While I love my Genesis S-320, I decided I wanted to get in to charcoal grilling when time allows. Without question, I was going to buy a Weber, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to go with the One-Touch Gold, One-Touch Platinum (knowing I'd still buy accessories for both) or the Performer.
What really sold me was the propane ignition and the cart. Having this much workspace outside is invaluable, and I just don't trust larger items like turkey to the tables on the One-Touch Platinum or the Weber 7413 Work Table that I would have got for the Gold. And when you compare the price of the Platinum to the Performer the only reason not to get the Performer is if you're completely uninterested in the propane ignition.
Ordering from Amazon was the usual experience. With Prime, my Performer was on my porch two days after I ordered it via UPS. Despite being nearly 100 pounds, this doesn't need to go through one of the local logistics companies that are usually used with big items, so that was a huge plus in my book.
After inspecting the box for damage, the first thing I looked for was where the Performer was made. As I thought (and in spite of what some have said on different grilling forums) it clearly says "Designed and engineered in the USA" right above "Made in the USA". So, yes, the Performer is (as of April 2010, when Amazon shows this model number as "new") made in the United States.
This being my third Weber grill, I didn't expect the pieces to be pristine, and wasn't shocked to see that there were a few minor paint scrapes, despite the box showing absolutely zero evidence of being mishandled. This is the same experience as when I bought my first Genesis at a local store, and my next Genesis, and... Basically, if you're expecting every piece of a Weber grill to be scratch-free out of the box, you're going to be disappointed, so be prepared.
Assembly was pretty straightforward. As they often are, the Weber manual was easy to follow and well illustrated. All you need to put this together is a hammer (for the wheels), a Phillips screwdriver, and a 3/8" wrench. I put it together by myself in about 30 minutes with no problems at all. I was mildly amused (and at the same time, a bit annoyed) that the bottom of the kettle has post holes for legs. The only thing that's different on the kettle between the Performer and One-Touch Gold is two metal flaps that let you mount it to the cart.
The Performer can use the "fat green" propane canisters that you usually see on camping equipment, as well as the type of canisters you'd usually use with a torch kit. I was quite disappointed to discover that the redesigned Performer still uses the old red-button "spark-plug" ignition, instead of the electric battery-based ignition used on all of their other grills.
That brings me to the loss of a star. There are a few other design problems with the Performer that are disappointing. The first, which I haven't seen depicted in any picture of this item here or on Weber's site, is that the propane tank hangs down below the control panel. It looks kind of chintzy, and frankly, at this price, it shouldn't. The other design annoyance is with the holder for the top of the kettle. It's almost all metal, and it's quite rough. The first time you use it, you're going to put some nice silver scratches on your black lid. I'm experimenting with high-temp silicone on the rough edges, to see if that solves the problem.
Another warning: At the time of this review, Weber's site has a mix of pictures for the current Performer. Some depict the lid with a small, removable thermometer on the handle. Some (correctly) depict the more Genesis-like thermometer mounted between the handle and edge of the lid. Additionally, Amazon's picture depicts the Thermoset surface as black, it's really more of a grey color.
All things being equal, it's a very nice grill. You get the sturdy cart, One-Touch cleaning system with ash catcher, hinged cooking grate, Char-Basket holders, gas ignition, and a place to keep your charcoal.
Is it a crazy-good value? Well... that's hard to say. If you start off with a One-Touch Silver or Gold and start adding accessories, the price isn't unreasonable. If anything, it's like buying most of your accessories in one box. But if you don't care a lot about the ignition or big cart, you're probably much better off getting a One-Touch.
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Weber 1421001 Performer Charcoal Grill, BlackProduct Description: The Weber Performer Charcoal Grill features a Touch-N-Go gas ignition system that ignites charcoal briquets with the push of a button. Organizational features enable you to keep your focus on the food, including an attached work table, a weather-protected charcoal storage container, a wire bottom shelf and three tool hooks. This grill is built to last, as demonstrated by the heavy-duty steel cart frame, heavy-duty plated-steel hinged cooking grate, no rust aluminum vent, a glass-reinforced nylon handle, two crackproof all-weather wheels, and two locking casters. Its One-Touch cleaning system with a removable black aluminum ash catcher allows for easy clean-up. Comes in black, green, and dark blue.
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I've had my Vidalia for 4 years now and I just LOVE it. The exterior looks as good as the day I bought it. I wipe it down occasionally with a soft cloth and some WD-40 to make it gleam again. NO RUST on it- anywhere. Built like it will last just about forever. HIGHLY recomend it.
