Questions about the Ranch


 

Bill Stevenson

TVWBB Member
I have a Performer that I really like except there are times when it isn't big enough. I use a Spirit too, for plank grilling and for veggies and for overflow. Even using both grills, though, is not enough on occasion. I don't want to add a third grill to an already crowded screen room. Which leads to my question: How effective is the The Ranch Kettle for small order cooking for say one or two people? 90% of the time that is all I need, but when I need more it would be nice to have the bigger grill. Also I hate to give up the gas ignition feature. Any ideas on a work around if I do switch to The Ranch?
 
Weber otta make a 26"Performer...that'd be a huge seller
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26" Performer....what a great idea. Can you imagine the table size of that puppy? You could grab a pillow and blanket and do an overnight on that thing!
 
The 26" offers slightly less than 50% more grill area than the 22". The Ranch is almost 3x the grill area of the 22". For up to about 4 people, the 22" is adequate for things like steaks. Wings are a problem for more than at most 2 people using a 22". Once in a while I want to feed 8 to 10 people and sit down to eat with them too. The Ranch would allow that, the 26" would not.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ron "Rondo" hanson:
Weber otta make a 26"Performer...that'd be a huge seller
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</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

AMEN Brother!

I was in my local favorite Ace Hardware, looking for some upgrade-grates for my gasser. I saw the new 26-incher - NICE!
I would think that because of its shape being similar to the 22-inch, would probably have better airflow than the ranch (the ranch is more saucer-shaped). Plus, I remember the '70s, when my dad had one of the big brown kettles with all the accessories and the good stuff he cooked-up on it.

If I had to have only one grill - I would want a 26-inch performer, if such a beast existed.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ron G.:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ron "Rondo" hanson:
Weber otta make a 26"Performer...that'd be a huge seller
icon_wink.gif
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

AMEN Brother!

I was in my local favorite Ace Hardware, looking for some upgrade-grates for my gasser. I saw the new 26-incher - NICE!
I would think that because of its shape being similar to the 22-inch, would probably have better airflow than the ranch (the ranch is more saucer-shaped). Plus, I remember the '70s, when my dad had one of the big brown kettles with all the accessories and the good stuff he cooked-up on it.

If I had to have only one grill - I would want a 26-inch performer, if such a beast existed. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I feel the same way you guys do. In fact, I sent them an email several months ago requesting they make a 26.75 peformer. I go an email back saying they would let their product development team know. Obviously, they aren't going to make a new grill due to one email, but I think it's important that we let them know there is demand for it. I think this is a product idea that would actually be very popular...like I can't imagine there is a person with a regular performer who wouldn't at least consider getting a bigger one.

Here's the email address I sent it off to if you guys are interested:

support@weberstephen.com

Really, if we want this to happen we are going to have to let Weber know there is demand.
 
Here is the response I got back from Weber:

Thank you for your email.

We are always interested in hearing what our customers are looking for!

Thank you for the feedback and your interest in Weber!

Happy Grilling,
Weber Customer Service
800-446-1071
 
I'm making my suggestion for the "Performer Plus" as well.

I think that it would be the perfect middle-ground for people who love to cook over charcoal. Big enough to be very versatile, but not too big that you'll go broke on charcoal for it. If they made it, I'd do what it takes to scrounge the bucks to get my grubby paws on one!
 
To complete this thread in case someone else wants to know, I came up with the idea of asking Weber-Stephens Co. for their thoughts. The Ranch would not work well for small cooks as the heat would be uneven to build a small fire in a large kettle. The Ranch needs a LOT of charcoal to equal the results we who use them have come to expect in the smaller kettles. Even the 26" needs quite a lot of charcoal to get the nice even, intense heat that makes the smaller kettles so effective. So that is the story right from the source of much wisdom, the manufacturer.

Bill
 

 

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