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


 
Someone had mentioned a hinge on the lid ---- I think that would be wrong since that limits repositioning the vents over different sections of grill where the food would be and would also predetermine where the coal bed/baskets would be for indirect cooks forever more.

I've got a second gen performa with the stick thermometer thats right under the handle pointed at the vent --- I think thats the best placement for a thermometer for all around usefulness - the thermometers that are 180 from the vent seems pretty useless since its right over the coals for indirect cooking. I would be nice to have the thermometer between the handle and the vent. I think this applies to all kettles myself.

I don't use the coal bin myself even tho there is still a partial bag of coal in there from when I picked it up.....
Honestly, there isn't that much to complain about other than the height IMO.
 
I absolutely love my Weber Performer. The day they came out with a propane starter for the charcoal or lump wood I didn't hesitate to buy it - seems like that was about 20 years ago. I have the stainless steel shelving which cleans and polishes super easy. I agree that the storage bin can't hold a full bag of charcoal but that's not a big deal. The one thing I added, which I haven't seen mentioned, is a clamp on light for those late night bbq's. I have had to replace the piazza ignition button, the propane regulator, and even the propane tank - fortunately I was able to get all of the replacement parts directly from Weber. I'm going to keep this sucker alive as long as I am able to. Having the Performer and my 18" WSM is the perfect 1-2 punch for me.

P.S. love the postings you all do - really great advice!
 

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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...
man I really dig the old school performer cart, simple....Ive been on the look out for one that is not totally trashed and rusted out
 
The SSP is a good design. Mine puts a smile on my face when using it. Keep looking because decent one's pop up from time to time for $100-$150.
 
I’ve never cared for the wire loop lid holder.
I’m a bit claustrophobic and feel that it crowds me so I use one of the other bbq’d to rest the lid on.
I think I would rather have the lid hanging from the side via that welded on hook thing.
The timer is kinda funky as well so I keep mine in our kitchen key bowl and use it often.
I think my first mod was marking the air intake/ash dump handle positions.
I think it could have had better tires and wheels too.

Over all I’d call it a square deal enough to where I got another one for our other place.
I also like that it is good to go as is or you can mod it any way you want.
 
JoeCPA, I saw your light on your SSP and tried to find it on Amazon. Just tried out the Jhua Grill Light version last night and it works well.

Flexible steel neck. Heavy base of milled out aluminum with strong magnates just wide enough to fit on the grill's frame bar so I can open the grill's stainless lid unobstructed. Powered by 3 AAA batteries but can throw out some serious light.

Jhua Grill Light on SSP.jpg

Jhua Grill Light.jpg

Link to the light:
 
I like the ideas you all are putting forward. the SS table as in Gen 1 is perfect, the slide out table would come in handing as it does on my Silver C, having a rack to hold spices and such would be nice, the trash can is OK but i would rather see something like stacked drawers to hold wood chunks, gloves, and many other smaller things. the timer is not for me either.

I love the Weber name brand, there longevity, but you can tell which were made in the US and which are from China, just putting the lid on to the bowl sound tells that.
I think a hinge would be interesting as long as you can unhinge for using a pizza oven or Rotisserie. I can not believe it costs that much to make these parts in China, we need to level out the prices on everything in the next couple years.

I hope Mother Weber reads these imputs...
 
I like the Performer Deluxe as is ( 2014 model) the newer model with the P-shaped vents is a nice upgrade but aside from that I don't think it needs an update,
My wish list for an updated Performer deluxe: I modded my performers to ad items that I would love to see as standard features.
  • Add a "Smoke port" like the WSK has, so a thermostatically controlled fan can be added for dialing in smoking temps.
  • Add a temp probe port -
    • I added my own temp probe grommet
    • 1733246501733.png
  • Replace timer with a built in bottle opener or holder for thermapen
  • Maybe room for a small cooler - not sure how that would fit.
 
Well if you been on the fence of buying a new unit better get it done soon, Weber and Blackstone are merging. Hard to say what it will do to qaulity.
 
ChadRex said:
I like the Performer Deluxe as is ( 2014 model) the newer model with the P-shaped vents is a nice upgrade but aside from that I don't think it needs an update,
My wish list for an updated Performer deluxe: I modded my performers to ad items that I would love to see as standard features.
Click to expand...
I like all of these ideas.
 
One more item that could see as a easy fix height raise the table, kettle height up. We should all put in a input as to how tall 38, inches or whatever say Kitchen Counter height?
 
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