The Weber Performer Charcoal Grill

If you are a true charcoal grill enthusiast, you know all about the Weber line of Kettle Grills. Just wait until you use the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill if you have not already. All Weber Grills for the most part are basic kettle grills, 22 ½ inches in diameter and have porcelain enamel bowls and lids with heat resistant handles. The Weber Performer Charcoal Grill is no different, however this grill has a propane charcoal igniter system and an extremely easy to use ash catcher. Besides those two amenities, another great feature on the Weber Performer Grill is the worktable. It has a great work area that is grill high for easy access and workability. The igniter will usually start the coals in approximately ten minutes and holds both the 14 oz. or 16 oz. propane bottles. Another great feature is the ash catcher. It makes for an easy clean up. According to my trusty Ace Hardware man, the only real issue on the negative side with this grill is the fuel supply hose is a bit on the long side and you just need to make sure you keep the hose from getting wedged between the charcoal storage bin and the heat regulator. That has caused a few concerns with the hose getting burned and allowing gas to escape. I have had no problems with that as I simply keep an eye on it as I would any fuel source with anything I am doing where there is heat and fuel in the same area. Again, this simply has not been a problem for me, but I could see where it could be if you ignored it all together. If that does happen, it could cause you to have to pay what is commonly referred to as "stupid tax."

Personally, I am a charcoal and wood grill-out person and highly recommend Weber Grills. They are easy to use, even for the most inexperienced novice a Weber Grill is a great place to start your out-door grilling experience. However, I have known people that grill-out as often as I do (at least 3 times a month, sometimes more), they have always used their Weber Kettle Grill, and cost was not an issue. Once again, the main difference from the typical Weber Grill and the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill, other than the obvious cost difference, is the charcoal igniter system and the ash catcher. You will be paying a little over $250 for that convenience but it is a convenience that will spoil you.

Here is two helpful tips that any out-door grills-person should know: Always have a good supply of smoking wood stored nearby your grilling area. It does not have to be stored in a waterproofed area but the wood will have longer life if it is stored dry. Keep at least three kinds of wood in your storage area. For example, Hickory, Apple (or any kind of good hard fruitwood), Mesquite, and/or Oak. Many times the charcoal you buy will be Oak and some may even have Hickory and/or Mesquite wood added to the charcoal. If so, you can save your wood and just use a fruit wood mixture, say Apple and Plum or Cherry. Trust me; wood will make a difference to the flavor of your meat. Again, just add a few varieties (three or four) of pre-soaked (30 minutes) wood chips to the hot coals and see for yourself what a difference the wood makes. The other tip is crucial and will add to the life of your grill. Keep your grill covered at all times when not in use. A good grill cover will save you big bucks in the long run. The Weber Performer Grill's have stainless steel cooking grates that will rust, so keeping the grill out of the elements is a great idea. One good thing about this Weber Performer Charcoal Grill is, both the vent and ash catcher is aluminum and will not rust. Rust is a BIG enemy to your grill.

You can purchase the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill at Ace Hardware and at Target. They will cost around $350 and they come with a 10 year limited warranty.