Performer

[martyleach]

Originally Posted by benniesdad

I know lots of folks do it and I used to do it myself. But I just never liked the stuff that falls out the bottom of the chimney falling down on the burner and gas line. Personal choice.

In addition to my Performer, I also have a gasser with a side burner. I share the same concern with you as all my BBQ's are on a wood deck. I bought the large drip pans that you put under your leaky 1962 truck at Walmart under most my BBQ's to keep hot stuff from hitting the deck. I put an aluminum drip pan on that right under the side burner to catch anything.

I had a UDS fire once that could have taken out my house. I am quite cautious now.

[javahog2002]

It is def worth the difference if you are buying on CL. I have 2 Performers with the little gas tank. It lasts forever. I use the gas to light chimneys and transfer to other grills and to light in the performer.

[Higgledy]

Can a kettle smoke meat as well as a WSM? I'm talking about the taste of the finished product not temperature control or convenience. It sounds like WSM controls temp better and requires less attention during the burn.

[Toney Marconi]

Originally Posted by chriscw81

i absolutely love my performer platinum, get one, now!!!! it was out of my price range so i had to wait months for it to pop up on CL(i dont live in an area where they pop up often) and i drove over an hour to get it. well worth it!!!

It's all in the timing I guess. There is one in Fredericksburg now on The CraigsList. Looks like it is in really good shape.

[rcbaughn]

I bought a Performer brand new from Home Depot and it was before I did research on them and I ended up with one that doesn't have the gas assist. From what I've read it really is handy, but lighting with the Weber starter cubes is super easy too.

But I guess if you're grilling a lot, after time the cost of cubes vs. the gas assist will start to close and the propane option will end up being cheaper.

No matter what you get though, you'll love it. I have got so much enjoyment from my Performer.

[Higgledy]

Originally Posted by Toney Marconi

It's all in the timing I guess. There is one in Fredericksburg now on The CraigsList. Looks like it is in really good shape.

Thanks, but their is no way I am driving the mixing bowl on such a nice weekend.

[BobM]

Originally Posted by Higgledy

Is the Performer with the gas igniter worth the extra money over the OTG? It seems like a huge jump in money, to me.

This is a personal matter.
My BBQ area has limited space, I need to keep it flexable. I choose an OTG and got 2 small side tables which I can move around and use with my WSMs as well. I like my 22 1/2" OTG so much, I just got a 26 3/4" one too.
I use a high output propane torch to light the charcoal in my WSM, it works just as good in my OTG.

Originally Posted by Higgledy

Can a kettle smoke meat as well as a WSM? I'm talking about the taste of the finished product not temperature control or convenience. It sounds like WSM controls temp better and requires less attention during the burn.

On a short smoke, with a small amount of food, kettles are great.
On a longer smoke, WSMs are better due to their fuel and grate capacity.

[Higgledy]

I bought a Performer Platinum in black today. I just finished assembling it. I can't wait to use it tomorrow. Thanks for all the advice.

[Higgledy]

Originally Posted by BobM

This is a personal matter.
My BBQ area has limited space, I need to keep it flexable. I choose an OTG and got 2 small side tables which I can move around and use with my WSMs as well. I like my 22 1/2" OTG so much, I just got a 26 3/4" one too.
I use a high output propane torch to light the charcoal in my WSM, it works just as good in my OTG.

On a short smoke, with a small amount of food, kettles are great.
On a longer smoke, WSMs are better due to their fuel and grate capacity.

I would have been happy with starting using a chimney or torch, but my wife would not use a torch or a chimney. She scared she'll catch something on fire.

[cricky101]

Originally Posted by Higgledy

Can a kettle smoke meat as well as a WSM? I'm talking about the taste of the finished product not temperature control or convenience. It sounds like WSM controls temp better and requires less attention during the burn.

I have both, and unless I'm making a whole mess of food, use the Performer more often for smoking. I did two 7-pound butts on it this weekend and they turned out great. I wouldn't do an overnight smoke on the performer, but only adjusted it a couple of times during last weekend's session.