Weber Kettle Club Forums
Cooking & Food Talk => Charcoal Grilling & BBQ => Topic started by: jdefran on March 31, 2016, 03:32:57 AM
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I need to replace the flavorizer bars and grates on my Weber Spirit. In addition to that, I often feel like space is limited on this grill.
So I've ran several scenarios in head..get a larger Weber gas grill (wait to find used genesis or summit), try out a Broil King gas grill, or see if a performer deluxe would fit the bill.
I use the gas grill for week night meals when cooking just a couple things for my wife and me. The gas grill, on occasion, also serves to hold food if using the kettles for various things.
So what say you? Is a performer deluxe a substitute for a gas grill? The biggest factor I take into consideration is ease of lighting. Lighting a gas grill vs a chimney is night and day with respect to time and convenience. Will the performer deluxe solve that?
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@jdefran
So I've ran several scenarios in head..get a larger Weber gas grill (wait to find used genesis or summit), try out a Broil King gas grill, or see if a performer deluxe would fit the bill
Wait to find used genesis or summit? = yes! I bought a Summit 400 dot 70.00 a few years ago and just missed a FREE Genesis GOLD on Chicago CL!
Try out a Broil King gas grill? I would stick with Weber. I have had a few gassers over the years and never again anything but a Weber!
If I got a New Free Gasser with any other name but Weber I would put it on CL without even opening it. Webers customer alone is worth the wait for a used one, plus you can always get parts.
That's my thoughts. :D
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A Performer with gas start will not be as hassle-free as a gasser. Charcoal still means dealing with ash "when you're not in the mood" and dumping lit into baskets or whatever. Always a bit more work but not tremendously so. Between dicking with that and waiting for coals to get hot it's what, about 1/2 hr time deficit?
Consider also square inches of cooking space. A 22 kettle can't hold more than most average gassers, but for just 2 people don't know why it shouldn't be big enough. Even a 2-burner Spirit can do well there?
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A Performer with gas start will not be as hassle-free as a gasser. Charcoal still means dealing with ash "when you're not in the mood" and dumping lit into baskets or whatever. Always a bit more work but not tremendously so. Between dicking with that and waiting for coals to get hot it's what, about 1/2 hr time deficit?
Consider also square inches of cooking space. A 22 kettle can't hold more than most average gassers, but for just 2 people don't know why it shouldn't be big enough. Even a 2-burner Spirit can do well there?
What he said. I use my performer 95% of the time, but you still have to deal with cleaning up the charcoal and ash. If you don't have the extra time to clean up on a charcoal grill then keep an eye out for a used gasser. You should be able to get one for $100 or below.
However, if you find a used gasser, you most likely will end up having to replace the flavorizer bars.
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The ash falls into a bucket.
Use lump, put in two baskets, place baskets over fire, go get food... come back ready to cook.
I am bias, but I think the whole "charcoal is harder" thing is crap. Maybe if you use lighter fluid, briquettes and a BBQ you have to scoop ash out of.... But with lump and a OTG the time and effort needed to deal with coal is practically nothing, and gas grill have a whole extra set of time and effort managing flare ups, keeping the flavorizer bars from accumulating crap, ect...
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I love my Performer but wouldn't consider ity a replacement for a gasser. If you need a gasser for small quick cooks, you might want to see if you can find a used Weber Q. No flavorizer bars to replace, they heat up fast and Gerry cook well. Plus you can get one of 3 sizes depending on your needs. Then go out and get that Performer food when you have the time for charcoal.
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True about lump; less trips to the trash with less ash. A second charcoal grate placed 90 degrees helps save the small stuff. I also use charcoal warm up time for food prep.
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I wouldn't dream of replacing my Genesis with a Performer. The speed and convenience in this fast paced world can't be replicated with charcoal. With that said, I am actively looking for a Deluxe kettle as a second grill to keep my WSM company for the slower weekends when I have more time to cook.
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It's really all up to you. That is; most of us cook with lump/charcoal on a kettle for the special outdoor flavor, weekdays and weekends regardless. I found out early that the flavorizer bars don't give the flavor ize I'm looking for in my cooks.
So, for me, I plan the meal, light the TnG, put the Starter over the flames, make an adult beverage, turnoff the TnG, enjoy my drink with my wife, pour the hot coals into the char baskets and bring the kettle up to the temp I want. I never see it as a chore to cook with lump/coal, it's more like an opportunity for a little cross communication time with my wife.
If your in a hurry, just turn on the burner on your kitchen range and start cooking. SJ
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We sold our gasser last fall after not using it at all after getting our 26. We have a Q for the times we really need a gas grill.
We light the charcoal chimney and do meal prep while the coals are getting ready. It has been a great process. It gives us plenty of time to prepare the meal and the grill is ready when we are.
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Something else to keep in mind is grilling multiple meats on Sunday to use throughout the week. For example, this past Sundays I grilled lamb, chicken thighs, chicken breast, and steak to use for meals throughout the week. My wife was able to reheat them and incorporate them into the meal. And I got to spend several hours grilling on Sunday.
If you went this route you could grill with charcoal since you would have more time.
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If you like to use gas, there's nothing wrong with using gas. From what I've seen/heard, the Weber grills are almost as trouble free as their kettles. I've never owned one (I've owned other brands) but if I was getting another gas grill, I'd probably look for used Genesis and fix it up.
BD
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Short answer is yes. Longer answer is it depends. I enjoy the process of firing up the kettle. It's relaxing to me. I have a Q220 and haven't used it in 5 years.
That said, I'm under 30 and don't have hungry screaming kids to make food for on a Wednesday night, so for me a gas grill accomplishes nothing. Speed is not the issue. Enjoying cooking is.
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I find that with my gas assist performers. Lightup time is auto pilot ..as others wrote..i simply lightup knowing the chimney/heatup time..so for me charcoal is zero process more than gasser...which hasnt been used since i changed to charcoal.
Proper prep time for gasser is more time for me..whcih is removing grates and flavorizer bars...brushing the flav bars...scraping the grates...replacing all parts..lightup and then proper 15-20 grill warmup time...
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I exclusively use a Performer, but what I don't like is the mess. I use my leftover charcoal from the last time and dump it in my chimney. I always get my hands really dirty, which isn't such a bad thing except I get the door hand dirty going inside to the sink.
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My Q100 very convenient for last minute chicken breasts or burgers. It's not nearly as satisfying as cooking on my performer though. The gas start definitely helps and you can reuse charcoal left in the baskets easy enough (pull back over the burner). Lots of different stuff can be cooked all once. Cleanup is simple.
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All really good advice here. Sounds like its just up to you and what you prefer and what conveniences you want. No matter what you choose, you're grilling brother! Thats the key. Good luck!
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I exclusively use a Performer, but what I don't like is the mess. I use my leftover charcoal from the last time and dump it in my chimney. I always get my hands really dirty, which isn't such a bad thing except I get the door hand dirty going inside to the sink.
I bought a box of nitrile gloves which helps with that, although yeah the handle on the chimney gets dirty ... What I don't like is that I can't dump the chimney into the kettle without getting ash all over the table. So need to get a decent soft brush for that ...
Sometimes I think that Id rather have a custom lid mount holder away from the machine so that I can get access to all sides of the kettle.
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I exclusively use a Performer, but what I don't like is the mess. I use my leftover charcoal from the last time and dump it in my chimney. I always get my hands really dirty, which isn't such a bad thing except I get the door hand dirty going inside to the sink.
Latex gloves.
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I have a Weber Genesis that's in perfect working condition, but got the itch to move to charcoal after several friends also made the switch (albeit to big green eggs). I took the plunge and bought a performer deluxe two months ago and have only turned on the gas grill once since then.
With the gas grill, I could never get proficient in direct high heat searing and cooking because the pan on the bottom would catch fire too easily. With the performer, everything cooks so perfectly and with beautiful grill marks.
I'm at the point now where if I find a buyer for the Genesis I'm buying a second kettle.
David
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I exclusively use a Performer, but what I don't like is the mess. I use my leftover charcoal from the last time and dump it in my chimney. I always get my hands really dirty, which isn't such a bad thing except I get the door hand dirty going inside to the sink.
X3 on the gloves. Not only are they good for keeping your hands clean when cleaning out the kettle, they're great for food prep.
BD
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I love my Performers, but I still keep my gassers around. I have a Genesis 2 and a Q-200.
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I exclusively use a Performer, but what I don't like is the mess. I use my leftover charcoal from the last time and dump it in my chimney. I always get my hands really dirty, which isn't such a bad thing except I get the door hand dirty going inside to the sink.
Get a decent pair of extra tongs with a slightly wider head.
I do all my handling of grates, coal baskets and unlit charcoal with the tongs. Keeps the hands clean.
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I exclusively use a Performer, but what I don't like is the mess. I use my leftover charcoal from the last time and dump it in my chimney. I always get my hands really dirty, which isn't such a bad thing except I get the door hand dirty going inside to the sink.
X3 on the gloves. Not only are they good for keeping your hands clean when cleaning out the kettle, they're great for food prep.
BD
I recommend black.
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I replaced my gas grill a year ago with a performer platinum. I have yet to regret that decision. I use lump charcoal and it's ready to go from the chimney in about 15 minutes. Enough time for food prep and a beer to start the process.
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I exclusively use a Performer, but what I don't like is the mess. I use my leftover charcoal from the last time and dump it in my chimney. I always get my hands really dirty, which isn't such a bad thing except I get the door hand dirty going inside to the sink.
Get a decent pair of extra tongs with a slightly wider head.
I do all my handling of grates, coal baskets and unlit charcoal with the tongs. Keeps the hands clean.
This, so very much this. I have a set of very heavy gauge stainless steel tongs that I consider the very being of my bbq and grilling mojo.
My rigs are both the performer platinum and the Genesis 330.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160405/bdda037cf187be07e581011c621905a9.jpg)
I love my performer and will use it about 75% of the time. As for startup... use my tongs to lift grill off of the performer and set aside. Shake out the two baskets of any ash and pull them with the tongs and set aside. Pull charcoal grate with tongs and set aside. Quick scrape of the kettle sides with grill brush and use the sweeper to clear ash into ash bin. Replace coal grate, then coal baskets. Fill baskets with charcoal and lite starter. I don't even use a chimney anymore, just lite em up in the baskets. Whole process from opening kettle to coals ready takes roughly 12 to 15 minutes.
The Genesis comes in for occasional quick cooks and is almost exclusively used as a finisher when I'm smoking. A typical smoke day for me starts with pork butt on kettle for two hours in smoke at 250. Then the butt gets pulled and placed in the Genesis (far left single burner on enough to keep 250 temp, with meat on the far right). Then 2 more baskets of coals get started and the 3 racks of ribs go on the kettle for 2 hours, then they join the butt in the Genesis. Finally the 20-30 wings go on the kettle with their own 2 baskets of fresh coals for 2 hours and will also join their pork friends in the Genesis on the upper rack. Usually by then the pork butt has had 6 hours, the ribs have had 4, and it's all ready to go.
I have a hose attached for my performer starter and am currently just hooking it up to the Genesis tank for starts. I'm going to buy a 5lb tank that will be exclusive for my performer and sit on the bottom rack next to the charcoal bin, or maybe even in the bottom of the bin.
So, my answer is both, but I know that may not be for everyone. For me standing between those two redheads is one of my very favorite sanctuaries.