Weber Performer 22in Charcoal Kettle Grill Review – Regular vs Premium vs Deluxe vs Platinum (Updated Dec 2022)

One of the best grill choices for hosting dinner parties in your yard that I can recommend is the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill. I can guarantee you that this will be a good choice and will make grilling a lot more enjoyable.

One thing that I enjoy doing the most is entertaining guests at home. I love hosting dinners and parties on my patio with the people I love.

During these times, I love preparing meals that will make them full, and which will make them want to be back the next time I host a gathering.

The problem with hosting dinners is that you will need to spend a lot of time and effort in preparing the meals that will be served. After all, the least that I want is not to be able to satisfy the hunger of my guests, In this case, I make sure that I have a complete set of cooking equipment that will help me to prepare food in a manner that is almost effortless.

Why Weber Performer Charcoal Grill?

There are many consumers who choose to get a Weber grill as it has been making great grills over the years. Whether it is a charcoal or electric grill that you’re looking for, you will not go wrong with Weber.

The new Weber Performer charcoal BBQ has the features to make grilling more convenient while making sure you get the best tasting food. Its features have been improved to make it one of the best charcoal grills in the market.

I recently was considering purchasing it and took a thorough look at all available Performer models.

Here are some of the features which will help you decide if the new Weber Performer is the perfect grill for you.

Weber Performer Regular vs Premium vs Deluxe vs Platinum

Here are quick descriptions of all Weber Performer charcoal grills:

• 22″ regular
• Premium
• Deluxe
• Gold (discontinued)
• Platinum (discontinued)

What’s the difference between these Performer series grills? Keep reading to learn more!

 

Weber Performer

This is the cheapest very basic version of Weber Performer 22-inch grill.

Weber 15301001 Performer Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, BlackCheck Price

Weber Performer Premium

There are 3 additional features you get with the Weber Premium model compared to the Regular model:

• 14 inches wider worktable,
• removable LCD cooking timer,
• weather proof charcoal storage bin.

Weber 15401001 Performer Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black, 0,Check Price

Weber Performer Deluxe

The Weber Performer Deluxe 22-inch model features an electronic Touch-N-Go gas ignition system that uses liquid propane to ignite the charcoal. It has a Touch-N-Go gas ignition which ignites the charcoal briquettes with one push of a button.

It is available not only in black like Regular and Premium models but also in copper and green.

Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, BlackCheck Price

Weber Performer Gold (Discontinued)

The Weber Performer Gold is a discontinued model replaced by Weber Performer Premium charcoal grill.

Weber Performer Platinum (Discontinued)

The Weber Performer Platinum is a discontinued model replaced by Weber Performer Deluxe charcoal barbecue. The Weber Platinum Performer was available in 4 colors – black, red, dark blue, and green.

 

Weber Performer Review

What’s great about the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill is that it allows you to cook on a charcoal grill, except that you won’t have to deal with messy start-ups.

It has a cooking area of 363 square inches which is ideal for when you have to grill for parties.

I have been reading a Weber Performer Charcoal Grill review which recommends the grill for beginners because it is convenient and it also includes other items that you can use when you use it.

Customer Reviews

One of the features that many customers like about the Weber Performer 22 inch Charcoal Grill is its one-touch cleaning and venting system. This makes it easy for you to keep your Weber charcoal grill in good condition.

I have also read Weber Performer reviews from users who are impressed by its heavy-duty steel built which makes it more durable. This also makes it ideal for outdoor use even during weather changes though it is best to put it in storage if it’s not being used or during stormy weather.

What’s in the Box

Included in the box are:

• rolling steel-frame cart
• work table
• wire bottom shelf
• 3 tool hooks
• lid-mounted thermometer.

Specifications

• Dimensions – Lid Closed (inches): 43.5″H x 42″W x 29″D
• Shipping Dimensions (inches): 17.1″H x 32.3″W x 27.1″D
• Shipping Weight: 71.1lbs
• Unit Weight: 66.2lbs
• Diameter (inches): 22
• Primary cooking area (square inches): 363
• Total cooking area (square inches): 363
• Fuel type: Charcoal
• Glass-reinforced nylon handles: 1
• Swivel locking casters: 2
• Durable all-weather wheels: 2
• Tool hooks: 3
• Rust-resistant aluminum dampers: 1
• Painted, metal fold-down table
• Table Dimensions: 12.25″ x 24.6″

Available Colors

Weber Performer regular model is available only in black.

Additional Items to Consider

If you’re getting the Weber Grills Performer model, you may want to consider getting other items that can be useful such as the Weber 7455 Premium Cover. This helps protect your charcoal grill when it is not in use.

People also love using the Weber 6424 21-Inch T-Brush to clean the grill. These have been made specifically for Weber grills so it would be perfect for your new charcoal grill.

Related reading: Weber SmokeFire EX4 vs EX6 Preview

Weber Performer Deluxe Review

The years of experience of Weber in the production and distribution of grills is one of the reasons why Weber Deluxe Performer grill is a popular choice for many people. Through its years of experience, it has proven that it is one of the best names in the market, and therefore, one that can be trusted.

The design of the bowl and lid of this barbecue is worth commending. It is porcelain enamel, which is excellent not only in terms of conducting and distributing heat but also because of its durability. The handle is made from glass-reinforced nylon, which makes it stay cool even after a long time of grilling at high temperatures.

This charcoal grill also comes with a built-in thermometer that is strategically located at the top of the lid, near the handle. As such, it will be easy to monitor the temperature of the grill and make sure that the right amount of heat is being produced.

Also, I also commend the fact that it is packed with features that will allow you to BBQ with less mess. For instance, there is a tuck-away lid holder where you can put the lid when you need to access the grilling area. It also has hooks on the side, making it able to hold the tools that will be needed and keep the area neat when they are not used. It also has an ash catcher, which will make sure you will prepare your meal with minimal mess.

It also demonstrates excellent use of space to maximize the functionality of the unit. Under the grill, there is a shelf that can hold different things. Besides it also comes with a charcoal container.

To make it excellent in portability, it is designed with smooth-rolling wheels, making it easy to transfer from one place to another. If it is used in one place, the wheel is lockable to make it stable.

 

Customer Reviews

In many Weber Performer Deluxe reviews I have read, one thing that has been commended by many owners is its durability. From top to bottom, it is noticeable that the materials used are of high quality, which means that it can withstand frequent and long-term use.

Like many of its users, I also commend the fact that it is loaded with features that will allow you to cook delicious meals in a snap. It has a timer and thermometer that will eliminate guesswork on your part and make sure of consistent grilling results. It also comes with a one-touch cleaning system, letting you clean the unit instantly.

Many of the people who have bought and used this grill have also expressed their satisfaction with the ease of assembly of the unit. Once it is taken out of the box, people have enjoyed that there is no more need to sweat to have it assembled and be ready to use.

What’s in the Box

Included in the box are:

• rolling steel-frame cart
• work table
• weather-protected charcoal storage container
• wire bottom shelf
• 3 tool hooks
• lid-mounted thermometer
• removable backlit LCD cook timer

Additional Items To Consider

If you consider purchasing Weber Performer Deluxe grill, I suggest that you also buy the Weber 7152 Premium Cover.

The Weber charcoal grill cover will protect your unit from rain, snow, and sun to allow it to preserve its best quality even if it is outdoors.

I also recommend buying the Weber 6424 21-inch T-brush that will allow you to quickly clean the areas of the grill that are hard to reach.

Specifications

• Assembled Dimensions – Lid Closed (inches): 43.5″H x 48″W x 30″D
• Shipping Dimensions (inches): 20.3″H x 38.7″W x 27.2″D
• Shipping Weight: 96lbs
• Unit Weight: 91lbs
• Diameter (inches): 22
• Primary cooking area (square inches): 363
• Total cooking area (square inches): 363
• Fuel type: Charcoal
• Glass-reinforced nylon handles: 1
• Swivel locking casters: 2
• Durable all-weather wheels: 2
• Tool hooks: 3
• Rust-resistant aluminum dampers: 1
• Painted grill table
• Table Dimensions: 26.36″ x 24.9″

Available Colors

Weber Performer Deluxe is available in 3 colors:

• black
• copper
• green

How To Use Weber Performer Grill?

Here is the short instruction video showing how to grill using the Weber Performer 22″ charcoal bbq.

Frequently Asked Questions

Weber Performer Deluxe vs Premium – what is the difference?

The Weber Performer Deluxe is similar to the Premium model with the addition of the Touch-N-Go gas ignition system that makes igniting the charcoal easier. It is also available in copper and green colors and the standard black finish.

What is the difference between Weber Performer vs Performer Deluxe?

The Weber Performer Deluxe combines all the best features of the regular Performer 22-inch grill and the Performer Premium model. It has a large worktable, removable timer, weatherproof charcoal storage bin, and Touch-N-Go gas charcoal ignition system.

Charcoal Grill Buying Guide

The Weber Performer ticks all checkmarks concerning what features are essential for me in a charcoal barbecue.

Convenience

When looking for a charcoal grill, you would definitely want to have features that are easy to use. You would not want to use a grill with complicated features as it will take up your time and can also affect the quality of the food you grill.

Weber wants its customers to use the grill without spending a lot of time reading the manual. This is why you can easily use the grill and become familiar with it in no time.

Construction

A charcoal grill’s build should be considered when buying one. Does it have a solid construction? Is it lightweight and can easily be moved from one place to another? It would also depend on how you intend to use it. If you were grilling often, you would want to get one that is made of good materials to make the most out of it. If you will be taking it to different places, make sure it is lightweight to make it more convenient for you. The Weber Performer Charcoal Grill has these features, which is why I am a huge fan of it.

Price

Price is certainly a factor for many consumers today. Because there are many brands of charcoal bbq grills, it is best to find out more about the different models to get value for money. When it comes to grills, it can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars because of its features. It is best to set a budget and find a charcoal barbecue that is within that price range.

Ease of Use

This means that you need to find a grill that will be a snap to use, which means as well that it should lack complications associated with the way it is operated.

This also requires the need for the unit to be easy to assemble, requiring no technical expertise on your part before the pieces can be put together.

Built-In Thermometer

When the grill has a thermometer, you can be assured that the right temperature will be maintained throughout the process of grilling. In turn, this will guarantee consistent results, without undercooking or overcooking. It is also better f the thermometer is built-in on the unit.

Durable

If you buy a grill that is made from excellent and premium materials, you can be provided with an assurance of its long-term functionality. This will also ensure that you will get the best value for money as the product can last for a more extended period of time.

Intelligent Design

The design of the barbecue will be indicative of its functionality. It should be designed in a way that is able to prioritize the needs of the users, which means that it is able to maximize all of the features.

Ease of Cleaning

Grilling is a messy task. More often than not, there are often complaints that there is a need to clean ashes and drip from sauces after grilling.

It is essential to pick a grill that requires minimal maintenance on your part, making it easy to clean and to preserve its best possible quality in the long run.

Related reading: How To Clean Charcoal Grill?

Alternatives

The Weber Performer charcoal grills are among the most promising within this product category. Aside from offering a generous cooking area, they are also good because they have smooth-rolling wheels, which are helpful in making it easy to transfer the grill in different locations.

Weber Performer vs Cajun

The Cajun charcoal gas grill is also an option that can be taken into account. One thing that is good about this model is the simplicity of its design, without the need to sacrifice its functionality. It may be a bit heavier than other grills, but that is because it is made from heavy-duty materials.

Weber Performer vs Char Griller

Another good model that is worth evaluating is the Char-Griller 5050, which is known for its functionality. It can be used both a gas grill and charcoal grill, both of which will make sure that it will have more than enough heating power for the achievement of the best results.

Weber Performer vs Char-Broil

Lastly, the charcoal grill from Char-Broil is another excellent choice. It offers 784 square inches of total cooking area and known for its folding design, making it easy to put down and store when grilling is done. It is also commended because of the side shelves and the front panels, offering additional work space for its users.

Conclusion

The ignition system and the high quality of the frame are reflected in the grill prices. Therefore, if you think you can do without the gas igniter, you should look at the Weber Performer Premium 22 inch grill.

If you can live with the smaller work surface, you can also consider the basic model, the Weber Performer Original grill that costs even less.