Who else wants to see Weber update the Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill?


 
Erik Armstrong

Erik Armstrong

New member
Just like the title says, who else would like to see a new performer design? What do you want to see (i.e. kettle size, color, gas assist, table material, etc.)?

I would love to see a stainless steel table option similar to the first generation performer or the WSK. I bought my first kettle in 2018 and would love to upgrade to a performer. The current design, which has gone largely unchanged for the last 20 years, isn’t enough of a draw for me to drop $600.

Looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts!
 
Yes, update the Performer please. I think I would converge the feel of the Gen 1 Performer (aka: SSP), modern design queues from the sleek looking TRAVELER, and the clever modular table & accessories from the new SLATE. Like you're profile pic, I really like the copper color for the kettle. (I also like other vibrant colors like Spring Green, Red, Blue and the new Burnt Orange color too.)

From the SSP, I would take the all Stainless Steel table surfaces and overall robust feel. I'd keep the original Weber kettle as exposed as possible with a minimal open cart design but strong looking frame. I'd keep the GEN 4 Performer ash system, larger bail, and taller height. I'd make the charbin removable so you have option to pour the coals. I'd try to refine the gas assist nozzle design and add a gas flow control knob so could do some tasks beyond just starting charcoal... Like sometimes use gas alone (no charcoal) to boil a big pot of water for seafood boil and do a low-n-slow type cook.

From the TRAVELER, I'd use the silver radius'd thick tubing (where Traveler logo is printed) with the curved gray plastic end caps (at least on one end) as a main design element like the Traveler. I'd use the same radius'd type tubing to create the rest of the frame in a way that resembles the overall clean lines of the SSP while keeping the minimalist feel of the Traveler. I would add electronic ignition from the GEN 4 Performer on the front silver tube similar to the placement of controls on the Traveler. I'd use the gray wheels on it from the big Genesis 2 gas grill.

From the SLATE, I would borrow the interchangeable insert section on part of the table (i.e cutting boards, tool Caddy, etc), the clip on accessories (towel rack, cup holder, tool hooks, garbage bag holder, etc), and the same flip up table for added versatility. See pics below. I don't need a SLATE but I think it looks really clever and well done. (Now, I usually have my TRAVELER set up as a full griddle with two griddle plates).

Below is a pic of my TRAVELER and SSP to help you visualize the design elements I was talking about. Note: I updated my SSP with items from a GEN 4 Performer (copper colored kettle, larger lid bail, updated ash system, electric ignition, etc.).

ssp-and-traveler-a-jpg.103025


Here are some pics of the SLATE items I was referring to.
Screenshot 2024-10-31 225159.jpgScreenshot 2024-10-31 224557.jpg
Screenshot 2024-10-31 224939.jpg
 

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  • SSP and TRAVELER a.jpg
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I like my performer with gas assist.

I don't use the timer thing which I think should be deleted as its stupid to hide the gas ignition system behind it.

I wish the table were higher to provide a bit more vertical space between the ash dump and the storage rack. Storing the rotisserie extension ring requires some finesse to get it under the ash dump.

Increase the size of the charcoal bin. Most bags won't fit into it.

Provide clips on the back side to store the rotisserie rod in a horizontal position just below the table top.
 
Erik Armstrong said:
Just like the title says, who else would like to see a new performer design? What do you want to see (i.e. kettle size, color, gas assist, table material, etc.)?

I would love to see a stainless steel table option similar to the first generation performer or the WSK. I bought my first kettle in 2018 and would love to upgrade to a performer. The current design, which has gone largely unchanged for the last 20 years, isn’t enough of a draw for me to drop $600.

Looking forward to hearing everyone’s
Click to expand...
Weber did add a metal table a few years back which I consider a major change.
 
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I did the mods myself, almost ten years ago now! Raised the height, increased table size and added the “maroon” 18” just because you never know when you might need more space!
 
Ed P said:
The WSK S6 is the upgraded performer that you seek. Any upgrades to the actual performer line would only detract from the S6, and there is a lot of profit built into the S6 as evidenced by the ~$1k price difference between the E6 and S6.
Click to expand...
I would love a WSK S6, but the Performer fits my budget better. I also feel that the performer has a lot of competition at its price point, and some design updates would make it more competitive.
 
Mike-GA said:
Yes, update the Performer please. I think I would converge the feel of the Gen 1 Performer (aka: SSP), modern design queues from the sleek looking TRAVELER, and the clever modular table & accessories from the new SLATE. Like you're profile pic, I really like the copper color for the kettle. (I also like other vibrant colors like Spring Green, Red, Blue and the new Burnt Orange color too.)

From the SSP, I would take the all Stainless Steel table surfaces and overall robust feel. I'd keep the original Weber kettle as exposed as possible with a minimal open cart design but strong looking frame. I'd keep the GEN 4 Performer ash system, larger bail, and taller height. I'd make the charbin removable so you have option to pour the coals. I'd try to refine the gas assist nozzle design and add a gas flow control knob so could do some tasks beyond just starting charcoal... Like sometimes use gas alone (no charcoal) to boil a big pot of water for seafood boil and do a low-n-slow type cook.

From the TRAVELER, I'd use the silver radius'd thick tubing (where Traveler logo is printed) with the curved gray plastic end caps (at least on one end) as a main design element like the Traveler. I'd use the same radius'd type tubing to create the rest of the frame in a way that resembles the overall clean lines of the SSP while keeping the minimalist feel of the Traveler. I would add electronic ignition from the GEN 4 Performer on the front silver tube similar to the placement of controls on the Traveler. I'd use the gray wheels on it from the big Genesis 2 gas grill.

From the SLATE, I would borrow the interchangeable insert section on part of the table (i.e cutting boards, tool Caddy, etc), the clip on accessories (towel rack, cup holder, tool hooks, garbage bag holder, etc), and the same flip up table for added versatility. See pics below. I don't need a SLATE but I think it looks really clever and well done. (Now, I usually have my TRAVELER set up as a full griddle with two griddle plates).

Below is a pic of my TRAVELER and SSP to help you visualize the design elements I was talking about. Note: I updated my SSP with items from a GEN 4 Performer (copper colored kettle, larger lid bail, updated ash system, electric ignition, etc.).

ssp-and-traveler-a-jpg.103025


Here are some pics of the SLATE items I was referring to.
View attachment 103022View attachment 103023
View attachment 103024
Click to expand...
Wow! Well said! I think all of those features would make a great grill, and it would add a market for existing Weber products.
 
Erik Armstrong said:
Just like the title says, who else would like to see a new performer design? What do you want to see (i.e. kettle size, color, gas assist, table material, etc.)?

I would love to see a stainless steel table option similar to the first generation performer or the WSK. I bought my first kettle in 2018 and would love to upgrade to a performer. The current design, which has gone largely unchanged for the last 20 years, isn’t enough of a draw for me to drop $600.

Looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts!
Click to expand...
While you wait for a new Gen Performer, I suggest you look for a good used one for $100-250 and enjoy.

They are mechanically simply, most parts easy to find, and usually can be cleaned up to look almost new. You can likely resell for at least what you bought it for when you want a new Gen.

I’d suggest a Gen 1 SSP or Gen 4 (both I’ve owned) because of metal tables but all the Performer variants are a great step up from a standard Kettle.
 
Well mine was made before the cheesy timer but my sons has it, I set the bottom vent to where I want my temps, never look down there for any marks, 1/4-1/2-3/4 wide arse open lol. fine tune as needed. only thing would be a adjustable grate, not possible with currant design.. I have other cookers that do different things and don't think it is possible to make 1 do everything well, sure you can muck by but why fight when there are better tools for the job.
 
Rick P said:
It rusts.....
Click to expand...
Great table though. I’ve had mine for 5 years easy and no rust.
In fact I’m firing it up tonight. I have found the propane igniter just too easy. I hate that my S6 Kamado can’t light a chimney with the grate in the upper position.
 
Bruno said:
Great table though. I’ve had mine for 5 years easy and no rust.
In fact I’m firing it up tonight. I have found the propane igniter just too easy. I hate that my S6 Kamado can’t light a chimney with the grate in the upper position.
Click to expand...
Yeah...I've had mine longer..but I agree......it is a great table.
I replaced the composite table with the metal one years ago.
I keep it covered, but I'm
I'm partially to blame.
I had one of those Meathead food temp magnets stuck on top of it, and the rust appeared under the magnet. By the time I discovered the rust, it was too late. Weber would not replace it, because the table was over a year old.
 
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