New addition decisions...


 
Z

Zac

New member
New to the forum and looking for some advice from the collective experience here. Well, after 3+ years with my WSM 18.5 I'm shopping for the next addition to my Weber family and can't make up my mind...

I've found myself pushing the capacity limits of my 18.5 on numerous occasions and wishing I had the WSM 22.5. I also use the WSM as a charcoal grill regularly when I want steak or grilled fish. Lately I've found myself using it as a grill much more often than I am smoking anything. A part of me still wants the WSM 22.5 because of versatility, but I know a new kettle along side the 18.5 is probably the better choice, especially for my wallet. I also really like the options of the gourmet grilling accessories. The cast iron griddle and wok would see heavy use at my house, and since they fit anything 22.5, it only complicates the decision.

What do you do? Get the WSM 22.5 or a kettle? If kettle, I'm thinking 22.5 Master-Touch...
 
Save the extra cash and get a Performer. You still increase overall cooking capacity, and the Performer is so much more versatile as a grill than the WSM.
 
I guess I'll buck the trend: I'd go Mastertouch. I have a 22.5" WSM and wouldn't give it up. I also have the 22" Kettle and wouldn't live without it either.

The Mastertouch? Well, she's a dream. I would love to have one. What a beauty. I am 6'2" and the height increase is welcome on my deck. Plus the gourmet system and the warming rack. All my wishes in one nice neat package.
 
I've had numerous kettles over the years and stayed mostly with gas until I got my performer. With the table and gas assist it's perfect, I've gone through more charcoal in the last year than I did in the past 20 years.
It's funny I have a mini and a 18.5 WSM and find with just the two of us now the 18.5 seems too big most of the time and I use the mini the most.
 
Another vote for the Performer. :) My 18.5 WSM is plenty big for me, but I'm only cooking for two. Still, it's never been an issue doing a 13lb brisket, or a 10lb butt.
 
Platinum Performer would be just right for your cooking needs. The ease, fun, and excellent food you would cook makes the PP priceless. Good luck with your decision.
 
Thanks for the advice!

Dwain, the gourmet system and warming rack is what had me leaning towards the Master-touch. I can see the gas starter in the Performer being nice though, but I'm not sure it's worth what they're charging for it when my chimney starter works fine. I do like the table though.

To answer Jeff's question. If I'm just grilling it's usually for 2-4, but if I'm smoking something it's 4-6 at least. Not a problem when I'm doing brisket or a butt, but I do a lot of ribs and like to have leftovers.

I think I've got to decide between the performer and the Master-touch at this point and then start looking for a deal on a 22.5 WSM after I acquire a kettle. One popped up on CL the other day for $250 brand new, assembled but completely unused... Needless to say I wasn't the first one to jump on it unfortunately. I certainly don't see myself getting rid of the 18.5 WSM.

Anyone else besides Dwain have the Master-touch, or both the Master and the Performer, that cares to elaborate on why they chose one over the other?
 
Not to steel this thread, but I'm very curious- Enrico, what to you use 2- 26" kettles for? That's a lot of grill surface!
 
Zac said:
Thanks for the advice!

Dwain, the gourmet system and warming rack is what had me leaning towards the Master-touch. I can see the gas starter in the Performer being nice though, but I'm not sure it's worth what they're charging for it when my chimney starter works fine. I do like the table though.

To answer Jeff's question. If I'm just grilling it's usually for 2-4, but if I'm smoking something it's 4-6 at least. Not a problem when I'm doing brisket or a butt, but I do a lot of ribs and like to have leftovers.

I think I've got to decide between the performer and the Master-touch at this point and then start looking for a deal on a 22.5 WSM after I acquire a kettle. One popped up on CL the other day for $250 brand new, assembled but completely unused... Needless to say I wasn't the first one to jump on it unfortunately. I certainly don't see myself getting rid of the 18.5 WSM.

Anyone else besides Dwain have the Master-touch, or both the Master and the Performer, that cares to elaborate on why they chose one over the other?
Click to expand...



I don't have an MT, but can guess that the only real reasons to prefer one to a performer is cost and the smaller footprint. IF you have the space and aren't in a hurry, set up some CL alerts and keep your eye out for a Performer. Many people here have grabbed Performers for $75 or less.
 
I would vote for a Performer. To me the table alone is worth it but the gas assist has won me over and I love it. I was able to get a 2011 Performer off of craigslist for $50. I did setup an alert and it took about 3 months but I was able to find one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

 

Back
Top