Weber Performer Charcoal Grill 22-Inch Black – A Comprehensive Review

Weber Performer Charcoal Grill 22-Inch Black – A Comprehensive Review

When it comes to grilling, few brands can match the reputation and performance of Weber. Among their standout products, the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black is a true game-changer for charcoal grilling enthusiasts. After using this grill extensively, I can confidently say it delivers exceptional results and offers a seamless grilling experience. In this Weber Performer review, I will share my thoughts on why I like this product, its features, and why it could be an excellent choice for your next outdoor cooking adventure.

Build Quality and Design

Weber Performer Charcoal Grill 22-Inch Black – A Comprehensive Review

The first thing that stands out about the Weber Performer is its sturdy construction. Made with high-quality materials, this grill is built to last. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid provide excellent heat retention, ensuring consistent cooking temperatures. The Tuck-Away lid holder is a feature I appreciate because it eliminates the need to place the hot lid on the ground, making grilling more convenient.

One of my favorite aspects of this grill is the fold-down worktable. It provides ample space for food preparation, making the entire grilling process more efficient. Additionally, the tool hooks are a thoughtful touch, allowing me to keep grilling accessories like tongs and spatulas within easy reach.

Cooking Performance

Weber Performer Charcoal Grill 22-Inch Black


The Weber Performer offers an outstanding charcoal grilling experience. The Gourmet BBQ System (GBS) hinged cooking grate makes it easy to add charcoal while cooking, which is a game-changer for long grilling sessions. With 363 square inches of cooking space, this grill can accommodate up to 13 burgers at once, making it ideal for family gatherings or backyard parties.

One of the features I liked most is the built-in lid thermometer. It helps me monitor the temperature without constantly opening the lid, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. The superior heat retention of this grill allows for even cooking, whether I am searing steaks, smoking ribs, or grilling vegetables.

Easy Cleanup

Cleaning a charcoal grill can be a hassle, but the One-Touch cleaning system on the Weber Performer makes the process much simpler. The aluminized steel ash catcher efficiently collects ashes, making disposal quick and mess-free. I find this feature especially helpful as it reduces post-grill cleanup time, allowing me to focus more on enjoying my food rather than worrying about maintenance.

Why I Like the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill

Weber Performer Charcoal Grill 22-Inch Black


After using this grill for several cooking sessions, here are some of the aspects I liked the most:

  • Spacious Cooking Area – With 363 square inches of cooking space, I can easily cook multiple items at once.

  • Convenient Worktable – The fold-down table provides excellent prep space and makes grilling more organized.

  • Tuck-Away Lid Holder – A small but crucial feature that makes handling the lid more convenient.

  • Durability – The solid construction ensures long-lasting performance, even with frequent use.

  • Versatile Cooking – The GBS system allows for various cooking methods, from direct grilling to smoking.

Who Should Buy the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill?

This grill is perfect for anyone who enjoys charcoal grilling experience but wants added convenience. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned grill master, the Weber Performer is designed to make grilling enjoyable and hassle-free. If you frequently host BBQ parties or family cookouts, this grill provides the perfect balance of size, efficiency, and performance.

Final Thoughts

In this Weber Performer review, I have shared my firsthand experience with this incredible charcoal grill. It offers top-notch cooking performance, a spacious grilling area, and thoughtful design elements that enhance convenience. If you are looking for a durable, well-built charcoal grill that delivers consistent results, the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill, 22-Inch, Black is an excellent choice.

With its superior features and ease of use, this grill has earned a permanent spot in my backyard. I highly recommend it to anyone who values quality grilling and wants to elevate their outdoor cooking game.

Top reviews from the United States

  • Pat G.

5.0 out of 5 starsWell made, reliable consistent brand.

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2020
    Style: Grill 
    I ruined my husband's mini Weber grill and bought this upgrade as an early gift which he had to put together himself. He was so pleased he didn't mind one bit. The box weight is 70 lbs, no way I was moving it. I didn't think we grilled that much, turns out he loved grilling and missed his original Weber that finally fell apart after 30 years. He complained bitterly about the mini's size and the proximity of coals to food. Anyway, he is quite happy with this grill and would not have spent the extra money for the table, shelf under the grill, and the added features. The small table for setting platters down is convenient and it drops down for compactness when storing. It has hooks for hanging tools & mitt. It was fairly easy to assemble, we got the coals going and burned off the "newness" out of it, added a more coals, oiled then bbq'd some steaks & veg. It did a fantastic job. The temp gauge was helpful and the access to the coals was very helpful. There was plenty of room to move veg to the side without compromising them, and the steaks had a wonderful bbq char and flavor. One of the best extras is the lid holder--no more looking for a place to set it away from the dogs or on the ground. I think he will get many years of use out of it. We grill a pancake breakfast on Christmas day, in Texas that can be sunshine, rain, snow or cold & cloudy. With the kids not home for Christmas this year, it won't be the same, but we will keep our tradition.
  • JP

5.0 out of 5 stars The best 2 in 1 charcoal grill and smoker.

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2015
    Style: Grill 
    I have gone through a cheap propane grill and a cheap brinkmann box smoker, I've finally found a grill that will last over a decade of some serious use! I've been researching for a while in getting a grill and smoker combo since maintaining both is kind of a pain in the rear. I've watched plenty of youtube videos on using weber kettle grills as a smoker and it has worked much better than the brinkmann box smoker I had ordered off Amazon over a couple years ago. My cheap propane grill was $100 bucks and the brinkmann box smoker $70 but then had to invest more into parts to make the smoker function and it was about $100 bucks total. So I had spent $200 bucks for items that did not last a couple of years. I got what I paid for...

    My favorite features of the weber:

    - Heavy duty, made in the USA.
    - 10 year warranty! (bowl, ring, center ring) [...]
    - Grate has multiple access points to refill and maintain charcoal.
    - Indirect heat for smoking.
    - Easy to assemble, quality instructions.
    - Accurate thermometer.
    - Easy to clean, just remove the ash can and dump it.
    - Uses a lot less charcoal than the brinkmann. A lot less. Half of what the brinkmann used.
    - Slide-aside is excellent.
    - Heat guard for hand performs as designed.
    - Rugged design, it's like a Jeep, Glock of grills.
    - Easy to find replacement parts and accessories.

    I should have gotten a weber years ago and would have saved the $200 that went right in the trash due to buying cheaper inferior products that couldn't make it past 2 years. Good luck finding parts to fix the cheap ones. With a weber, replacement parts are easy to come by.

    [Update 12/23/2016]
    I have to leave this product at 5 stars! I purchased the item on April 8, 2015 and it's still working like a champ. Keep in mind that I did not invest extra in the cover that is sold separately. It's open to the elements. I live in NC and the humid summers have not affected the webber at all. It's been sitting (uncovered) the entire time on my deck. Pictures coming soon...

    [Update 9/24/2018]
    Well, it finally happened. The one touch cleaning system handle broke. I just ordered a replacement for $15 though! Weber 7444 22-1/2-Inch One-Touch Cleaning System Kit for Grills. It rusted out and broke one day when I went to clean the ashes out. Can't wait to get it installed and get the grill going again. It's cooled down outside so it's the perfect time for smoking meats. Oh ya, it's almost turkey season too!

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