I was given a refurbished Weber Performer grill and love it!

Anyone here have one? The propane charcoal lighting assist is such a game changer to me. No more screwing around with trying to light chimneys with paper or blow torch, just pile the charcoal in or place in baskets and hit that button and the built-in blowtorch has it going in no time! The built in cart is also super convenient to have.

I've barely used my 22" kettle at all this year but have already used the Performer several times since getting it.

Mine looks like this one:

I've had a Performer for 4 years and love it. It's the best BBQ/grill I've ever had and it will last many years to come. Yeah, the propane starter is a cool addition and works great. This time of year we use it 4-5 times a week.

Get the Weber cover for it. It's well made and wears like iron.

Jim

Yup, been enjoying mine for the past 9 years. I use the propane assist to light a chimney full of charcoal and I’m ready to grill in a jiffy.

quote:

Originally posted by 12GA:
Yup, been enjoying mine for the past 9 years. I use the propane assist to light a chimney full of charcoal and I’m ready to grill in a jiffy.

So you still use the chimney? Is that faster than just piling it up?

I even use a handheld propane torch to light the charcoal in my Egg. Much easier and faster than a chimney.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:

quote:

Originally posted by 12GA:
Yup, been enjoying mine for the past 9 years. I use the propane assist to light a chimney full of charcoal and I’m ready to grill in a jiffy.

So you still use the chimney? Is that faster than just piling it up?

The starter is designed to be used with a chimney. It's quick and easy and you get a uniform start on your charcoal. Worth the small cost.

Jim

Yup, the chimney is designed to light the charcoal quicker than just piling it all up. It also gives you the ability to pour the lit coals wherever or in whatever arrangement you like them.

I've had this Performer model the last 4 years. It replaced an earlier kettle I bought new unused at a yard sale for $10, that served me well for 20+ years.

This one is expanding my cooking tricks:

I've had a blue one for 11-12 years. I finally had to replace the gas valve this year but I think that is the only thing I've ever had to replace.

My dad and a good friend have them as well. Another 15+ years of combined use there.

Personally, I like the older version with the synthetic table vs. the current model.

One tip, disconnect the gas jet and hose assembly from the flame tube (right behind the charcoal can) and blow out the flame tube with compressed air every so often. It collects ash and that sometimes impedes propane ignition.