Bob's Performer
A year or so ago, Bob purchased a Weber Performer. After cooking with us stateside and enjoying beer butt chicken, he decided that he wanted to recreate the experience at home. I dare to say that he is probably the only island resident that has a Performer and maybe only one of a few that even have a kettle. I checked Weber Nation and I couldn't even find a UK member of any Weber grill.
Bob has been incredibly happy with his purchase and has created some great meals. This is the first time I have been up close with the new model. Mine is a '99 which I have been incredibly happy with. In fact, I was a little dubious with the redesign. I have come up with some initial observations. Weber has done well with some modifications. The lower rack is "raised" and not "sunken". It allows for easier retrieval of supplies kept below deck. The use of a disposable gas supply is nice. Although I can easily go for a year on the 5 lb cylinder, having the reassurance that a "new" bottle in the garage would be nice. On the downside, the aesthetics of the bottle placement are poor. The last thing I want to stare at is "the bottle". It would have been nice to hide the bottle away behind some trim. The top opening is gone, along with the stainless steel work surface. To make up for it, a large plastic workspace has been added with the gas controls moved to the front panel and the charcoal off to the right side. Although I like the look of the stainless, it does make a lot of sense to access the gas controls and charcoal bin without having to move all of the food prep supplies from the old top lid.
What is the best change of the new model? The slightly redesigned lawn mower wheels. Yes Eric, they are still lawn mower wheels...but on a kettle...that retro classic is a must...just as long as it is on a kettle.
The weather is sunny and hot and the beer is right around the corner.
Mike Lang
