Help! Which new Weber Kettle should I purchase as an anniversary present for my husband??? We've had a charcoal grill for a couple years (a cheap we rescued from a trash pile), but it's time to upgrade.
I am looking at the new Master Touch and the Performer Deluxe. Obviously there is a huge price difference, but functionally, will I/he regret not having the attached table and the gas starter? We are both pretty handy/crafty, so building a table to attach is a fun future option. Funds are limited, so I we go with the MT I can also accessories now...
Thanks for your help!
I say if You can afford it, go with the performer deluxe. It's an amazing product. It's truly a pleasure to use, such a fantastic experience.
There's a full review here showing all its great features: http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2014/10/15/2015-weber-performer-deluxe-review/
Plus it looks AMAZING in copper, available from Lowes and Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N634VD0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N634VD0&linkCode=as2&tag=webketclu-20&linkId=JZS6ZIWO5ZYZARS2)
Either one is a grate choice. If you check amazon you can get the Performer in green or copper not just the black that you will find locally. I believe the MT is only available in black.
In my opinion, Colors are the way to go. Everyone has a black weber.
Great advice - both are amazing grills but the Performer Deluxe's table and gas assist ignition really gives you everything in one. If space or budget is a consideration the MT is also one of the best cookers out there... You really can't go wrong 8)
The Crimson changes colour when it comes to heat:
(http://i60.tinypic.com/bf4bx2.jpg)
I agree with everyone else..both are great cookers!! I am a HUGE MT fan, but there is not much more convenient as the table and the gas start. I use my Performer almost daily and am really spoiled..seems like work when I have to use a kettle without the gas start. Colors are another huge advantage unless you can get one of the colored MT's made outside of the US. If you can afford and have the room, go Performer. If you are a little tighter on the budget, MT is a great choice.
@shkish welcome to the forums also look at the 26.75 kettle too
Thanks everyone! I am more partial to the all-in-one Performer. But the MT comes with all the grates that I want. Oh man would I LOVE to get my hands on the overseas colors! That cream, aqua or green, sigh.. Why aren't they available here, seeing as they are MADE here!
I used to only have plain kettles and never thought i would need/want a Performer, i now have two and love them! As others have said the gas assist is great for starting your charcoal.
I do use my MTs all the time and i use a table next to it to set things on (trays with food to go on the grill and take off the grill) and would think you would be well served by either one.
My last grill was an older One touch platinum with a side table which was great, but i just upgraded to the Performer Deluxe and couldn't be happier.
The metal table is very durable and super easy to clean.
The larger lid bale makes tending food and coals much easier.
The Gas Assist is an absolute game changer. My chimney are ready in half the time, and if i am lighting just a few coals for a minion cook on my WSM they are glowing in minutes.
It's expensive, but its money well spent. Both the MT and Performer have the gourmet grate which i am really liking too.
Both the MT and Performer have the gourmet grate which i am really liking too.
But unless they've changed something for 2015, new Performers don't come with the GBS. Just want to make that clear for the OP.
shkish,
Crate & Barrel also has medium/dark blue for 2015, http://www.crateandbarrel.com/weber-blue-performer-deluxe-charcoal-grill/s379523
The overseas colors probably won't be happening anytime soon; the North American market apparently can't support that many.
The MasterTouch comes with the 8835 system grate; it's only a $35 purchase separately for another 22.5" kettle such as the Performers: http://www.amazon.com/Weber-8835-Gourmet-System-Cooking/dp/B0044EQM9Q/ref=pd_sim_lg_84?ie=UTF8&refRID=10HDWG27NJ3J317DP8KT
So in other words those extra grates would be extra with the MasterTouch anyway ... except for one more, the 3200 warming rack. It currently is only available in North America with a new MasterTouch, although few places online have some leftover for about $25. I'll have more to say about the warming rack on this site; it's actually a second cooking rack for doing say, indirect cooks.
Either machine will let you grow and accessorize and have fun! Some folks here have, um more than one kettle (shh! don't tell our wives ... oh, wait ... did I say the soft part loud again?)
If you want to stay smart with funds you cannot go wrong by forgoing the table, gas assist and potential colors today of the Performer, and the M/T was what I'd recommend based on your initial post.
Besides, used Performers pop up every year on Craigslist, in various colors and conditions. Parts (and knowledge) are readily available for any issue that comes up, no matter the age of the machine, if he or you is handy with tools and such.
Can you tell we're all excited for you? Er, your husband, that is. (If you're nice he may let you use the grill ...)
Quote from: shkish on April 24, 2015, 08:20:15 AM
Thanks everyone! I am more partial to the all-in-one Performer. But the MT comes with all the grates that I want. Oh man would I LOVE to get my hands on the overseas colors! That cream, aqua or green, sigh.. Why aren't they available here, seeing as they are MADE here!
I'm pretty sure that the new Performers come with the Gourmet BBQ System grate but don't have the warming rack that's included with the Master Touch. However, you can buy the warming rack separately now. http://www.amazon.com/Weber-3200-Kettle-Warming-Rack/dp/B00004U9VB/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1429894569&sr=8-16&keywords=weber+warming+rack
Not trying to sway you away from the Master Touch. I love mine.
OK that's good news about the current Performer coming with the GBS!
Quote from: mcgolden on April 24, 2015, 09:00:29 AM... However, you can buy the warming rack separately now. http://www.amazon.com/Weber-3200-Kettle-Warming-Rack/dp/B00004U9VB/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1429894569&sr=8-16&keywords=weber+warming+rack
Yes, but Bourlier's is a Michigan retailer with an Amazon presence. Unless other sources for the warming rack become available, my suspicion is that they are just moving old stock, not getting supplied by Weber with that today.
You didn't post where you are located, but I second the advice of
@addicted-to-smoke to consider checking craigslist. Used performers regularly pop up around me (Boston area) for between $100 and $150, and I've personally scored 3 for $20, $20 and $30. Your husband sounds like the type of guy who would have no problem with saving money and getting used. I've never used a MasterTouch, but I love my performer. It is my favorite grill to use, and almost everything about it is very well thought out and engineered. Like others have said, you really can't go wrong. Good luck and welcome. Hope that you and he stay on the forums.
Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 24, 2015, 08:45:56 AM
Crate & Barrel also has medium/dark blue for 2015, http://www.crateandbarrel.com/weber-blue-performer-deluxe-charcoal-grill/s379523 (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/weber-blue-performer-deluxe-charcoal-grill/s379523)
I think Ace is the or one of the dealers for it in Crimson.
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=50759396&cp=2608353.4235681.21391086 (http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=50759396&cp=2608353.4235681.21391086)
the Performer Deluxe is a special grill and the 2015, current model, is the best yet.
Welcome to the WKC! All great advice, I'd say either model but the Performer has more color options plus the gas assist is nice to have from a convenience standpoint. But personally I don't have experience with the gas assist. I get along beautifully with my chimney starters and lighter cubes from Weber. I do use a work table with my MTs. So that is one more thing that has to be dragged out unless you want to leave it attached to the kettle. I think Weber makes a cover that fits the 22 kettle and the work table accessory if need be.
I would say keep the old kettle and get a performer. You always need extra grills.
Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 24, 2015, 08:45:56 AM
Can you tell we're all excited for you? Er, your husband, that is. (If you're nice he may let you use the grill ...)
Thanks, you can be excited for both of us! I gladly hand over the grill master position to my husband. ;)
Wow, I'm so grateful for all of your responses! Everyone is so passionate and helpful. Yay for this community! ;D
Quote from: jkolantern on April 24, 2015, 09:47:54 AM
You didn't post where you are located, but I second the advice of @addicted-to-smoke to consider checking craigslist. Used performers regularly pop up around me (Boston area) for between $100 and $150, and I've personally scored 3 for $20, $20 and $30. Your husband sounds like the type of guy who would have no problem with saving money and getting used. I've never used a MasterTouch, but I love my performer. It is my favorite grill to use, and almost everything about it is very well thought out and engineered. Like others have said, you really can't go wrong. Good luck and welcome. Hope that you and he stay on the forums.
You are correct, I am all about a great deal -- new or new-to-me (aka used)! I live on the MS Gulf Coast. I regularly check our local and regional Craigslist, but rarely do we have consistently 'good' stuff. Now my sis in TX always has luck with CL... Oh well.
[/quote]
Quote from: Josh G on April 24, 2015, 11:41:03 AM
I would say keep the old kettle and get a performer. You always need extra grills.
We do not have any kettle, yet. Just asking everyone's preferences & recommendations between MT vs PD.
Quote from: ClubChapin on April 24, 2015, 10:06:43 AM
Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 24, 2015, 08:45:56 AM
Crate & Barrel also has medium/dark blue for 2015, http://www.crateandbarrel.com/weber-blue-performer-deluxe-charcoal-grill/s379523 (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/weber-blue-performer-deluxe-charcoal-grill/s379523)
I think Ace is the or one of the dealers for it in Crimson.
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=50759396&cp=2608353.4235681.21391086 (http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=50759396&cp=2608353.4235681.21391086)
the Performer Deluxe is a special grill and the 2015, current model, is the best yet.
I LOVE that C&B blue, but their shipping is quite high. I am specifically looking at the 2015 models of both MT & PD because of the current options and accessories. AND because of all the glowing reviews here on WKC.
Quote from: CharliefromLI on April 24, 2015, 08:38:46 AM
The Gas Assist is an absolute game changer. My chimney are ready in half the time, and if i am lighting just a few coals for a minion cook on my WSM they are glowing in minutes.
Are you saying it takes less time to use the chimney as compared to the gas assist or vice versa? please clarify!
Welcome! I'm surprised no one has said BOTH! yet.
(http://m.quickmeme.com/img/26/2649625d2abe63c7d66c958aa9c476dd6cae917da286a25713a7de36fef1ea0c.jpg)
In all seriousness the performer is great. I would buy one just for the table. The gas assist is cool but a chimney and firestarter work just as well. Chances are you'll be using a chimney either way. Also if the kettle will rarely move you can put a table next to the MT it for the money you save. Good luck!
Quote from: pbe gummi bear on April 24, 2015, 12:07:41 PM
Welcome! I'm surprised no one has said BOTH! yet.
In all seriousness the performer is great. I would buy one just for the table. The gas assist is cool but a chimney and firestarter work just as well. Chances are you'll be using a chimney either way. Also if the kettle will rarely move you can put a table next to the MT it for the money you save. Good luck!
@pbe gummy bear, I'm noticing lots of folks have more than one! Since we are kettle newbies and space is an issue, only one for now. In our case, the grill will live under a carport at all times and rarely to be moved. I am drawn to the PD table option for the obvious reasons, but because it will be protected we could leave a WT with attached table up permanently. A cover would be a nice option for either, but more for the residual salt in our air down here.
Since my husband is the current griller, I am not that familiar with techniques and if/how beneficial the gas assist option is. All I know is that currently there's a considerable wait from the time we decide it's a grill meal to when the coals are hot... We are currently using a chimney with our found-on-a-trash-pile grill. Does a gas assist speed this time up? You say I may have to use one regardless, why?
I am hoping to attempt grilling as well with this new grill. Hubby isn't so much into veggies, but I am eager to attempt lots and maybe try a pizza! Also would like to tackle smoking! (not quite ready for a smoker yet).
What a grate thread.
kish, I would vote performer for your needs. When you all want to expand (you will) then you can add the three leg kettles, probably in their classic and vintage forms!
Quote from: shkish on April 24, 2015, 12:34:45 PM
Since my husband is the current griller, I am not that familiar with techniques and if/how beneficial the gas assist option is. All I know is that currently there's a considerable wait from the time we decide it's a grill meal to when the coals are hot... We are currently using a chimney with our found-on-a-trash-pile grill. Does a gas assist speed this time up? You say I may have to use one regardless, why?
Gas assist is awesome. Really really really awesome. Take it from a person that has used all sorts of ignition methods, from a weed burner torch to a pyramid of briqs and one match and everything in between. Having the gas assist function is really really really convenient. It is the best lighting method, IMO, because it is so convenient.
That said, we are still talking a manual ignition of a fuel source, and that takes time. It is not and never will be 'instant on'. I use a chimney starter with my gas assist maybe half the time. It gets things going a bit quicker to use the GA to light the coals in the chimney and keep them focused on their job of getting lit. OTOH, sometimes i just push the coals in a pile over the flame, or use baskets, or the vortex cone, or whatever. But the constant here is that the gas assist is a little simpler, a little cleaner and a little faster than using a chminey and news paper or whatever, and A LOT faster than old school charcoal pyramids!
The chimney lights more charcoal faster than the baskets. The chimney also allows you to more easily dump the charcoal where you want it. The GA can be used for the chimney as well.
thanks
@G$ and @pbe gummy bear!
This may seem quite silly to most here, but why do you all have more than one kettle grill?!? (Other than purely collecting them)
They're nuts!
More than one grill is easy... a lot of times a cook takes more room than one grill allows. that and were nuts.
@shkish I started with one 22.5" One Touch Gold (same size as the MasterTouch with a few less features) It is extremely versatile and I can do a lot with it, but since I'm usually cooking for 2 people I had a lot of wasted space on the grill and was using more charcoal than I needed to, so I got an 18.5" OTG. I use it more than I do the larger one because it is a really efficient little machine. If I'm cooking for a group, I can have the larger kettle set up for low, indirect heat and the smaller kettle set up for high, direct heat. Sometimes I use the one that I'm not cooking on as a staging area for chimneys, wood chunks, overflow cutting boards, etc. Then I have a red 26" I'm in the process of restoring, and a red 18" that I got from family. I have those two because I'm nuts :)
I do not have a Performer but I don't miss the gas assist. For me, lighting the chimney while I crack a beer and do some prep work while chatting with my girlfriend is therapeutic. I work hard and am constantly go go go. I never want to be in a rush when I'm cooking because I enjoy food and enjoy the process. When I have hungry kids a Performer might make a little more sense, but right now taking the time to set everything up is one of my favorite parts of the day. Just something to keep in mind as you consider your options.
For me, I had a similar question posted here when I got started in WKC... MT or Performer. Here's my posting from then: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/introduce-yourself/hello-and-help!/
I went with a used 22.5" and don't regret it for a minute.
Here are my two every day cookers:
(http://i61.tinypic.com/3029enl.jpg)
Good luck on your decision!
Quote from: shkish on April 24, 2015, 01:08:06 PM
thanks @G$ and @pbe gummy bear!
This may seem quite silly to most here, but why do you all have more than one kettle grill?!? (Other than purely collecting them)
What??? :o :o
(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s368/1911Ron/Grills/DSCF0790_zps1842f256.jpg)
note the group has grown since this picture! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: shkish on April 24, 2015, 01:08:06 PM
thanks @G$ and @pbe gummy bear!
This may seem quite silly to most here, but why do you all have more than one kettle grill?!? (Other than purely collecting them)
Loaded question for this bunch.....some merely choose to build out rather than up.....
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd520/1buckie/Jan29%20Danae%20%20dad%20002/Jan29Danaedad064.jpg)
.....and we're nuts.
Kettles/smokers are an economical hobby for me as they can be bought used locally for cheap. I enjoy cleaning them up and working on them. I love working on cars but kettles are way cheaper. Haha. There's also a great sense of community both online and locally where I live. It's nice to have a few for larger cooks, and smaller ones for portability and small cooks. If I were to pick one kettle it would be my stainless performer with my Mastertouch in a close second. In red, of course.
Quote from: pbe gummi bear on April 24, 2015, 12:07:41 PM
Welcome! I'm surprised no one has said BOTH! yet.
(http://m.quickmeme.com/img/26/2649625d2abe63c7d66c958aa9c476dd6cae917da286a25713a7de36fef1ea0c.jpg)
In all seriousness the performer is great. I would buy one just for the table. The gas assist is cool but a chimney and firestarter work just as well. Chances are you'll be using a chimney either way. Also if the kettle will rarely move you can put a table next to the MT it for the money you save. Good luck!
Yes I place the chimney over the gas assist burner, once the bottom coals are glowing I turn off the gas.
Quote from: austin87 on April 24, 2015, 01:36:36 PM... For me, lighting the chimney while I crack a beer and do some prep work while chatting with my girlfriend is therapeutic. I work hard and am constantly go go go. I never want to be in a rush when I'm cooking because I enjoy food and enjoy the process. ...
@ shkish there's your money quote above. No one should try to "make" someone else like what they like but I will say that if you let yourself get into some of the more ritualistic aspects of charcoal cooking you'd enjoy everything about it better. Said another way, you'd really have no choice but to put up with getting dirty with char, waiting for it to light, dealing with crusty or rusty grates, waiting for kettle temp to stabilize, dealing with ash afterwards the next day prior to the next hookup possibly.
The same goes for hubby. He might just not want to deal with much of it. No harm, no foul but it is what it is, you know? I'm not saying it's gonna be a pain in the ass but it'll never be as easy to use as a gas grill and if time it tight during the week you'll only use it on weekends.
Give yourself a good hour before you intend to put food on to get everything ready. Longer if you didn't clean up from the previous cook outside or need to deal with ash. Enjoy the
process, the creative configurations, the small adjustments ... because it'll produce results like no other!
****************
The biggest revelation for me when grilling is doing it indirect. I rarely cook anything directly over heat unless searing for a couple minutes or if I need to "speed something up" that didn't go as planned.
That means your cooking surface is effectually cut in half usually. This is a big reason why "more grills" unless you get something like a "stacker" that turns it into smoker/griller that lets you cook indirect over the entire surface.
We're getting into the weeds with this now but you did ask "why more grills." Bottom line, when talking capacity, if the entire meal isn't cooked outside, ask yourself why that is.
Sorry I am late to the thread
I love my masters touch, but I can wheel it around real simple like. I live in teh desert and I think you can imagine the difficulty of wheeling a performer would be. Now if I had a huge area that was paved to wheel it about, or did not want to drag it into the smoke cave after use, I would have a performer.
the MT is a performer without the table, and it is a Godsend to us who love the kettles by themselves.
Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 25, 2015, 06:09:30 AM
Quote from: austin87 on April 24, 2015, 01:36:36 PM... For me, lighting the chimney while I crack a beer and do some prep work while chatting with my girlfriend is therapeutic. I work hard and am constantly go go go. I never want to be in a rush when I'm cooking because I enjoy food and enjoy the process. ...
@ shkish there's your money quote above. No one should try to "make" someone else like what they like but I will say that if you let yourself get into some of the more ritualistic aspects of charcoal cooking you'd enjoy everything about it better. Said another way, you'd really have no choice but to put up with getting dirty with char, waiting for it to light, dealing with crusty or rusty grates, waiting for kettle temp to stabilize, dealing with ash afterwards the next day prior to the next hookup possibly.
The same goes for hubby. He might just not want to deal with much of it. No harm, no foul but it is what it is, you know? I'm not saying it's gonna be a pain in the ass but it'll never be as easy to use as a gas grill and if time it tight during the week you'll only use it on weekends.
Give yourself a good hour before you intend to put food on to get everything ready. Longer if you didn't clean up from the previous cook outside or need to deal with ash. Enjoy the process, the creative configurations, the small adjustments ... because it'll produce results like no other!
****************
The biggest revelation for me when grilling is doing it indirect. I rarely cook anything directly over heat unless searing for a couple minutes or if I need to "speed something up" that didn't go as planned. That means your cooking surface is effectually cut in half usually. This is a big reason why "more grills" unless you get something like a "stacker" that turns it into smoker/griller that lets you cook indirect over the entire surface.
We're getting into the weeds with this now but you did ask "why more grills." Bottom line, when talking capacity, if the entire meal isn't cooked outside, ask yourself why that is.
thanks
@addicted-to-smoke and
@austin87 ! I think y'all are spot on. Since my hubby has been using a charcoal grill for a couple years now, he's been experimenting more with how to cook on grill- indirect, with wood chips, etc. I think he's ready to graduate to a kettle! He isn't bothered by the process and time associated with charcoal, my questions are mostly for my education on the matter.
Although this gift would be a nice surprise, I totally suck at surprises bc I'm too pragmatic and utilitarian. I need to know what he really wants to use. As far as my husband's preference, I asked about colors and his response
"Copper looks nice, but anything is okay. Like side table, no need for gas start." But dang it, if I take the plunge for a Performer, then I'm getting the gas assist!!! Plus, he fights the wind a lot when trying to light the chimney. So I figure it would be nice to have the gas assist for that reason only! Plus, everyone here has made a great case for the gas assist.
My other option is to get a MT and buy this CL $20 performer table find https://mobile.craigslist.org/for/4985895904.html (https://mobile.craigslist.org/for/4985895904.html) and replace the cracked table with something else. My big question is, how / could / should I even do this? I assume it would require some mods to attach to table. OR convert Performer table to a solid slab top and it sit next to free standing MT grill. But truly for space saving, I really just want to have an all-in-one Performer.
You can swap out the plastic table for the newer metal ones....
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/metal-performer-table-swap-info/
That table would be neat for your second, older kettle. But I think you're headed for a new Performer. I think there's a Performer without gas assist for $50 less but c'mon ....
Also, the table would work best with a Performer's kettle because those have the mounting tabs. Anything else is kind of a hack.
Quote from: shkish on April 26, 2015, 09:29:17 AM
My other option is to get a MT and buy this CL $20 performer table find https://mobile.craigslist.org/for/4985895904.html (https://mobile.craigslist.org/for/4985895904.html) and replace the cracked table with something else. My big question is, how / could / should I even do this? I assume it would require some mods to attach to table. OR convert Performer table to a solid slab top and it sit next to free standing MT grill. But truly for space saving, I really just want to have an all-in-one Performer.
This is starting to sound like you may have stage 1 Weberitis. There's no point in fighting it.
:)
Just wanted to give y'all an update!
@pbe gummi bear @addicted-to-smoke @1buckie @SixZeroFour @Jeep
@G$ @Troy @ClubChapin
Thanks to everyone for their candid comments and suggestions. I actually ended up buying both MT and PD. First the MT, which I returned immediately once my husband admitted it would probably take him years to build the grill table we talked about. So a Copper PD it is! We are LOVING it :). Purchased assembled at a local kitchen and outdoor appliance vendor. It was their floor model (but only for 1 week) and the only one in stock. Will post pictures in the "Introduce Yourself" section, since I never did that... ha!
Congratulations! I'm sure it will give you years of service
@shkish I should be obvious by now that asking Weber fanatics to choose between a MT or a Perf Delux is hopeless. In a nut shell, they're both perfect, but I'D opt for the C&B dark Blue Performer Delux. You'll never look back !!! SJ
Nice machine! Now let's see some cook-up pix!
Excellent choice! You really cant go wrong with a performer - especially a sweet new Copper 8)
That's grate. Your gonna love it.