I got to use my Performer for the first time a few days ago.
What a disappointment to really compare a 30 year old kettle to a Performer that is a couple years old. The kettle that is a couple years old seems to have been taken care of well, the seller even cleaned the inside before selling it to me. It is obvious that the Weber products are just not made like they were 30 years ago...
There are typical dents with some rusting already on the 2 year old kettle I bought, but my 30 year kettle, not so...in fact, the rim of the lid is in better condition on my 30 year old kettle than the 2 year old used one I purchased.
This is how the rim on the lid looks on the newer Weber:
Here's a pic of the exterior, but trust me there are no dents on the rim of the lid. Some rusting around the handle connections, but less than the newer one...Please not that the vent itself is still very solid after 30 years of the old kettle, the new one although nicer with a handle so you don't burn yourself, it very flimsy and my guess is that it will not last 30 years. I don't think the paint will hold up for 30 years either if this is how a kettle looks after a couple years.
Wait, let me retract that statement, as the kettles on display at the local OSH has dents and rust spots also, those are supposed to be new kettles.
Here's a closeup of the vent holes on the lid, you can see the poor craftsmanship in how the holes were punched through. There's a lip around the outer diameter of the holes, so they must not have used a very sharp punch for those holes. The rivet is starting to loosen already after only a couple years, and the vent is so much more flimsy that it doesn't compare to the old one that is 30 years old.
Here's the 30 year old vent holes in the lid, and check that rivet out, it is still very solid, like the day it was assembled. Please ignore the carbon buildup, I do use my 'ques.
This is my one touch on the 30 year old kettle, the wings are basically disintegrating and have burned off the center. And for your viewing pleasure, old school indirect heat separators.
The newer one doesn't look too bad when I take a overview pic, but it's in no way the same quality of a Weber kettle that was manufactured 30 years ago.
The $64,000 question for me will be if I end up investing in a Summit Charcoal. If I do buy one I will scrutinize the build quality before deciding, so will need to look it over with a magnifying glass before plunking down $2,000 for a kettle.
DISCLAIMER: I have no ties to Weber, I am not endorsed by Weber, I have never received anything from Weber for free. I have purchased all of the weber products I have out or my own pocket, so these are unbiased opinions and views. This is all information being passed along for you to see for yourself from a loyal (so far) Weber customer. Will I continue to patronize Weber? I honestly don't know. This weber will last a number of years, maybe not 30 but I might not even make it for another 30 years myself. The kettles being produced today are quite honestly not the same as they were 30 years ago...that saddens me...
All SS Performers were found on Craigslist, you just have to be patient and keep looking.
Funny thing is my wife was already ok with me getting one and had a spot picked out for it, clearing two of the dead 'ques out of the yard...but while my wife understands cooking, finance is not one of her strong suites and this is not the time for me to do that..
