Weber Performer Premium Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black

The Verdict

The Weber Performer Premium isn’t just another charcoal kettle. It’s the grill that answers the one question every charcoal cook eventually asks: “Do I really need to mess with a chimney starter and lighter fluid every single time?” No. You don’t. And that’s the entire story here.

What You Actually Get

Unbox this and you’ll find the classic 22-inch porcelain-enameled kettle — the same cooking chamber that’s been the gold standard for decades — mounted on a sturdy steel cart. The headline feature is the Touch-N-Go gas ignition system: a small propane tank (not included, roughly $10 at any hardware store) feeds a burner ring inside the charcoal bowl. Flip a switch, push a button, and your coals are lit in about 8–10 minutes. No chimney, no newspaper, no fluid aftertaste.

The cart itself is the other half of the value. You get a large worktable on the left side with integrated tool hooks and a lid holder, plus a sealed charcoal storage bin underneath that swallows a full 20-pound bag. There’s also a built-in thermometer in the lid, a one-touch ash cleaning system, and two locking caster wheels with two fixed wheels for maneuverability.

Performance and Build Quality

Here’s where the Performer earns its keep. Once those coals are lit, this grill holds temperature like a champ. The porcelain-enameled bowl retains heat, the dampers give you precise airflow control, and I’ve held 225–250°F for a 6-hour pork shoulder without babysitting it. The 363-square-inch cooking grate fits 9 burgers, 4–6 steaks, or one whole chicken spatchcocked flat.

The gas ignition isn’t a gimmick. It’s genuinely faster than a chimney starter (which takes 15–20 minutes) and completely hands-free. One buyer put it plainly: “I’ve owned Weber kettles for 20 years. The gas ignition is the reason I’ll never go back to a plain kettle.” Another praised the worktable: “The prep space is huge — I can stage 8 burgers and all my tools without running inside.”

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the assembly. This is not a 45-minute job. You’re looking at 2–3 hours with a Phillips head screwdriver, a wrench, and ideally a second person to hold panels while you align bolts. The instructions are clear, but there are a lot of parts.

The 22-inch size is also a real limitation for bigger cooks. A full packer brisket will hang over the edges unless you use a rib rack or cook indirect with creative placement. And the lid thermometer measures dome temperature, not grate temperature — plan on a separate probe thermometer if you’re serious about low-and-slow.

One more thing: the propane tank for the igniter is empty on arrival, and some buyers were caught off guard. It’s a $10 trip to the store, but it’s an extra step before your first cook.

Who Should Buy This

• The convenience seeker who loves charcoal flavor but hates the startup ritual — this is your grill.
• The backyard entertainer who wants prep space and tool storage built in, not bolted on later.
• The Weber loyalist upgrading from a basic kettle who wants the classic cooking experience with modern convenience.

Skip it if you’re strictly a gas griller, need more than 363 square inches for frequent large gatherings, or you’re on a tight budget — the Performer Premium typically runs $350–$450, significantly more than a standard kettle.

FAQ

Does the gas ignition really work, or is it a gimmick? It works. The burner ring surrounds the charcoal, and it lights evenly in about 8–10 minutes. You’ll need a standard 16.4-oz propane cylinder, and one tank lasts roughly 20–30 grilling sessions.

Can you smoke on this grill? Absolutely. Set it up for indirect cooking with coals on one side, add wood chunks, and use the dampers to hold 225–275°F. The Performer excels at this — it’s just a kettle with a nicer cart.

Is the charcoal bin worth it? Yes. It’s sealed, keeps charcoal dry, and holds a full bag. It’s one of those features you don’t think you need until you use it.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want charcoal flavor without the hassle, value prep space, and plan to use this grill regularly for years. Skip it if you need massive cooking capacity, hate assembly projects, or can’t justify the premium over a basic kettle.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The Performer Premium is the best charcoal grill for most home cooks who want serious capability without the learning curve. It’s an investment, but it’s built to last a decade or more.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.