Opinion on the New Performer Platinum

Bluesman · 01-14-2013, 10:53 PM

What do you folks think of the new Weber Performer Platinum with the touch n go system. Just looking for input as to build quality and how does it stack up against older models.

Thanks,
Jon

Foxfire · 01-14-2013, 11:09 PM

I recently picked up a 2006 Performer off Craigslist with Touch n Go, which I never thought I'd need, want, use it. Turns out pretty handy after a few weeks of messing around! But if I were buying a brand new Performer today, I'd probably stick with the Gold because even though gas ignition is handy (and even a little fun), I don't personally feel it's that big of a bonus.

Haven't seen any 2013 models out on display, but no reason to believe there's any build quality difference than in previous years. Probably overall the same great grill that would maybe benefit from a lid catcher that didn't block some of the cooking surface.

jacksedona · 01-14-2013, 11:12 PM

i bought a used rocky mountain smoker mentined this because i have three nowad they are my favorites

Trumpstylz · 01-15-2013, 02:13 AM

I personally think that the gas ignition is the most important part of the performer. Now if you're a mechanic and come home with your hands half filled with soot and such, no big deal dirtying up your hands, but I really like the whole "pour in the coals and push a button" aspect. Its really easy, and key in the winter time when you don't wanna mess around with stuff. Plus, it seems like the direct flame application lights the coals quicker.

The build quality is the exact same- same thermoset table. The only difference is the added cooking timer.

HankB · 01-15-2013, 07:59 AM

I have an older (SS) performer and one of the reasons I got it was for the propane ignition. Being the lazy bastage I am, it's just so much easier than finding some paper, tearing up a charcoal bag or doing whatever I need to do to find something to ignite a charcoal chimney.

And think the newer design allows better access to propane and storage bin. This point was driven home yesterday when my grill was covered with 1/4" of ice and I had to tear up an old charcoal bag to start my smoke. And my mesquite was not available since it was in the storage bin.

Oldyote · 01-15-2013, 08:14 AM

I love my Big Green Egg but recently refurbished an older Performer.

I love it. I feel a little bad for my egg but when it is cold out and I just want to grill something I immediately go to the Weber. This is mostly because of the propane ignition. If it wasn't for that I'd still use the my egg or go directly to the gasser.

HeSmellsLikeSmoke · 01-15-2013, 08:25 AM

I use my weed burner, which I bought for the UDS, to start everything now - even the Performer.

deguerre · 01-15-2013, 09:42 AM

I have a four or five year old Touch N Go I got a couple years back off CL and to date I have YET to use that feature. I haven't even got a fuel bottle for it.

bobaftt · 01-15-2013, 10:20 AM

I love touch and go on my older one. Makes it almost as easy as cooking with Gas but with the taste of Charcoal. Good on weber for the idea.

Oldyote · 01-15-2013, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deguerre

I have a four or five year old Touch N Go I got a couple years back off CL and to date I have YET to use that feature. I haven't even got a fuel bottle for it.

I think I see your issue

Bluesman · 01-15-2013, 10:32 AM

I'd like to thank all you folks for your input. Seems like the opinions vary, but that's a good thing. Having an older Performer SS, I have always liked the ones with the touch n go gas assist. I've been torn, as of late, on the purchase of a new one. I found several even SS ones on CL, but people are beginning to figure out that these are worth a little extra $$$$

So, I was going to retire my old guy and buy a new one. After reading the thoughts here I think I know what I'll do. I have rebuilt my Old SS once already and really didn't want to do that again, but hey what the heck, it's fun right? So I am going to rebuild my old one and keep it for indirect type of cooking. I'll buy a new Red with the touch n go, add some cast iron grates and use it for high heat and searing, like steaks and chops. The only problem now, no not to convince the Mrs, she already said I can buy the new one. She also, asked very politely I may add, if I would sell my Homer Simpson to offset the cost........

With the exception of a dime sized chip Homer is like new.................Maybe I can hide him

deguerre · 01-15-2013, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldyote

I think I see your issue

Yah. I know, right? They cost what, three, maybe five dollars? Who can afford that?!?

Foxfire · 01-15-2013, 11:15 AM

One other thing I'll say about the Touch n Go system -- I'm not a fan of the propane bottle placement. I may be the odd man out here, but I like to keep the wire rack shelf under the grill uncluttered so I have a convenient place to set down a hot chimney starter, and I also like to put the lid down there when I want it completely out of the way and prefer to not set it right on the patio cement. Those little camp propane bottles are small enough but it hangs straight down in front so a touch extra caution is necessary not to bump it.

I wanted a Performer for the nice, large table, primarily, and even though I do use the gas assist starter I can see myself not replacing bottles once I use them up. I find starter cubes just as easy.

ssv3 · 01-15-2013, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobaftt

I love touch and go on my older one. Makes it almost as easy as cooking with Gas but with the taste of Charcoal. Good on weber for the idea.

Very well said. I just recently scored a 2010 performer with Touch N Go off of CL and I must say that it is my absolute favorite feature on it. I cooked on it twice already and started my lump charcoal in less then 5 mins each time. I'm very impressed to say the least.

hogsfan · 01-15-2013, 12:52 PM

The thing about the Performer is it's almost the perfect "everything" grill. I think if you look in most grill guy's backyards, you'll find a grill, some sort of work space, some sort of storage rack, some way to manage ashes, some method of starting fires, etc.

The Performer does all of these things plus some I'm forgetting. It's not that it doesn't any of these things in a special way, it just does it all in once place in one convenient footprint. That's why I think the Performers are one of the best grill values.

Regarding the starter system. I would pay more for it...even though the side burner on my gasser works a lot faster, It's still a very convenient option and if I ever ended up without my gasser, I would haven't to track down newpaper to use the chimney starter (not that you need a chimney...but it does light faster).

Honestly, the only thing I really dislike about the performer is the stupid lid holder doesn't get the lid all the way out of the way. Seems like such an easy fix that i can't believe they don't just do it. Even the lid holder on my smokey Joe Gold works better than this one. Not a deal breaker but something to be aware of. It would probably be an even bigger pain if you happen to be left handed.

01-14-2013, 10:53 PM	#1
Bluesman is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-01-10 Location: Fond du Lac, WI Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Opinion on the New Performer Platinum What do you folks think of the new Weber Performer Platinum with the touch n go system. Just looking for input as to build quality and how does it stack up against older models. Thanks, Jon __________________ "98" Green Weber Performer "95" Black Weber Platinum - Dumpster find workin' on it "00" Weber Simpsons OTG 22.5 WSM Smokin' Bucky UDS Weber Q100 Weber Q200 1983 WGA Faster than the Speed of Light Red Thermapen, Certified MOINK Ball Maker Proud Member of the Zero's Club with Voodoo Soup..

01-14-2013, 11:09 PM	#2
Foxfire Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 08-28-12 Location: San Jose, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I recently picked up a 2006 Performer off Craigslist with Touch n Go, which I never thought I'd need, want, use it. Turns out pretty handy after a few weeks of messing around! But if I were buying a brand new Performer today, I'd probably stick with the Gold because even though gas ignition is handy (and even a little fun), I don't personally feel it's that big of a bonus. Haven't seen any 2013 models out on display, but no reason to believe there's any build quality difference than in previous years. Probably overall the same great grill that would maybe benefit from a lid catcher that didn't block some of the cooking surface. __________________ ~ Scott ~ Blue Weber Performer + Craycort CI • Brick Red Weber One-Touch Platinum • Weber 26.75 Kettle • Akorn Kamado • ET 732 • Record-crushing ORANGE Thermapen • UDS In Progress

01-14-2013, 11:12 PM	#3
jacksedona Take a breath! Join Date: 03-11-12 Location: phoenix,arizona Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	i bought a used rocky mountain smoker mentined this because i have three nowad they are my favorites __________________ alan weber smoker,one touch,go anywhere,masterbuilt

01-15-2013, 02:13 AM	#4
Trumpstylz is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 10-29-11 Location: Chicagoland Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I personally think that the gas ignition is the most important part of the performer. Now if you're a mechanic and come home with your hands half filled with soot and such, no big deal dirtying up your hands, but I really like the whole "pour in the coals and push a button" aspect. Its really easy, and key in the winter time when you don't wanna mess around with stuff. Plus, it seems like the direct flame application lights the coals quicker. The build quality is the exact same- same thermoset table. The only difference is the added cooking timer. __________________ Weber One Touch Gold 2001 Weber Genesis that is no longer used since the OTG

01-15-2013, 07:59 AM	#5
HankB is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 01-16-12 Location: Winfield, IL Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I have an older (SS) performer and one of the reasons I got it was for the propane ignition. Being the lazy bastage I am, it's just so much easier than finding some paper, tearing up a charcoal bag or doing whatever I need to do to find something to ignite a charcoal chimney. And think the newer design allows better access to propane and storage bin. This point was driven home yesterday when my grill was covered with 1/4" of ice and I had to tear up an old charcoal bag to start my smoke. And my mesquite was not available since it was in the storage bin. __________________ Weber Crazy

01-15-2013, 08:14 AM	#6
Oldyote is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 11-24-10 Location: Duluth MN Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	I love my Big Green Egg but recently refurbished an older Performer. I love it. I feel a little bad for my egg but when it is cold out and I just want to grill something I immediately go to the Weber. This is mostly because of the propane ignition. If it wasn't for that I'd still use the my egg or go directly to the gasser. __________________ 2 Large Big Green Eggs, 1 Hybrid Grill, 1 restored Weber Performer in Green, 1 S-330 and 1 new super secret cooker so secret that not even I have seen it yet. Proud Member of the Zero's Club CLICK HERE to visit the BBQ Brethren Throwdowns "earthbound but aspiring.... A lumbering soul but trying to fly...(with)...not enough wingspread but plenty of intention."

01-15-2013, 08:25 AM	#7
HeSmellsLikeSmoke somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 04-02-07 Location: Warren, Vermont Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I use my weed burner, which I bought for the UDS, to start everything now - even the Performer. __________________ Jim - Another transplanted Texan Former KCBS CBJ Large and Medium Big Green Eggs , Black 18.5" WSM, Blue Weber Performer - Stainless, Green Weber OTG Kettle , Brinkmann SnP Pro, and a Stainless UDS. One retired Portable Kitchen grill. Red Thermapen, Maverick ET-73, EdgePro Apex Sharpener. Avatar is the original 1951 Weber Kettle

01-15-2013, 09:42 AM	#8
deguerre somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-15-09 Location: Memphis, TN...Formerly of Decatur, AL Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I have a four or five year old Touch N Go I got a couple years back off CL and to date I have YET to use that feature. I haven't even got a fuel bottle for it. __________________ Guerry >^..^< Weber 22 1/2" OTS "Dirty Girl", Weber Performer/Cajun Bandit "Cajun Queen", GOSM "Bubba Q", Maverick et73, RED Thermapen, One Cameron Stove Top "Lazy Girl".It burns sawdust... Avatar by Northwest BBQ!!! If you really care about this place, you'll show some respect for it. Seven Zero notches on my spatula. Join_Us_In_The_Throwdowns_Forum!

01-15-2013, 10:20 AM	#9
bobaftt is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 04-12-08 Location: Chattanooga TN Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I love touch and go on my older one. Makes it almost as easy as cooking with Gas but with the taste of Charcoal. Good on weber for the idea. __________________ Weber Smokey Mountain "C" Club

01-15-2013, 10:32 AM	#11
Bluesman is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 01-01-10 Location: Fond du Lac, WI Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I'd like to thank all you folks for your input. Seems like the opinions vary, but that's a good thing. Having an older Performer SS, I have always liked the ones with the touch n go gas assist. I've been torn, as of late, on the purchase of a new one. I found several even SS ones on CL, but people are beginning to figure out that these are worth a little extra $$$$ So, I was going to retire my old guy and buy a new one. After reading the thoughts here I think I know what I'll do. I have rebuilt my Old SS once already and really didn't want to do that again, but hey what the heck, it's fun right? So I am going to rebuild my old one and keep it for indirect type of cooking. I'll buy a new Red with the touch n go, add some cast iron grates and use it for high heat and searing, like steaks and chops. The only problem now, no not to convince the Mrs, she already said I can buy the new one. She also, asked very politely I may add, if I would sell my Homer Simpson to offset the cost........ With the exception of a dime sized chip Homer is like new.................Maybe I can hide him __________________ "98" Green Weber Performer "95" Black Weber Platinum - Dumpster find workin' on it "00" Weber Simpsons OTG 22.5 WSM Smokin' Bucky UDS Weber Q100 Weber Q200 1983 WGA Faster than the Speed of Light Red Thermapen, Certified MOINK Ball Maker Proud Member of the Zero's Club with Voodoo Soup..

01-15-2013, 11:15 AM	#13
Foxfire Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 08-28-12 Location: San Jose, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	One other thing I'll say about the Touch n Go system -- I'm not a fan of the propane bottle placement. I may be the odd man out here, but I like to keep the wire rack shelf under the grill uncluttered so I have a convenient place to set down a hot chimney starter, and I also like to put the lid down there when I want it completely out of the way and prefer to not set it right on the patio cement. Those little camp propane bottles are small enough but it hangs straight down in front so a touch extra caution is necessary not to bump it. I wanted a Performer for the nice, large table, primarily, and even though I do use the gas assist starter I can see myself not replacing bottles once I use them up. I find starter cubes just as easy. __________________ ~ Scott ~ Blue Weber Performer + Craycort CI • Brick Red Weber One-Touch Platinum • Weber 26.75 Kettle • Akorn Kamado • ET 732 • Record-crushing ORANGE Thermapen • UDS In Progress

01-15-2013, 12:52 PM	#15
hogsfan Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 01-20-10 Location: Dallas Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	The thing about the Performer is it's almost the perfect "everything" grill. I think if you look in most grill guy's backyards, you'll find a grill, some sort of work space, some sort of storage rack, some way to manage ashes, some method of starting fires, etc. The Performer does all of these things plus some I'm forgetting. It's not that it doesn't any of these things in a special way, it just does it all in once place in one convenient footprint. That's why I think the Performers are one of the best grill values. Regarding the starter system. I would pay more for it...even though the side burner on my gasser works a lot faster, It's still a very convenient option and if I ever ended up without my gasser, I would haven't to track down newpaper to use the chimney starter (not that you need a chimney...but it does light faster). Honestly, the only thing I really dislike about the performer is the stupid lid holder doesn't get the lid all the way out of the way. Seems like such an easy fix that i can't believe they don't just do it. Even the lid holder on my smokey Joe Gold works better than this one. Not a deal breaker but something to be aware of. It would probably be an even bigger pain if you happen to be left handed.