Performer Questions


 
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

Derek Yoder

TVWBB Fan
Hey everyone, just got a "new to me" Performer, and I have a couple questions. 1) does everyone use the baskets, or do you just put the charcoal on the grate? 2) do you have the lid on or off when using the propane (I know that you have it off when you actually light it, but once it is going, do you keep the lid off or put it on while the charcoal is being lit)? 3) Do you put the charcoal right in the bin, or do you keep it in the bag? Is there an issue with the charcoal being negativly impacted by moisture while in the bin?
 
1) Depends. Direct = coals directly on the grate. Indirect = most of the time that I set up for indirect cooking I have the coals on the lid holder side with the indirect side closest to the table, so I don't use the baskets. If I need to have the indirect area right down the middle (ribs, long loaves of bread, etc.) I'll use the baskets so I have heat on either side. Don't need the baskets here but, IMO, helps.

2) Leave the lid open. BTW, I use a chimney over the propane gas assist to light my coals. Once the bottom coals are going you can turn off the propane. Saves gas.

3)I keep it in the bag. Never had moisture issues...but I go through it pretty quick.
 
Hi,

1. I don't usually use the baskets. I just bank the coals to one side.
2. I leave the lid open, until the coals are ready, and placed on the grate.
3. I keep the charcoal in the bag. No problems in 3 years.

Good luck. You will love your Performer.

Thanks,
John
 
i use the baskets sometimes. they come in pretty handy. I used them last night in fact
grilledfish.jpg


for lighting, definitely leave the lid open.

as for the charcoal bin, i leave it in the bag. that way i can pull the bag out and pour charcoal out of the bag rather than using my hands.
 
I use the baskets for indirect and for small direct cooking (one steak or a couple of burgers or pieces of chickin or fish). Use the grate when I'm doing a larger cook (2+ steaks, etc)
 
What Don said, that's pretty much how I work it. I've used the baskets the first few times, but pretty much just move the coals to one side.
 
Just took delivery of a brand new Performer, after acquiring a WSM a couple of weeks ago. Used the Performer for the first time yesterday and couldn't get the temperature above 250. I used RO briquettes in the baskets, there was howling wind at 50 mph the whole time I was cooking.



I'm wondering if I didn't have enough coals and what a normal amount of coals would be if I don't use the baskets. Also, I left the bottom vents fully open to try to get the temperature up - should they normally be partly closed?
 
I usually use 3/4 of a weber chimney. Sit it on the flame for a few minutes, turn the flame off. When the flame is licking thru the top layer of coals, dump them on one half of the grill. That is how I cook most of my stuff.

Give it a shot. Oh and 50 mph winds, I don't even think I would have tried to grill in that.
 
Derek

1) First few times used the baskets, went to just dumping it on the grate. I use a chimney of the propane for a few minutes, then kill the propane. Once the bottom is lit, it won't make much difference if you leave it on, just waste fuel.

2) Lid off.

3) Keep in bag.

Jennifer,

How much was in the baskets? If you don't over fill them, that's really not much charcoal. Sounds like you didn't have enough coals. With a 50 mph wind, that will pull a lot of heat off the outside of the grill. However, it can also give you a hot fire by feeding air into the vents. When trying to get the temp up (particularly in rain or wind), yes, all 3 bottom vents should be fully open and the top vent should be fully open. Close them as you get where you want. Hope this helps.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

 

Back
Top