Weber Kettle Club Forums

I just got a ss performer and can't decide if it's worth spending the cash on a regulator and tank.
Thanks, joe

A chimney is under $20 and if you subscribe to a newspaper, the fuel is endless..
But the propane start is sure nice!
8)

Where are you located? If they pop up frequently in your area just strip one off another performer. You may even come out ahead! I love my gas assist. I use it for both baskets and chimney.

I live in Palmdale CA I like the look of the original small tank but $60 for the 1.2 gal propane tank. And how long before the tank expires and I can't get it refiled   

I use the gas assist for every cook, and love it.

Most folks around here have found LP refill stations that don't worry too much about expired tanks.  My guys never even give them a second look.  Since I store them outside and keep a close eye on them, I don't worry about them too much.

Quote from: pbe gummi bear on April 09, 2014, 09:16:26 PM
Where are you located? If they pop up frequently in your area just strip one off another performer. You may even come out ahead! I love my gas assist. I use it for both baskets and chimney.

This.

I use the touch~n~go 100 % of the time, prefer it over cubes..

I have a tank and a regulator. I already had a tank but the regulator was only about $14 at Walmart.
I'm told a 3lb tank lasts only about 3 to 4 starts so a 20LB tank should pay for itself over the course of a summer. Filling it costs about $28 where I am.

I like to use the chimney starter with the propane starter, its neater, less mess and more efficient. Fill the chimney, turn on the starter and let it go for about 5 minutes. This is instead of the 10 to 15 minutes that the baskets would use.
Let the coals get ashed over, about another 10 to 15 minutes and you're set.

My only problem now is figuring where to put the tank.

Quote from: The_Doughboy on April 10, 2014, 04:39:05 PM
I'm told a 3lb tank lasts only about 3 to 4 starts so a 20LB tank should pay for itself over the course of a summer. Filling it costs about $28 where I am.

Welcome to the WKC
3lb tank???  My SS Performers have a 5# tank and the newer Performers take a 1# tank
3-4 starts?  BAD info my friend.  30-40 is much more accurate from a 5# tank.
It cost me $3.15 plus tax last summer to fill up a completely empty 5# tank at the local lumber yard.
I also use the chimney to get the charcoal started 99% of the time.  Typically, I'll use the side burner of the gas grill though.  :D

first post? Welcome, The_Doughboy!

FWIW I've seen a 1lb disposable tank run my dad's '06 Performer for 3-4 starts (coals sitting in the holders), and it was a good half-empty to begin with. On the last one we ran it for about 15 minutes or so, but I think it's spent now ... YES I can see the value and efficiency of using a chimney there. Nothing really gets the coals going like a chimney, and AFAIK Weber's chimneys are the best.

I'm not familiar with a "3lb" tank and I don't think Google is, either? The first (i.e. "stainless steel" [ss]) Performers came with a 5lb tank, still available but not with the FLAT side that mates perfectly to the grill's mount. The current 5lb tanks have a curve all the way around but fit "OK" on the SS Performers--I think.

Today I just saw on eBay re-certified original Manchester 5lb tanks with the flat side. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Reconditioned-5lb-Propane-Cylinder-BBQ-Mr-Heater-Fishing-Tank-OPD-Valve-/111310034310 No bargain per se, but not a total rip-off either. (I need one for mine; I'm on the fence.)

The other "slim" tank (so that the valve lines up with the opening up top) is the 11lb size but might take some rigging. The ubiquitous 20lb tank would have to sit on the bottom grate.

My apologies if this is stuff you're already aware of.

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 10, 2014, 05:26:48 PM
first post? Welcome, The_Doughboy!

FWIW I've seen a 1lb disposable tank run my dad's '06 Performer for 3-4 starts (coals sitting in the holders), and it was a good half-empty to begin with. On the last one we ran it for about 15 minutes or so, but I think it's spent now ... YES I can see the value and efficiency of using a chimney there. Nothing really gets the coals going like a chimney, and AFAIK Weber's chimneys are the best.

I'm not familiar with a "3lb" tank and I don't think Google is, either? The first (i.e. "stainless steel" [ss]) Performers came with a 5lb tank, still available but not with the FLAT side that mates perfectly to the grill's mount. The current 5lb tanks have a curve all the way around but fit "OK" on the SS Performers--I think.

Today I just saw on eBay re-certified original Manchester 5lb tanks with the flat side. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Reconditioned-5lb-Propane-Cylinder-BBQ-Mr-Heater-Fishing-Tank-OPD-Valve-/111310034310 No bargain per se, but not a total rip-off either. (I need one for mine; I'm on the fence.)

The other "slim" tank (so that the valve lines up with the opening up top) is the 11lb size but might take some rigging. The ubiquitous 20lb tank would have to sit on the bottom grate.

My apologies if this is stuff you're already aware of.

I have an 11lb tank and it fits perfectly where the 5lb used to be but the bottom extends all the way down to the support shelf.

(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q74/s720x720/1185892_10100122484102678_1080212434_n.jpg)

More info in my SS build thread: weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/working-on-ss-performers-gummi-bear-build-log-pic-heavy/

I would time to refit my starter with the small 1lb tank / regulator. Has anyone done this?

Quote from: pbe gummi bear on April 11, 2014, 12:46:51 AM
I have an 11lb tank and it fits perfectly where the alb used to be but the bottom extends all the way down to the support shelf. ...

Ah, yes that's where I saw it last year--tons of useful info in that thread!

mikeinctown had an unanswered question about how the 11lb tank is supported. http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/working-on-ss-performers-gummi-bear-build-log-pic-heavy/msg35323/#msg35323

recap: In your picture the tank appears properly oriented but the collar on the 11lb are 90 degrees from the frame's tank support. So what supports your tank? Is it resting on the bottom of the frame only? Thanks again.

Something else I've been wondering about. I'd splurge $30 or so for a new regulator/hose/QCC1 assembly so that my old SS can use a modern [non-disposable] tank. I really don't want to use the disposables.

Except that's not what the Weber #62642 part costs. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/hose-and-regulator-assembly-p-1477479.html

What's going on here? Is it non-standard thread sizes, brass fittings?

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 11, 2014, 06:24:16 AM

Quote from: pbe gummi bear on April 11, 2014, 12:46:51 AM
I have an 11lb tank and it fits perfectly where the alb used to be but the bottom extends all the way down to the support shelf. ...

Ah, yes that's where I saw it last year--tons of useful info in that thread!

mikeinctown had an unanswered question about how the 11lb tank is supported. http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/working-on-ss-performers-gummi-bear-build-log-pic-heavy/msg35323/#msg35323

recap: In your picture the tank appears properly oriented but the collar on the 11lb are 90 degrees from the frame's tank support. So what supports your tank? Is it resting on the bottom of the frame only? Thanks again.

Thanks, ATS. I pulled the wire bale off the 5lb tank and bent it so that it fit on that side of the collar. (where the hole is) The metal isnt as wide there so if you squeeze it in you can retain use of the bale to hold the top in. It kinda "hangs" in place, but the bottom is resting on the shelf and the collar is tucked into the finish panel so it doesn't fall out of place. I also cut the bottom half of the bracket so that it didn't get in the way of the longer tank body. I have alot of catching up to do on that thread, I will add it to the to-do list. If you have any questions though, fire away. Thanks!

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 11, 2014, 06:50:41 AM
Something else I've been wondering about. I'd splurge $30 or so for a new regulator/hose/QCC1 assembly so that my old SS can use a modern [non-disposable] tank. I really don't want to use the disposables.

Except that's not what the Weber #62642 part costs. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/hose-and-regulator-assembly-p-1477479.html

What's going on here? Is it non-standard thread sizes, brass fittings?

I was going to buy that the other day utill I realized the prise at checkout. That's insane I'm going to go to a propane shop and see if thay can build me a new setup like that. I have the original regulator setup but  I don't know if it works.

This regulator was mentioned here previously as being a compatible replacement: http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-Propane-Pressue-Regulator/dp/B000BQUQEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361665260&sr=8-1&keywords=mr%20heater%20propane%20low%20pressure%20regulator%20f276136&tag=vglnkc5619-20

Disregard the brass fitting shown in the picture and get a QCC1 adapter to take its place and then hose and brass fittings. I just don't know what the rest of those pieces are.

I'm 80% sure about all of that.

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 11, 2014, 06:50:41 AM
Something else I've been wondering about. I'd splurge $30 or so for a new regulator/hose/QCC1 assembly so that my old SS can use a modern [non-disposable] tank. I really don't want to use the disposables.

What's going on here? Is it non-standard thread sizes, brass fittings?

Do you currently have a functioning regulator assembly for your old SS?  If so, all you need to do is remove the male end from the regulator and install this in it's place.  I do this on all of my rehabs/flips.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_361433-743-GFA-100_0__?Ntt=acme+nut&UserSearch=acme+nut&productId=50142158&rpp=32

(http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/014045/014045308038lg.jpg)

OK that makes sense, and if I need a regulator I can use the Mr. Heater, right? (So maybe it's the hose and fittings that are "worth gold"? Eh, whatever, if they still look OK I guess I'll reuse them ...)

Picked up my '92 SS last year with an empty, old tank that couldn't be refilled. So I don't yet know if the regulator works.

Thanks!

Follow-up question:

Here's the thread about the Mr. Heater: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/performer-regulator-question/msg18705/#msg18705

Amazon says it's 3/8" thread and the Lowe's link above for the QCC1 adapter says it's 1/4" threads. So does the p.o.l. part they also mention stay with it an make it a 3/8" connection? Obviously I've never had any of this stuff before--my SS predates any sort of quick-disconnect; I had to use a wrench.

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 11, 2014, 06:50:41 AM
Something else I've been wondering about. I'd splurge $30 or so for a new regulator/hose/QCC1 assembly so that my old SS can use a modern [non-disposable] tank. I really don't want to use the disposables.

Except that's not what the Weber #62642 part costs. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/hose-and-regulator-assembly-p-1477479.html

What's going on here? Is it non-standard thread sizes, brass fittings?

I called Weber the other day because I just picked up a red SS last weekend and they quoted me $59.99 shipped. The weber customer service lady saw the price and said to me..."Let me see if we can do better on that price for you."  Sure enough she put me on hold and came back with a $59.99 shipped price. It's in my cart and I'm on the fence about it.

The other option that others have suggested is to simply buy one of these and use the existing gas line and regulator...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BQT5H2/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?tag=vglnkc3325-20

Menards home improvement stores carries them for $6.99 and I bought one the other day too.


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I just got back from lows and got this http://m.lowes.com/product?langId=-1&storeId=10702&catalogId=10051&productId=50142158&store=0791&view=detail&nValue=SEARCHand if the original regulator dose not work I got this http://m.lowes.com/product?langId=-1&storeId=10702&catalogId=10051&productId=50142154&store=0791&view=detail&nValue=SEARCHill let you all know if it works.

@JosephJ Did it work?

Use the propane starter with the chimney, then pour into the baskets if you want.  Lighting charcoal in the baskets takes alot of gas.  I use the disposable green 1lb tanks and refill them from a 20lb cylinder.  Definitely worth it - easier, quicker, and more reliable than newspaper. 

Quote from: GillingNoob757 on July 24, 2017, 11:57:48 AM
@JosephJ Did it work?

Yes it did

Quote from: JosephJ on July 24, 2017, 01:49:11 PM

Quote from: GillingNoob757 on July 24, 2017, 11:57:48 AM
@JosephJ Did it work?

Yes it did

Thanks! I'm making the order!

I use my gas assist most all the time. I run it about 4 min on average and get many starts on a disposable. I always use the chimney( The regular non-Weber type chimney). I cook indirect most times with only one char basket. Little over half chimney heaps the basket. Toss on a couple chunks of wood for smoke. Usually get 250 for an hour and half or so. If starting a full chimney I have no issue with a light application of starter fluid and then setting chimney on the lit gas assist after starter fluid dies off. I can cook direct over the basket by rotating the grate to move items over or off the coals.