I'm looking to purchase our first grill. After finally deciding on charcoal, I now have another decision...
What do you all think of the Performer Deluxe vs. The Premium? It seems that the main difference is the gas starter on the Deluxe model? Is this a handy thing to have? If I go with the Deluxe, then I wouldn't need to purchase a chimney starter? So, this might also be a question of chimney starter vs. the gas assist starter...
Thanks in advance for any advice/feedback...
I have the gas assist and use it to start my chimney...works great
I see...so the gas assist doesn't necessarily replace the chimney? Could the gas assist be used to just light the coals in the bed or the coals really need to gathered in something like a chimney device?
A chimney will always help the charcoal start faster in my opinion so the gas assist is not a replacement for the chimney. If I were in the market for a new one off the shelf I'd go with the premium and save the money for other accessories or more charcoal. The Weber starter cubes work really well to get a chimney lit.
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Can't go wrong either way. Gas assist is nice but not a necessity. Some prefer it, some don't. I like using the lighter cubes.
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I see...so you can place lighter cubes beneath the coals in a chimney like this?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber-Compact-Rapidfire-Chimney-Starter-7447/203609220
Does the chimney hold enough briquettes for a 22" or would I need to do two or three chimney rounds?
One chimney full is usually more than enough in a 22.
Don't skimp and get a knockoff. The Weber ones last a long time.
The one you linked is the smaller one. The big one is #7416 and it should be $15-17. Amazon has it for $14.99
Thanks...this would be the one to get?...
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber-Compact-Rapidfire-Chimney-Starter-7447/203609220
And some starter cubes?...
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber-Lighter-Cubes-24-Pack-7417/202843410
You want the full size chimney
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I see...so, probably this one...although it's been discontinued:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Weber-Rapidfire-Chimney-Charcoal-Starter-7416/100657893
Would you say it holds just the right amount of charcoal for a 22" kettle or I would need to play around with it a little bit?
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Weber-7-5-in-x-12-in-Aluminum-Charcoal-Chimney/1057001
Thanks for that...just a couple of other questions about the performer. Do you find the bin useful for storing charcoal? Does it have a weather tight lid?
I have only had my gen2 for a day but I think mainly I'm just going to store charcoal cages and starting cans in my gen2. I will store my charcoal inside my gen 1 performer. It is much more rodent/weatherproof.
Weber Chimney #7146 is the one you want for a 22" kettle.
Lowe's carries them.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Weber-7-5-in-x-12-in-Aluminum-Charcoal-Chimney/1057001
Or if you have Amazon Prime, you can order them through Amazon with free shipping.
https://www.amazon.com/Weber-7416-Rapidfire-Chimney-Starter/dp/B000WEOQV8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497303853&sr=8-1&keywords=weber+chimney+starter
I have a pretty modest collection. First GA is still disassembled in the back of my truck. Just recently got my brother addicted and his first was a GA preformer, that he thought he overpaid for. He's now looking for a second. Can't wait to get my GA home, and assembled. That said... Don't buy new. There are too many on CL. Especially if you live near a metropolitan area. A GA, paired with a chimney can't be beat.
Not to mention, this isn't coming home from Lowes...
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd487/sickofcichlids/9611FEE0-D743-4BBD-9194-1049D622881E.jpg) (http://s1222.photobucket.com/user/sickofcichlids/media/9611FEE0-D743-4BBD-9194-1049D622881E.jpg.html)
What do you all think of the charcoal bin? Is it really weatherproof? I'd imagine if any moisture got in it, that would ruin the briquettes?
The bin is under the table. I have forgot to put a cover on mine a few times and never had a problem it.
I use a Kingsford Caddy (https://www.amazon.com/Buddeez-Kingsford-Kadddy-Charcoal-Dispenser/dp/B00HQE1QT2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497359265&sr=8-1&keywords=kingsford+caddy) because I find it a lot easier to be able to dump the charcoal into a chimney. Sometimes I leave the charcoal in the bag and put it in the bin so I can still take it out and dump it.
I see...so, the Performer Premium comes with a bin with a lid? (seems difficult to tell from the pics)...anyone use the bin for trash, other storage, etc.?
There is no lid, but it is underneath the table. I was saying that I have forgot to put the grill cover on over that and water still doesn't get in. You should have your grill covered when it rains anyways :)
I have a gen2 performer and my charcoal storage bin does not get wet at all. No lid, it just fits under the table. I think the new ones are the same? I use a separate kingsford charcoal storage bin and I use the performer bin for gloves, paper towels, spray bottles and occasionally temporary trash can for little stuff when cooking. Then I take the trash out when finished. Just a convenient temporary trash holding area if you will.
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I hate using covers so I move my grills under the overhang of the house when not in use.
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A GA performer is a great grill, you can get the small propane bottles on sale I last paid 10.00 for 4 bottles. And they last awhile I have no idea how many starts.
He coal bin I keep a bag of coal in there gloves etc. And my cats like also. I picked mine up on CL prices have gone up but you can still get deals.
The large chimmey is best as you can fill full or half depending on the cook need.
Get the GA never look back.
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Just a follow up question to the premium vs. deluxe. I'm still not sure whether to go for the deluxe. A lot of the reviews seem to make it look pretty convenient and they all seem to be using the weber trays instead of a chimney. Looks like you can place the two trays over the flame and you move them to the side and start grilling.
Are the trays better than the chimney. Using the trays, it seems that you would lose a lot of cooking space (the middle wouldn't get a lot of heat)...
If you use the chimney, you would need to dump the coals out after a few minutes and spread them out on the bottom of the grill?
You kind of have to jump in and start cooking. Everyone's process will vary. You can use the baskets over the flame to start the coals but thats only good if you plan on cooking indirect. If you plan on a direct cook than you don't need to start with baskets. Just put coals in a pile and light. However, neither of those methods do as good of job lighting the coals as using a chimney. A friend of mine with a performer has never owned a chimney. I prefer to start off with a chimney but it's not an absolute requirement with gas assist. For normal direct grilling you wouldn't use the baskets. Just light the coal in a chimney or pile and spread out.
I wouldn't over think it. Just get a grill, either grill and start cooking. If your not sure, get the gas assist. The amount of extra money it costs is minimal in the long run if you plan to grill often.
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I went through the same thought process, and wasn't going to get the gas assist - I just thought it seemed unnecessary, and something I didn't want to deal with. But once I settled on the C&B blue, realized I would be getting the gas assist no matter what. And... I'm so happy I did! It's just incredibly easy, lights the coals incredibly quickly, and just adds a layer of added convenience that I really appreciate. Several dozen cooks later on the new grill, I couldn't be happier.
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@steph746 You've been given quite a bit of very good advice. Here's my input just to muddy the water; over time you WILL own both a small chimney starter (about 40 briquettes) and a large chimney starter (about 100 briquettes). You WILL own at least one pair of charcoal baskets; they protect the enamel to some degree and contain the fire to some degree. Indirect is accomplished with them pushed to opposite sides, direct by pushing them back to back in the center (or really anywhere you want a circle of heat). You WILL use the GA system nearly all of the time, but you WILL own starter cubes because they have there place (eg. starting a second round of lit coal on your Smokey Joe for a heat increase on the fly).
Ask this question; if having a GA system wasn't the bomb, then why do many of us go to our GA system Performers as our daily cookers.
SJ
Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate the advice. I ordered a dark green deluxe performer with a tall chimney to start. For the last poster...what does "GA" stand for?
Quote from: steph746 on June 15, 2017, 11:38:45 PM
Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate the advice. I ordered a dark green deluxe performer with a tall chimney to start. For the last poster...what does "GA" stand for?
It stands for Gas Assist.
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Quote from: Joetee on June 16, 2017, 12:34:54 AM
Quote from: steph746 on June 15, 2017, 11:38:45 PM
Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate the advice. I ordered a dark green deluxe performer with a tall chimney to start. For the last poster...what does "GA" stand for?
It stands for Gas Assist.
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Right :) Thank you...
To get started, my last question would be if anyone recommends particular tongs and spatulas? There must be a ton out there. I don't think I'll leave them outside, so they don't have to be weatherproof. Just looking for something that can get the job done and isn't too big or bulky.
Does anyone have any they recommend?
Thanks...
I have this set and I think it's pretty good.
Weber 6630 Original 3-Piece Stainless Steel Tool Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005LR2MVW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iB8qzb62AT0ZQ
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This website has some good suggestions as well http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-grill-tools/ (http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-grill-tools/)
Thanks very much for these additional suggestions!
Quote from: steph746 on June 16, 2017, 03:20:17 AM
Quote from: Joetee on June 16, 2017, 12:34:54 AM
Quote from: steph746 on June 15, 2017, 11:38:45 PM
Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate the advice. I ordered a dark green deluxe performer with a tall chimney to start. For the last poster...what does "GA" stand for?
It stands for Gas Assist.
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Right :) Thank you...
To get started, my last question would be if anyone recommends particular tongs and spatulas? There must be a ton out there. I don't think I'll leave them outside, so they don't have to be weatherproof. Just looking for something that can get the job done and isn't too big or bulky.
Does anyone have any they recommend?
Thanks...
The best I've seen were from cavetools. I order from Amazon. Excellent quality and thick strong stainless steel. I have there grate brush, tongs, and spatula.
They come with I think a life time warranty.
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Freaky that Home Depot shows the large chimney as discontinued.
They had plenty the other day. I was looking for another set of charcoal
baskets (I made the big one and am loving it) and a set of grates for my SJ.
Sadly they had neither.
Buy the big chimney for sure.
I have both and the big boy get used 10-1.
Yardburner. Lowes in my area carry the baskets and Home Depot doesn't. You might check lowes if you have one near by.
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Yeah, I saw that too.
Since I need the SJ grates
I'll order a set along with the baskets.
Since I made the big basket out of the ones I had
I think I'm going to seek out a set of the old wire style.
I have one, God knows where the other won got off to.
And I want a couple of sets of rails.
Quote from: YardBurner on June 16, 2017, 06:20:28 AM
Yeah, I saw that too.
Since I need the SJ grates
I'll order a set along with the baskets.
Since I made the big basket out of the ones I had
I think I'm going to seek out a set of the old wire style.
I have one, God knows where the other won got off to.
And I want a couple of sets of rails.
I love the rails. Works great in the 26. I use the backs of old baskets to protect the bowl.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170616/19e96aec1417683c36cf74955d26bd96.jpg)
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About to start up my grill for the first time (Performer Deluxe, green)...I have the large Weber chimney. Is it best to put the lid back on the grill while the coals are heating up? If I do that, I assume I should have the bottom and top vents open?
Also, I should fill the chimney to a little less than full with coals? I'll be grilling some burgers, chicken breasts and corn on the cob (in aluminum foil).
Thank you!
do not put lid on until charcoal is fully lit. when all the charcoal is ashed over then you can put lid on, to allow grates to heat up. use full chimney to start out with. then adjust the amount of charcoal in the future based on the food you are cooking, your process, etc. experience will tell you what to do.
Thanks. So basically out the lid on after ashed over and I spill them out onto the bottom grate?
Also wondering, should I keep the propane on for the full 15 minutes or so? Or ok to turn off after some coals are lit?
Yes
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Was that yes for my first post? Thanks.
I run the gas for four or five minutes max. Anything longer and you burn up too many coals in the chimney where they don't do any good.
Thanks. Temp seems to be going down to about 300-325. Do you normally add coals or poke coals to help raise the temp?
Just keep playing with your kettle. You'll figure it out.
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@steph746 So many questions, so little time. I never use my GA for longer than 5 minutes (that's about how long a Weber "cube" burns, so ...). I never put hot coals directly onto my coal grate. They always go into some type of basket ... I like the enamel on my kettles w/o heat crazing lines. As for charcoal; pick the temp that you want to cook at, then that will tell you how many lit-coals you will need, then pick the cook duration, and that will tell you how many un-lit coals you will need. You control the burn rate w/ your vent dampers.
@Troy @1buckie Gentlemen, I couldn't find the post's that you did on charcoal amounts (lit vs un-lit) and amounts for specific temp ranges. Might be useful for some of the newer kettle cooks to get a handle on the "art of the kettle" ???
SJ
Thanks...will do. I think the first round went well. Maybe could have cooked things longer to get more of a "burnt/crisp" texture.
As for cleaning. The coals seem to be going fairly strong still. Should I spray water on them to put them out? I can't imagine I should wait overnight until they burn out. I assume also that I shouldn't put too much water on them so as not to create a mess in the ash catcher...
No water. Just close all the vents and the lack of air will put the coals out. Nice thing about doing this is you save charcoal for your next cook.
Quote from: steph746 on June 18, 2017, 04:27:43 PM
Thanks...will do. I think the first round went well. Maybe could have cooked things longer to get more of a "burnt/crisp" texture.
As for cleaning. The coals seem to be going fairly strong still. Should I spray water on them to put them out? I can't imagine I should wait overnight until they burn out. I assume also that I shouldn't put too much water on them so as not to create a mess in the ash catcher...
As
@Hofy said, simply shut down the vents and the coals will go out in time. You can reuse the charcoal that is unspent. Water on charcoal is a not a good idea. Wet charcoal ash is slightly corrosive, and therefore not good for the ash pans and ash buckets.
That sounds good. Thanks. Once the coals are out I collect the coals in some sort of canister. If I clean the grate while it's I the kettle then I'll get the ash pan and kettle wet which isn't a good idea?
Quote from: steph746 on June 18, 2017, 05:37:15 PM
That sounds good. Thanks. Once the coals are out I collect the coals in some sort of canister. If I clean the grate while it's I the kettle then I'll get the ash pan and kettle wet which isn't a good idea?
I a lot of times just set off the cooled down coals back in the chimney, ready then for the next round.....
Cleaning the grate can be as simple as a scrape down w/ brush, aluminium foil ball or those new-fangled wooden paddle things....OR, if you're wanting real "clean & sanitized" just do that separately elsewhere.....
Wood scraper:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/anyone-try-the-wooden-grill-grate-scraper-that-costco-sells/
Mine:
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/3-6-2013Beef038.jpg)
they're coated with bacon render & other juicy meat by-products so they don't rust......
Don't think water cleaning the Kettle bowl would ever be a good idea with the gas assist starter thing down in there....would likely goof up that mechanism royally....
Quote from: 1buckie on June 18, 2017, 06:05:51 PM
Quote from: steph746 on June 18, 2017, 05:37:15 PM
That sounds good. Thanks. Once the coals are out I collect the coals in some sort of canister. If I clean the grate while it's I the kettle then I'll get the ash pan and kettle wet which isn't a good idea?
I a lot of times just set off the cooled down coals back in the chimney, ready then for the next round.....
Cleaning the grate can be as simple as a scrape down w/ brush, aluminium foil ball or those new-fangled wooden paddle things....OR, if you're wanting real "clean & sanitized" just do that separately elsewhere.....
Wood scraper:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/anyone-try-the-wooden-grill-grate-scraper-that-costco-sells/
Mine:
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/3-6-2013Beef038.jpg)
they're coated with bacon render & other juicy meat by-products so they don't rust......
Don't think water cleaning the Kettle bowl would ever be a good idea with the gas assist starter thing down in there....would likely goof up that mechanism royally....
@steph746 , as usual
@1buckie is on point. a simple scraping on a warm grate, if you want to remove the big bits off the grate, is all you really need. as for cleaning the bowl, i have cleaned the interior of my performer bowl less than 5 times in 15 years, and 1 of those was because i was restoring the grill after over 14 years of use. there is no real need to do it. occasionally, you can sweep the stuck ashes (the parts that the ash sweep misses) down to the bottom of the bowl and out the bottom vents, but that is about it.
Thanks very much everyone. So, basically anything solid can be put back into the chimney for the next use?
...and as for cleaning the grate, I purchased this Weber cleaning tool:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Weber-Stainless-Steel-Grill-Brush/50330229
Using the scraper won't scratch off too much of the coating? Would you recommend removing the grate and scrubbing it down somewhere else other than in place over the kettle, so soap and water do not get into the ashes and GA mechanism?
Quote from: steph746 on June 19, 2017, 07:53:24 AM
Using the scraper won't scratch off too much of the coating? Would you recommend removing the grate and scrubbing it down somewhere else other than in place over the kettle, so soap and water do not get into the ashes and GA mechanism?
Yes, if you'd like really clean, that would be the ticket.....
I personally don't worry much about any coating on the grates from previous cooks (chunks & bits, yes, scraped off) because you're going into a relatively high heat situation on the next cookup.....likely would kill off any possible baddies......it differs a little from indoor cooking in this respect....
Thanks...I meant more about any sort of anti-stick coating on the grates that I might scratch off with either a brush or the metal tip of that Weber tool I purchased. Is there any kind of coating on the grate that I should be worrying about?
They are nickel plated & will withstand a reasonable amount of scrubbing even w/ the steel brushes.....
If you have a STAINLESS Gourmet System grate, then locate a STAINLESS brush (I believe the Weber ones ARE stainless) because scratching by way of dissimilar metals will hasten rust....
Just look at the label before you buy....they are almost always clearly marked.....
I clean and re-apply a coating to the grates in one step. My grates are always spotless.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170619/961e18d34138656cab41f48d3357c8d1.jpg)
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