I've been looking for a new kettle BBq and was looking at the new Performer Platinum, when I ran across information (including here - great community btw) on the SS performer. This looks to me like a much better unit and without the plastic table. One concern for me is that the plastic table will melt in high heat cooking. Overall, I think the SS performer is going to be the bbq for me. I have several questions. I've looked for answers to these and have not readily found them. Many others have been answered by research here and via google.
Many prefer the old, but plenty prefer the new. That plastic on the table won't melt, but it will stain if you don't take care of it. I prefer the newer ones, as they sit a few inches higher and the work surface doesn't have a weird handle in middle of it.
My preference would be to get a new one. How much did these sell for?
Good luck finding a new SS. As I recall, they sold for quite a bit more than the modern performer. I seem to remember them being $419 for non gas and 479 for gas.
When were they available? (I've seen them as old as 1998 and as new as 2004).
Sounds about right.
@Craig will know for sure.
Over their lifetime, what changes were there? I have picked up that the ash catcher has changed. Anything else?
Handles (shape), thermometers (went from crappy angled through the handle to accurate lid mounted), ash bucket/ring (went from using a bar mount to clipping into leg sockets), and one-touch system (went from hex mount/dremel remove to H-locking). Propane system went from 5lb refillable tank to disposable tank.
I would prefer the Performer without the small castors. Is this only available with the non-gas assist?
Yes, but you can simply remove the castors.
Could I buy a set of non-castor legs and replace the legs with castors?
or just remove castors
I see that a lot of parts are available online. Could I build a new one from parts? It does seem that some parts are no longer available. Maybe a trashed unit could supply what is not available?
not going to be worth it. Just find a used one and restore it. Costs will be minimal
Will a new kettle fit in the cart? Could I build a cart from parts and install a new kettle?
yes. modern performer kettle will fit old cart and vice versa
Were these shipped assembled new or did they require assembly?
required assembly
Is it possible to hinge the SS panel on the inside, so that the handle is toward the outside and not in the middle of table?
Probably. Figure it out and post how - I'd like to do this as well!
I see what looks to be a cast iron cooking grid divided into what look like 4 removable quadrants in some pics of the SS Performer. Is or was this grid available with the SS Performers? Is it available today?
That's aftermarket, non weber. It's made by craycort and is
still available here.
Thanks, Pete