Weber 841001 22 1 2-Inch Performer Charcoal Grill with Touch-N-Go Propane Ignition, Black at Garden Tool Store

Weber 841001 22 1 2-Inch Performer Charcoal Grill with Touch-N-Go Propane Ignition, Black

Features

Combines flavor of charcoal grilling with convenience of gas

Robot-welded steel cart; rust-resistant, porcelain-enameled steel bowl and lid

Propane gas ignition for easy start-up

Includes stainless steel One-Touch cleaning system; removable ash catcher

Measures 40 by 50-1/4 by 28-1/2 inches; 22-1/2 inch cooking surface

Product Review
Many outdoor chefs swear by charcoal for the smoky, old-school flavor it lends to meat--but no one likes the mess or the hassle of starting the coals, or the chemical aftertaste that lighter fluid can leave. The Performers Touch-n-Go ignition system uses liquid propane to light charcoal briquets with just the touch of a button. Once the coals are white-hot, youre ready to cook. Even cleaning up afterwards wont get your hands dirty, thanks to Webers patented One-Touch cleaning system--a simple sweep of a lever pushes ashes into a removable catch pan for quick and easy disposal.

The Performers exceptionally-durable construction includes a rust-resistant, porcelain-enameled steel bowl and lid. Heavy-duty, hinged grates made from plated steel offer easy access to the classic kettle-shaped bowl when its time to add briquets to the fire. A dual-purpose thermometer allows cooks to monitor the temperature inside the grill, then removes to test meat for doneness. A Tuck-Away holder holds the lid conveniently out of the way plus provides a windscreen for lighting. Rugged, weather-resistant wheels are crack-proof in the most extreme temperatures and allow easy transport, while locking casters prevent the grill from rolling while you cook. Rust-free aluminum vents adjust to provide perfect airflow in changing conditions. An integrated storage container keeps up to 20 pounds of charcoal dry and within reach, and the granite-look Thermoset work surface provides a handy place to store marinades and sauces while you cook.

Also included are welded steel charcoal fuel holders that facilitate cooking with direct or indirect heat as well as a five-pound liquid propane tank. The assembled unit measures 40 by 50-1/4 by 28-1/2 inches, with a 22-1/2 inch cooking surface. Bowl, handles, lid, and One-Touch cleaning system are covered by a 10-year warranty; cooking grate and charcoal baskets have a 1-year warranty; and the burner assembly, hose, test valve, and regulator have a 3-year guarantee. Weber grills are made in the USA. --Mary Park

Product Description
Weber, Performer, Black, Grill With Touch & Go Ignition, With A Taller Profile, Features A 22-1/2" Porcelain Enameled Bowl & Lid With Dual Purpose Thermometer, Tuck Away Lid Holder, Char-Basket Fuel Holders & Nickel Plated Hinged Cooking Grate, Cart Is Updated With A Thermoset Work Table, Heavy Duty Steel Cart Frame, Char-Bin Charcoal Holder Which Holds Up To 20 LBS Of Charcoal, Wire Bottom Shelf, Factory Assembled Stainless Steel One Touch Cleaning System With A Removable Black Aluminum Ash Catcher, 3 Molded Tool Holders, Uses 14.1 OZ Or 16 OZ Disposable Propane Bottles, Which Are Good For Up To Twelve 10 Minute Ignitions, Tank Not Included, MAP $299.00.

Reader Reviews
There has been a lot of talk about the '05 model vs the older model. I just sold my old style model for New Performer and am very happy with it. For all its nice looks, the old Performer has some major design flaws and in some senses is more form than function. For starters, the stainless charcoal bin door lid also serves as the work surface, which is a huge pain when you are adding more coals as you have to move your food or dishes. It's also not that stable due to its dual function. Due to its placement, when taking coals out of the bin, the dust gets all over the stainless surface. Stainless looks pretty, however it's really not the best material for a work surface b/c it stratches and you will be be wiping it down all the time. The Thermoset plastic may feel cheap, but its very easy to clean and easier to maintain. The stainless tool holder attachments are also extremely flimsy in the old version as they clip on during assembly and are often knocked loose. Although I love the grill, these issues always bugged me, particularly the door issue. Rather than trying to be cheap, I think that Weber has addressed some of the major design flaws with this grill with the '05 model. The charcoal bin can now be accessed from the side and the thermoset work surface is probably more practical when working with a charcoal grill. It also looks is if some solid tool holders have been molded into the frame. Given that the old 5lb gas tank would probably last a few years with regular use, I think Weber saw this as a chance to both save some space and reduce some cost without a great inconvenience. It seems as if you will only need 1-2 disposable cartridges per season. Finally, my guess is that by brining down the pricepoint and splitting the difference with the old one touch platinum, Weber is hoping this version will appeal to a larger crowd. As great as the old Peformer was, there just aren't a lot of people that are going to spend $400 on a charcoal grill, except for the die hards like me.

Weber 841001 22 1 2-Inch Performer Charcoal Grill with Touch-N-Go Propane Ignition, Black
List Price: $429.00
Available from Amazon
Price: $329.00
Updated on 11-28-2008.

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