For years, I struggled with inconsistent results using basic charcoal setups. Flare-ups were common, temperature control was a guessing game, and cleanup was a chore. It felt like I was fighting the grill more than enjoying the process of cooking outdoors. I knew there had to be a better way to get that authentic, smoky flavor without the frustration, and finding a reliable charcoal grill that offered convenience alongside performance was essential. Without a proper solution, every cookout felt like a risk, potentially leading to overcooked or undercooked food and a messy patio.
- 22-inch diameter porcelain-enameled bowl and lid with a cooking area of 363 square inch
- Gourmet BBQ System hinged cooking grate. Tool hooks: 3
- Aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system with removable, high-capacity, aluminum ash catcher
What to Look for in a Charcoal Grill
Choosing a charcoal grill is often about more than just cooking; it’s about the experience, the flavor, and the ritual. People gravitate towards charcoal because of the unique smoky taste it imparts and the satisfaction of managing a live fire. An ideal customer for a feature-rich charcoal grill is someone who has likely started with a basic kettle and fallen in love with charcoal cooking but is now looking for added convenience, workspace, and features that make temperature control and cleanup easier. They appreciate quality construction and plan to use their grill frequently for everything from quick weeknight burgers to long, slow weekend smokes. This type of grill is likely *not* for someone who prioritizes the speed and simplicity of gas grilling above all else, or someone with extremely limited space who just needs the absolute bare minimum for occasional use. Those looking for the fastest startup should consider gas, and those on a very tight budget might start with a standard kettle. Before investing, potential buyers should consider cooking area needs, build quality and materials (especially rust resistance), features like ash removal systems, lid holders, built-in thermometers, and any included workspace like side tables. Ease of assembly and long-term durability should also be key considerations.
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker
- This Weber kettle grill has space to hold up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; The durable-plated steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel, offers a resilient surface that stands up...
- Main Smoking Area: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook large cuts of meat.
Introducing the Weber Performer
The Weber Performer Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black is Weber’s answer to combining the beloved performance of their classic kettle grill with the added convenience of a cart system and built-in features. It promises to elevate the charcoal grilling experience by providing essential workspace, easier ash management, and thoughtful design elements that simplify the cooking process. When you purchase this grill, you get the signature 22-inch porcelain-enameled kettle, the cart structure with a fold-down side table, a Tuck-Away lid holder, a Gourmet BBQ System hinged cooking grate, the One-Touch cleaning system with a high-capacity ash catcher, and a built-in lid thermometer. It’s designed for the charcoal enthusiast who wants the traditional kettle performance but craves the creature comforts that a simple kettle lacks, like prep space and integrated ash disposal. This specific model is an excellent step up from a standard 22-inch kettle, offering significant usability improvements without jumping to the Performer Deluxe with its gas assist. It’s less suited for someone happy with the absolute basics or who doesn’t have space for the cart footprint.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my long-term use:
Pros:
* Excellent heat retention and temperature control for versatile cooking.
* Generous 22-inch cooking area is standard and fits many accessories.
* Gourmet BBQ System grate with hinged sides makes adding fuel easy.
* Fold-down side table provides much-needed workspace.
* One-Touch cleaning system and large ash catcher simplify cleanup dramatically.
* Durable porcelain-enameled kettle is built to last.
Cons:
* Assembly can have minor frustrations (some screws/fasteners).
* Wheels could be more robust for easier movement on uneven surfaces.
* Plastic tool hooks feel a bit flimsy for the price point.
* Lack of a dedicated probe wire pass-through slot is a minor inconvenience.
Diving into the Details: Features and How They Perform
Having used the Weber Performer for a considerable amount of time, I can attest that its design is a thoughtful evolution of the classic kettle. The combination of the traditional kettle shape with the added cart and features makes a real difference in day-to-day use. Let’s break down the key elements that make this grill stand out.
The 22-Inch Kettle and Cooking Area:
At its heart, the Weber Performer features the iconic 22-inch diameter Weber kettle. This size is standard for a reason – it offers a substantial 363 square inches of cooking space. For me, this translates to being able to comfortably grill about a dozen burgers, several racks of ribs (cut in half), or a large brisket using indirect heat with charcoal placed to one side. The deep bowl design is crucial for heat circulation, whether you’re searing directly over coals or setting up a low-and-slow zone. The porcelain-enameled steel of the bowl and lid is incredibly durable. After years of exposure to the elements and high cooking temperatures, the finish holds up remarkably well, resisting rust and chipping. This superior heat retention is noticeable compared to cheaper, thinner metal grills. It allows the grill to maintain steady temperatures for long periods, which is absolutely essential for successful smoking or roasting larger cuts of meat without constantly adding fuel or adjusting vents.
Gourmet BBQ System Hinged Cooking Grate:
This is one of the features I use the most frequently. The 22-inch cooking grate is part of Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System, which means the center section is removable and can be swapped out for various inserts (sold separately) like a sear grate, griddle, or wok. While the base grill only comes with the standard grate, the *real* benefit of this specific grate design on the Performer is the hinged sides. When you’re doing a longer cook, especially smoking, you inevitably need to add more charcoal or wood chunks partway through. With a standard grate, you have to remove all your food and the entire hot grate to access the coals. It’s messy, interrupts the cook, and you lose heat. With the hinged grate, you simply lift the hinged section (using tongs or a grill tool) over your charcoal baskets or piles and drop in more fuel. It saves so much hassle and helps maintain consistent heat throughout the cook. It’s a simple feature, but game-changing for anyone doing cooks over an hour or two.
The Fold-Down Side Table:
Before getting a Weber Performer, my grilling setup involved multiple trips back and forth to the kitchen or awkwardly balancing platters and tools on the ground. The fold-down side table completely solves this. It provides a generous surface (about 14 inches wide) right where you need it for prep, holding plates of raw or cooked food, resting tools, or keeping sauces and seasonings handy. When not in use, it folds neatly down to save space. While the reviews mention it seems flimsy initially, I’ve found it to be quite stable in practice for typical grilling tasks. It’s made from a heat-resistant material, which is a nice touch for placing hot tools momentarily. This single feature significantly improves the workflow and convenience of charcoal grilling.
Tuck-Away Lid Holder:
Another seemingly small feature that makes a big difference is the Tuck-Away lid holder. Instead of having to hang the hot, drippy lid on the side of the kettle using a hook (which can mark the finish) or placing it on the ground (getting it dirty), this holder swings out from the side of the cart structure. You simply slide the lid into it, and it holds it securely out of the way while you tend to your food. It keeps the lid accessible for quickly covering the grill again but prevents it from being a nuisance. It’s a simple piece of design that speaks to Weber’s understanding of how people actually use their grills.
Superior Heat Retention and Temperature Control:
As mentioned before, the porcelain-enameled bowl and lid are key to heat retention. This material isn’t just for looks; it’s thick and holds heat remarkably well. Combined with the rust-resistant aluminum damper on the lid (for controlling exhaust airflow) and the One-Touch cleaning system lever on the bottom (for controlling intake airflow), you have excellent control over your grill’s temperature. Whether I want to get the grill screaming hot for searing steaks at 500°F+ or lock in a steady smoking temperature around 225°F for hours, the Performer makes it achievable with minimal effort once you understand how to use the vents. This level of control is what elevates it beyond a basic kettle and allows for a wider range of cooking techniques.
Built-in Lid Thermometer:
Located on the lid, the built-in thermometer gives you a convenient reading of the internal grill temperature. While dedicated probe thermometers placed near the food are more accurate for critical cooks like smoking brisket or pork butt, the lid thermometer is great for general grilling, checking on warm-up progress, or monitoring temperature swings. It’s a standard feature I appreciate having, providing an at-a-glance view of what’s happening inside the grill without lifting the lid.
Aluminized Steel One-Touch Cleaning System and Ash Catcher:
Cleaning ash from a charcoal grill used to be my least favorite part. Basic kettles require sweeping ash out through the bottom vents, often creating a cloud of dust. The One-Touch cleaning system is a revelation. An aluminized steel mechanism with blades is located at the bottom of the kettle. By moving an external lever, these blades sweep the ash through vents in the bottom and down into the removable aluminum ash catcher bucket located below. This high-capacity bucket collects a surprising amount of ash, meaning you don’t have to empty it after every single cook. When it is full, you simply unclip it and dump the contents. It’s an incredibly efficient and clean way to manage ash, making cleanup significantly faster and tidier. This system also doubles as the primary intake vent control.
Tool Hooks:
The grill comes with three tool hooks attached to the side of the cart structure, near the fold-down table. They are handy for keeping your tongs, spatula, and grill brush right where you need them while cooking. While the reviews mentioned concern about them being plastic or silumin, mine have held up fine over time for hanging standard tools, though I agree metal might feel more premium. Still, they serve their purpose well, adding another layer of convenience to the grilling experience.
Construction and Materials:
Overall, the construction of the Weber Performer feels solid and built to last, aligning with Weber’s reputation. The steel frame of the cart provides a stable base. The porcelain-enameled kettle is undoubtedly the star in terms of durability. The glass-reinforced nylon handle on the lid stays cool to the touch and feels sturdy. However, as noted in the cons and user reviews, some minor areas like the wheels and specific fasteners used for assembly could be improved. The wheels, while functional, don’t navigate rough patio stones or grass with the same ease as larger, more robust wheels found on some other grills. And while assembly is generally straightforward following the instructions, some fasteners can be tricky or prone to stripping if you’re not careful, which can be frustrating. Despite these minor points, the core components, especially the kettle itself, are built from quality, rust-resistant materials designed for longevity.
What Other Users Are Saying
I’ve seen quite a few positive comments from other folks who have purchased and used the Weber Performer. Many echo my own experience, praising how easy it is to assemble and how versatile it is for different types of cooking, from high-heat searing to smoking ribs or pork butts. The ash catcher is frequently mentioned as a major plus, making cleanup much simpler. Users also appreciate the hinged grate for adding fuel easily during longer cooks. Some new Weber owners were impressed with the overall convenience, noting the stable side table and the helpful lid holder. While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive regarding performance and convenience, a few users did point out minor issues, such as specific screws or fasteners being difficult during assembly, concerns about the quality of the wheels, or wishing the tool hooks were made of metal. Despite these small critiques, the sentiment is generally very happy with the purchase, seeing it as a significant upgrade that delivers on the promise of excellent charcoal grilling with added convenience.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Grill for You?
If you’ve been dealing with the frustrations of a basic charcoal grill – inconsistent temperatures, difficult cleanup, and lack of workspace – the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black offers compelling solutions. It addresses these problems directly by providing stable prep space, an efficient ash removal system, and design features like the hinged grate and lid holder that streamline the cooking process. It’s a great fit for anyone who loves the flavor of charcoal but wants a more convenient and controlled grilling experience. With its durable build, excellent heat management, and thoughtful features, it’s a worthwhile investment for frequent charcoal grillers looking to upgrade from a standard kettle. To learn more and check the latest price, Click here.
Last update on 2025-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API