Performer Gold vs. Performer Deluxe


 
William Alexander

William Alexander

New member
I’ve had my eye on a Performer Charcoal Kettle Grill for two years now and was thinking about pulling the trigger on a purchase from Amazon since its Prime day. The advice/opinions I seek from you folks, since money is an issue, is between the 143101 Performer Gold (Older Model) at $319 and the 15501001 Performer Deluxe at $399. If I’m reading correctly, there are only two differences between the two: Plastic table top vs. metal and of course the added Electronic Touch-N-Go gas ignition system on the Deluxe. I really don’t see any advantage of a metal table over the plastic, especially since there is a chance for rust later on. Also, I don’t mind using a chimney starter. So, it gets down to paying $80 more for the ignition system. For you guys that have spent time using both, is it worth the extra money and are there any other differences between these two grills that I’m missing?

Here are the links:

Gold: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0098HR0UO/tvwb-20

Deluxe: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00MKB5V1A/tvwb-20

Thank you in advance.
William
 
For me, the gas assist is one of the best features, to others it is not.
I could live without it, but sure wouldn't want to.

One other difference in the newer model is the lid bale, it rests the lid at 90° instead of a bit cocked, like mine.

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I have a buddy who doesn't like the gas ignition but, he's wrong. If I had it, I'm sure I'd love it. My grill is prior to the gas being available. My brother in law has one and likes it even though he does not use it to full advantage, another friend does not grill much but she went the whole magilla and not only got the gas assist but, had an outdoor kitchen put in, at a house they only visit about six weeks out of the year!
Just get it, you will not be disappointed.
 
Go with the gas ignition. I was thinking I wouldn't want it at first, I'm glad I bought the one that had it.
 
I have a performer with the gas assist and another performer with a non-functioning gas assist.

I used the gas assist for maybe the first month or two before switching to a chimney with a piece of log starter. Maybe I was doing it incorrectly, but my charcoal always started faster with a log starter than the gas assist.

I do think a metal table would be more durable long term and would prefer that over the plastic one.

Are there any used performers on CL in your area? I just picked one up in Houston for $30.
 
$80 for gas assist for me is simply not worth it. I bought my Gold Performer from craigslist and I have never ever missed not having the gas assist. I use the Weber chimney and in 15 minutes I am always cooking, 10 if I am in a rush. Like posted in the Water or not WSM thread from the Mama's and Papa's "Do what you want to Do"
$80 can go for cast iron grates or a Slow N Sear and do you much better.
 
I have a Performer without the gas assist, and my friend has one with it. I watched him light the charcoal several times, and the gas assist is a nifty tool. However, I do not miss it at all. For me personally, it's not worth the extra money. But many people sure do love it.

The chimney works just fine for me, and it seems to light almost as fast. It would be interesting to see if anyone has timed the chimney vs gas assist both for a comparison.
 
I have the gas assist and really like it. As Bob says, I think it's one of the best features on the Performer. Oh, I use it for lighting my chimney too. Good luck and let us know how you make out
 
I have two performers both with the gas assist and I think it's worth every penny it costs. It makes charcoal just about as easy as a gasser. The little bottles can get pricy I got the 20# tank adapter hose from Weber for both of them. Going on three years on one and two on the other and they both are still over half full.
 
Wow, you guys are not making it any easier but I so do appreciate the information. :)

I know for some it's just $80 but it's not that simple. With the $30 off (from PRIME day), it's $239 or $369 on my credit card. That's the amount that will be showing up on the statement at the first of the month (not $80). It's a hard choice for me but I'll let you guys know what I decided by tomorrow.

Again, thanks for the replies guys.

Update: I just noticed the older model went on sale. With the discount and the dollars off, I got it for $219.00. That's a difference of $150 instead of $80.
 
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William Alexander said:
Wow, you guys are not making it any easier but I so do appreciate the information. :)

I know for some it's just $80 but it's not that simple. With the $30 off (from PRIME day), it's $239 or $369 on my credit card. That's the amount that will be showing up on the statement at the first of the month (not $80). It's a hard choice for me but I'll let you guys know what I decided by tomorrow.

Again, thanks for the replies guys.

Update: I just noticed the older model went on sale. With the discount and the dollars off, I got it for $219.00. That's a difference of $150 instead of $80.
Click to expand...

Nice score. You won't regret it at all and at that price hard to justify the extra for the igniter. I love my igniter, but never have any trouble lighting the chimney other ways.
 
DO you need gas assist? No. Is it great to have? Yes! I have gas assist and use it with a chimney.
But look past the gas assist...
The older bale holder is a POS PITA. It is less than useless on my grill. It will sort of make a wind block for lighting charcoal, but not a good one. I usually end up either holding the lid in my hand or resting it on a nearby metal table. I think the 90 degree holder would be better, at least a little better. And the newer ash pan is a better design.
However I see that the gold is now at $250, and for $150 bucks in savings, I'd buy that one.

EDIT!!!!

Shoot, I should read all the posts! I see you found the sale and bought it. You will be most happy with it.
 
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You can always upgrade to the newer bale.....
but you are stuck with that awful Taco Handle of the newer model !

Hate the Taco Handle !
 
"Taco Handle" refers to the bolt-on lid handle/heat shield combo introduced by Weber for the 2015 model year, replacing the traditional welded lid handle. The shield looks a bit like an open taco shell when viewed from above.

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