more cumbersome than moving the Performer around. I always had problems with the legs sliding out of the slots, and it's just more of a pain because you have to drag it around on two wheels. The Performer is MUCH easier to move around.

- Swing Away Lid Holder
It's much easier to move the lid to the side rather than using a hook under the lid. The lid can also act as a bit of a wind-guard in this position. The downside is that the lid does get in the way a little bit, but overall I prefer this method.

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- Thermometer
Having a lid-mounted thermometer is great! I was a little disappointed because when I purchased the Performer I thought I was going to get the version with the removable thermometer (takes temps at the lid, remove it and it doubles as a meat thermometer). Unfortunately my version's thermometer is in a fixed position, but it's still great to have.

- Better Overall Construction
One thing I don't like about the Silver and Gold Kettles is the cheap construction feel, especially the legs. The legs are extremely light-weight hollow aluminum, and though I haven't had any issues yet, they feel like they could buckle if, say, my dog ran into my grill. Also, while moving my Silver I've had problems with the legs sliding out of the slots. The Performer feels FAR sturdier. Nothing feels cheap here. Some reviewers think the table top is a bit cheap, but I disagree, it's a very thick and sturdy plastic that feels like it could last forever without weathering.