When it comes to charcoal grilling, Weber is a brand that needs no introduction. The Weber Performer and Performer Deluxe are two of the most popular charcoal grills that the company offers. As someone who enjoys grilling, I have had the pleasure of using both of these grills. In this blog post, we will compare the Weber Performer vs Performer Deluxe and highlight their similarities and differences. So, if you are in the market for a new charcoal grill and considering one of these two options, keep reading to learn more.
Key Differences Between Weber Performer and Performer Deluxe!
| Feature | Weber Performer | Weber Performer Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 29"D x 42"W x 43.5"H | 8"D x 48"W x 43.5"H |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Charcoal |
| Special Feature | Gourmet BBQ System Hinged Cooking Grate; Fold-Down Table; Tuck-Away Lid Holder; Superior Heat Retention; Built-in Lid Thermometer; Easily Access Grilling Tools | Electronic Touch-N-Go with Propane Gas powered ignition system; LCD countdown cook timer; Gourmet BBQ System Cooking Grates; CharBin storage container; One-Touch cleaning system with removable ash catcher |
| Cooking Area | 363 sq. inch | 363 sq. inch |
| Assembly Required | Yes | Yes |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Porcelain Coated Steel |
| Item Weight | 66.2 Pounds | 91 Pounds |
| Heating Power | 8000 British Thermal Units | 18000 British Thermal Units |
| Model Name | Weber | Weber |
| Frame Material | Alloy Steel | Aluminum |
| Finish Type | Painted | Painted |
| Included Components | Weber 15301001 Performer Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch | WEBER PERFORMER DLX 22" CHARCOAL |
| Built-in Lid Thermometer | Yes | Yes |
| Tuck-Away Lid Holder | Yes | No |
| Fold-Down Table | Yes | Yes |
| One-Touch Cleaning System | Aluminized steel | Aluminized steel with removable, high-capacity, aluminum ash catcher |
| Touch-N-Go Ignition System | No | Electronic with Propane Gas powered ignition system (propane tank not included) |
| LCD Cook Timer | No | Removable with a large readout |
| Storage Container | No | CharBin storage container |
| Tool Hooks | Yes | No |
| Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Weber performer Charcoal Grill Key Features
Looking for a high-performing charcoal grill with excellent features? Look no further than the Weber Performer! With a product dimension of 29″D x 42″W x 43.5″H, this grill boasts a Gourmet BBQ System Hinged Cooking Grate, a Fold-Down Table, a Tuck-Away Lid Holder, and superior heat retention. As someone who has used this grill, I can attest to the convenience of its built-in lid thermometer and the ease of accessing my grilling tools on the tool hooks. With a cooking area of 363 sq. inches, the Performer can hold up to 13 burgers and is compatible with GBS inserts, allowing you to easily add charcoal while grilling. Plus, with the Tuck-Away lid holder, you can avoid placing the lid on the ground. For those who are assembly-challenged, the free BILT app offers 3D interactive assembly instructions.
If you’re considering upgrading to the Weber Performer Deluxe, you’ll be pleased to know it offers even more convenience and features. With an electronic Touch-N-Go with a Propane Gas-powered ignition system (propane tank not included), this grill offers the ultimate in ease of use. Its dimensions – Lid Closed: 43.5″H x 48″W x 30″D and Weight: 91 lbs – make it a bit larger than the standard Performer. The Performer Deluxe also boasts a 22-inch diameter porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, a removable LCD cook timer, and a built-in lid thermometer. The grill’s heavy-duty Gourmet BBQ System cooking grates make it compatible with Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System cookware collection. Cleanup is a breeze with the grill’s One-Touch Cleaning system and high-capacity ash catcher. The grill also includes a CharBin storage container, a sturdy painted metal table, a wire bottom shelf, and a glass-reinforced nylon handle. For those who prefer step-by-step guidance, the free BILT app offers 3D interactive assembly instructions.
I used both the Performer and the Performer Deluxe, I can say that both models are excellent choices. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers top-notch features, the standard Performer is an excellent choice. However, if you’re willing to pay a bit more for even greater convenience and features, the Performer Deluxe is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re a grilling pro or a novice, the Weber Performer and Performer Deluxe are sure to provide you with perfectly grilled meals every time.
Pros √
- Gourmet BBQ System Hinged Cooking Grate
- Fold-Down Table and Tuck-Away Lid Holder for convenience
- Superior Heat Retention and Built-in Lid Thermometer for precise temperature control
- Easily Access Grilling Tools
- 3D interactive assembly instructions available through the free BILT app.
Cons ×
- Charcoal grilling may require more effort and attention than gas grilling
- The powerful performance and convenient features of the Performer charcoal grill is your excuse to...
- Dimensions - Lid Closed: 43.5"H x 42"W x 29"D | Total cooking area: 363 sq. inch
- Holds up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press (sold separately)
Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill Key Features
Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill. As someone who has used this grill personally, I can attest to its convenience and top-notch performance.
With dimensions of 8″D x 48″W x 43.5″H and a weight of 91 pounds, the Performer Deluxe has a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid that measures 22 inches in diameter, providing a generous cooking area of 363 square inches. It also has a Touch-N-Go gas ignition system that makes starting the grill a breeze with just a push of a button.
One of the standout features of this grill is the aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system, which makes cleaning up after your BBQ sessions a snap. The removable, high-capacity aluminum ash catcher is also a handy addition, making it easy to dispose of the ashes without creating a mess.
The Weber Performer Deluxe also features a built-in lid thermometer that allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your grill, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection. And with the removable LCD cook timer, you can keep track of the cooking time without having to hover over the grill.
The grill is equipped with heavy-duty Gourmet BBQ System cooking grates, which work seamlessly with Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System cookware collection, allowing you to create a wide range of delicious meals. Additionally, the grill comes with a CharBin storage container that keeps your charcoal protected from the elements and a sturdy painted metal table that provides ample workspace for food prep.
I have used the Performer Deluxe to cook up to 13 burgers at once, thanks to the built-in Weber burger press (sold separately). The fold-down table and tool hooks also make it convenient to prep food and hang your grilling accessories. And when you’re done grilling, the Tuck-Away lid holder on the side of the grill allows you to slide the lid away for storage.
If you’re wondering about the difference between the Weber Performer and the Performer Deluxe, it’s worth noting that the Deluxe model comes with the Touch-N-Go gas ignition system and a few extra features, such as the LCD cook timer and heavy-duty Gourmet BBQ System cooking grates. While the standard Performer is an excellent grill, the Deluxe version takes it to the next level.
Pros √
- Touch-N-Go Gas Ignition System for easy and quick ignition
- LCD countdown cook timer and built-in lid thermometer for precise temperature control
- Aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system with removable ash catcher for easy cleaning
- Sturdy painted metal table and storage options for convenience
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid for durability
Cons ×
- Assembly required
- Boasts the GS4 grilling system with improved infinity ignition, burners, porcelain-enameled...
- Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
- 529 Square inches of cooking space over three burners. Left Table down width - 42 inches
Conclusion
Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, with its exclusive Touch-N-Go gas ignition system, removable LCD cook timer, heavy-duty Gourmet BBQ System cooking grates, and storage options, is the clear winner in the Weber Performer vs. Performer Deluxe comparison. Its high capacity ash catcher, sturdy painted metal table, and wire bottom shelf make clean up and storage hassle-free. The Performer Deluxe is a perfect fit for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want convenience, performance, and durability in one package.
