So, I'm the new proud owner of a 22" Weber Performer Deluxe. I went with the 22" because I know it's the most common and popular grill that they sell. I also know that there are more cool accessories available for the 22" than any of the other kettle sizes. So, what are some of the cool accessories that I should get. I am already looking at getting the rotisserie, but I've heard that there are non-Weber brands that might be better.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Seth
Look up Cajun Bandit. They make a really cool SS roti. They also make a n SS Stacker that can basically turn your 22" kettle into a smoker, similar to the WSM.
The newer Weber rotis are a big improvement over the old ones.
On the other end of the budget spectrum, you can't go wrong with some fire bricks and aluminum foil!
It's hard to recommend something without knowing exactly what you like so my vote is something that you can use every time you grill. Meat thermometer/thermapen, quality grilling tools, heat resistant gloves, or weber chimney are good places to start. Other options are sear grates, cast iron skillets, or wood chunks.
Rotisserie, and if you are inclined, the skewer attachment, both work well!
A chimney starter is also a definite requirement.
Cast iron grate, but only providing you are prepared for the extra work keeping it clean.
BBQ utensils, grate brush, remote thermometer, instant read thermometer, pizza stone, lots of charcoal, meat, and beer.
Another vote for the rotisserie.
I've also recently become a big fan of the charcoal baskets. Use them for high temp sears, or set up for low and slow smokes, but I think the charcoal baskets came with you grill.
If you dont have one...weber smokey mountain is great accessory for kettle. It always happens sooner or later...better to buy early to enjoy the synergies sooner
There are so many great items, but nothing more useful or transformative for your cooking than a Thermapen. Expensive, yes, but you'll thank me later.
Lots of great suggestions on the incidentals. When buying things, consider the quality vs cost vs long term use of the item.
The Thermapen is a great tool as has already been mentioned. You can find closeout deals on certain colors and refurbs for about $79 every 6-8 weeks (probably around July 4th there'll be another sale). I picked up a refurb last year and its been invaluable.
For a remote thermometer you'll find a lot of fans of the Maverick ET-733. There is a new 735 model with bluetooth that syncs with your phone/tablet, but from what I've read here and elsewhere there's a lot of negative issues with it. If you're planning on smoking with the grill, its needed if you don't want to keep running outside to check your temps. I see discounts on them every 4 months or so.
I have to agree with the votes for instant read thermometer. The thermapen is the Cadillac, but I have a thermoworks RT-301WA super fast pocket thermometer and it works great. They got them going for $35 on Amazon. The read time is 6 seconds vs 3 with the thermapen. Bottom line, any quality instant read thermometer will greatly improve your grilling outcomes.
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If you plan on cooking ANY item less than well done, then "get a Maverick ET-733". ThermaPen is great, I got the British Racing Green for $79 on close-out.
Now your set for L&S, indirect, or direct cooking in that new Performer. Your needs for All of the other "accessories" will become known to you as you cook, cook, cook. SJ
you probably have gas assist (starter) so a chimney isn't priority,
just get a good mix of utensils & start your Cast Iron collection.
+never hurts to have two sets of tongs
one clean (Food) & a cheap or "dirty" set for arranging coals (hot or cold)
A warming rack or stacker
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Thermapen! I'm a pretty big fan of my vortex too.
+1 on two sets of tongs. I use my crappy old pair for coals and my new better pair for food. Some people go three pairs, for coals, raw food, and cooked food, but I think it's overkill. I don't mind Doug a quick wash after putting stuff on the grill.
Quote from: austin87 on June 09, 2015, 04:22:19 PM
Thermapen! I'm a pretty big fan of my vortex too.
+1 on two sets of tongs. I use my crappy old pair for coals and my new better pair for food. Some people go three pairs, for coals, raw food, and cooked food, but I think it's overkill. I don't mind Doug a quick wash after putting stuff on the grill.
Quick wash after touching raw food ? Stick the tips down into the grate. The heat will kill whatever you might be concerned about.
Cajun Bandit stacker, Roti ring, some dedicated charcoal tongs that are independent of your food tongs. That one is key IMO. Maybe pickup a spare OTS grate and make an elevated half grate out of it. They are nice to have and there's a few of us here that have made them. Gourmet Grate system is nice. As for thermometers, get a thermapen.
Don't forget a set of Weber salt & pepper grinders!! ;D
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag97/cc583/d1b5b38a-e872-49ae-b76a-d47e49205b10_zpsubainj0x.png) (http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/cc583/media/d1b5b38a-e872-49ae-b76a-d47e49205b10_zpsubainj0x.png.html)
Vortex
Its important that you don't come out the gate buying things you may use three times a year. As my sign off implies - Build up to those things and do your best to keep it simple.
Short list in this order:
1. Chimney starter - kind of goes without saying but its already said
2. Good quality set of long tongs and spatula - you will never need a fork so don't buy the three pack just order the duo from Weber and be done with it...
3. Quick read thermometer - Thermapen is the king of the hill but there are others and depending on your cooks you may be able to pick up a cheaper one and make due - that is until you use someones Thermapen and fall in love like I did...
4. Weber lighter cubes - stock pile these - you will always need them and you will always run out. Every time I'm out and see them I pick up a box no matter how many I think I have left.
Those top four will be used in every cook and are well worth the money. Get things you like to handle and are made well everything that follows is not a must have but it does make things a little more fun.
5. Aluminum drip pans of all sizes and a stock of tinfoil (almost made the top 4 list)
6. Firewire/skewers - I personally like Fire for a lot of reasons but any sturdy metal skewer set will do
7. Veggie baskets/pans/bowls - one small and one large
8. Rotisserie - almost a must in my house as a roti-chicken is the wife's favorite cook
9. Rib rack for the rotisserie - not a must have but it makes good use of space and when it comes to ribs the more you can cook at once the better
10. Lodge Cast Iron skillets 12", 10", 8", and several 3.5" - Lodge CI 5 qt Dutch Oven
11. Warming Rack/raised cooking rack - I know that the OEM Weber warming rack is hard to come by and once found can be way overpriced but there are others out there BGE makes several sizes and they work nicely with the Weber kettles.
That's the full line up of goodies I would think anyone should have in their reach. Not all are required and I am sure there are more to be had but these are my go to's .
Have fun out there!
Slow and Sear - http://www.abcbarbecue.com. Best way to go low and slow for long cooks!
Get some beer! It's a great accessory that goes well with any Weber grilling product.
Quote from: ramsfan on July 14, 2015, 05:49:52 PM
Get some beer! It's a great accessory that goes well with any Weber grilling product.
Just won the thread.
Slow and Sear (SnS) -http://www.abcbarbecue.com Great accessory for smoking low and slow, or searing with extreme heat.
Thermoworks is doing a closeout sale on the Teal thermopens right now if you were on the fence about getting one...