Weber Performer Platinum Charcoal Grill Review

This model was DISCONTINUED. Click here for the 2015 version of this classic grill.

The Weber Performer Platinum is the classic 22.5″ kettle on a cart. The bottom damper is integrated into Weber’s One-Touch ash removal system: ash falls through the bottom vents into an enclosed receptacle to capture and hold ash so it cannot blow. It comes off quickly for easy disposal of ash. The Performer Gold also comes with a useful hinged cooking grate that allows you to easily replenish coal without removing food. A lid thermometer is included. These antique heat indicators are inaccurate. Pick up a digital thermometer and you’ll see an immediate improvement in your grilling.

The cart has two large wheels, two locking casters and a large work surface with built-in tool hooks and a removable LCD cook timer. It also has Weber’s Touch-N-Go gas ignition that lets you light charcoal with a small burner under the coal grate, fueled from a one pound propane tank. A charcoal storage bin is located under the work surface.

Weber BBQ Kettles enjoy evergreen popularity from one generation to the next because they are durable and you can cook just about anything you want on them. Pile up coal on one side to sear steaks or set up 2-zone roasting, Build a nice even bed of coal for general cooking. Add a smokenator and make great smoked ribs and brisket. Another useful accessory is the Smoke EZ Grill Conversion Kit, which not only turns your kettle into a smoker, but increases capacity as well. The tight seal between the lid and body makes the dampers very effective and provides excellent heat control.

Let’s debunk a myth: The parabolic shape of the Weber Kettle is not a more efficient heat reflector than other shapes. By far the vast majority of the heat is radiated directly from the surface of the glowing coals with some more reflected from the sides. Very little heat is being reflected off the curved bottom of the bowl. There is a solid barrier in the way: The bed of coals. Any heat that hits the bottom of the kettle just bounces back into the coal pile. So the parabolic shape of the kettle is no more efficient than a square box.