What to expect from a used Gen2 Performer


 
Hi Duane, why is that so? Feature wise, wouldn't it be better in the later generations?
Featurewise, yes. The GBS grates and improved lid bale are better. Aesthetically, I find the 2nd gen looks better than the current generation. I prefer the stainless front panel, black frame, and black wire rack.
 
Has anyone tried removing the ugly ignition instruction label from the Gen 2 Performer? The old ads show the grill without the sticker, and I think it looks cleaner without it.
 

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Hi Duane, why is that so? Feature wise, wouldn't it be better in the later generations?
I just meant aesthetically, I like the look of the black frame and stainless front panel over the Gen 3’s with the silver frame. I don’t think the features on the newer models are much different other than the “taco shell” heat shield on the handle and some have a timer. I did add the larger lid bale and metal table. (Table free from Weber) I like the Gen 1 SSP’s too, but at 6’ 4” they’re a bit low for me so I use the one I have as a cart for the WSM

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Here's something interesting. I just tested the front SS panel and touch n go burner tube with a magnet, and the magnet didn't stick. I didn't know Weber was still using 304SS in 2008.

Btw, here's a photo of the bowl after washing it out.
 

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Baskets work great no chimney required lol, not sure why somebody would need it unless to light some for another grill, I been known to light some for my 18" jumbo and pour them in with the baskets lol. a rotisserie is what I am wanting right now .
 
I just meant aesthetically, I like the look of the black frame and stainless front panel over the Gen 3’s with the silver frame. I don’t think the features on the newer models are much different other than the “taco shell” heat shield on the handle and some have a timer. I did add the larger lid bale and metal table. (Table free from Weber) I like the Gen 1 SSP’s too, but at 6’ 4” they’re a bit low for me so I use the one I have as a cart for the WSM

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Hey Duane, thanks for the reply. The reason I asked was because I have one Gen 2 as well. Yours look a lot nicer with the metal table and I see your Gen 1 right next to it. BTW, have you changed the lid? Mine is the one with the thermometer on the handle.
 
Anyone have any tips on how to refinish the weber logo? The original paint has pretty much worn off of mine.
 
Anyone have any tips on how to refinish the weber logo? The original paint has pretty much worn off of mine.
There is a how to thread on refinishing the emblem on here that I'm having a hard time linking for some reason.
 
Personally, I light the charcoal in the baskets directly. I agree that it would be a little faster using the chimney, the only time I use it is if I’m using the Vortex inverted and need to scatter the charcoal around the perimeter.

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So I ended up buying the Gen 2 Performer for $80 canadian dollars (approx $60usd).

It was located only 15minutes from work, and the lady agreed to meet me at the end of my work day. The reason she couldn't send me more photos is because she had moved after selling her house, and this was one of the last remaining items at the house that needed to be moved.

Anyway, back to the grill. It's a black 2008 vintage. Overall, it was in good condition for its age. She didn't have it covered, but it was stored under a covered patio its entire life. It was supposedly only used 1-2 times per year, and the condition seems to match the story.

The wheels look as if they havent rolled very far. The main grate had no rust, while the charcoal grate and baskets did have some. The inside still had ashes and crud, but it was far from being considered nasty. The sweeps didn't look rusted, but they were seized by the crud from the last cook. The ash catcher pan looked ok, but the handle had surface rust. The frame was in pretty good shape, but due to its age there was a tiny bit of surface rust under the table. The table looked pretty decent. It had a small scrach but no stains. The bottom wire rack wasnt rusty. Oh and the Touch and Go ignition worked on the first try.

Here's a photo from the ad. I'll have to take some more before/after shots once the weather improves. I expect this one to clean up very nicely.
Enjoy your new Performer! Whatcha going to grill first?
 
Enjoy your new Performer! Whatcha going to grill first?
Not sure yet. I intend to pickup a rotisserie ring soon, so it might be chicken. I also have a napoleon 64000 rotisserie basket that I recently picked up on sale, so maybe wings.

Here are some more photos of the progress:

The orginal cooking grate is in OK condition. No rust, but there is pitting near the middle. I'm guessing its from higher heat exposure at the center. Any idea how much life is left of these? I'll be on the look out for a discount on the GBS grates, but I dont think itll be easy to find any for cheap. A new set will cost more than i paid for the Performer.
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Here's a shot of the charcoal grate. It was rusty and had a thick build-up of grease, but otherwise was still in good structural condition. I guess there's no point in replacing it?
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The ash catcher was in good condition. The black coating can use some cleaning, but there's no flaking or corrosion on the aluminum.
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The ash catcher handle has surface rust. Any idea what i should do with it?
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I would sand and then repaint with a couple coats if what ever color you like.
The grill looks to be in great shape under all the crud and I vote for chicken.
 
Evaporust did wonders for me on a couple of rusty parts. The ash catcher handle might clean up well
 
Not sure yet. I intend to pickup a rotisserie ring soon, so it might be chicken. I also have a napoleon 64000 rotisserie basket that I recently picked up on sale, so maybe wings.

Here are some more photos of the progress:

The orginal cooking grate is in OK condition. No rust, but there is pitting near the middle. I'm guessing its from higher heat exposure at the center. Any idea how much life is left of these? I'll be on the look out for a discount on the GBS grates, but I dont think itll be easy to find any for cheap. A new set will cost more than i paid for the Performer.
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Here's a shot of the charcoal grate. It was rusty and had a thick build-up of grease, but otherwise was still in good structural condition. I guess there's no point in replacing it?
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The ash catcher was in good condition. The black coating can use some cleaning, but there's no flaking or corrosion on the aluminum.
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The ash catcher handle has surface rust. Any idea what i should do with it?
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Remove the handle from the ash catcher and go over it with a wire wheel in a drill. Clean it off with brake cleaner and give it a couple of coats of rustoleum hi heat ultra paint. You can do the same to the outside of the ash catcher if you really want it to look nice.
 

 

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