Weber charcoal question

**steelcity2** · 07-22-2012, 07:10 PM

The gf got me a weber 22" silver for my birthday today which was awesome. I had mentioned to her that I was going to get one to go along with my gas Genesis. I was looking to get the Gold model since it came with that ash catcher and not just the basic plate beneath the grill. Does anyone know if you can buy that advanced or one touch contained ash catcher and add it? I don't see it listed as an accessory anywhere so I'm wondering if I just have to return the grill and buy the gold model?

Does the contained ash catcher make that much of a difference?

**73mountaineer** · 07-22-2012, 08:02 PM

Probably more trouble than it is worth to try and convert it, but it is probably possible. You would be better off to just swap it out for the gold. It really is the only difference between the two, and some folks will tell you it isn't worth the extra money, but it is to me. It offers a little more piece of mind that no embers are going to end up anywhere that you don't want them and it makes clean up a snap.

**the_ogre25** · 07-23-2012, 09:43 AM

See if you can find the parts breakdown for a gold model online and just order the parts from Weber directly. Just a note though I have never had a good experience trying to order replacement parts from them over the phone, always got a rude operator and they wanted the serial numbers off the grill before they would send the parts.

Edit:
Here is the parts breakdown.

**xraygun** · 07-23-2012, 11:13 AM

I think it would cost you more in parts than the exchange if it's even possible. I have a feeling the bottom of the kettle is different to accept that module. I have both types and it is a convenient feature.

**steelcity2** · 07-23-2012, 11:34 AM

Thanks. I took the Silver model to UPS and shipped it back with the return label. I'll order the Gold when the funds are credited back.

**drocu** · 07-23-2012, 11:42 AM

I would have said it's not worth it. I have the silver model and it's not a big deal emptying the ash.

**steelcity2** · 07-29-2012, 04:02 PM

Now looking at getting the Preformer grill. By the time I buy the kettle table ($50) and the lid holder ($25), I might as well buy the Preformer. Now that comes in two models.One with the gas lighter and one that doesn't. Anyone have either of these models? If i get the one with the gas, do I still the the chimney starter?

**Rivguy** · 07-29-2012, 06:35 PM

I have the 22" Gold and really like it a lot. I hope that the exchange did not hurt the feelings of your GF. Some times I get a gift that is not the exact item I had in mind and depending on the situation I just live with it rather hurt the feelings or offend someone who meant well.

Regards,

Doug

**Topgumby** · 07-29-2012, 06:57 PM

I've got a 17 Year old 22" Kettle that's still going strong. My solution to the ash disposal has been to put a steel mixing bowl on the aluminum tray...not fancy, but functional.

I'm so pleased with the chimney starter that I haven't thought about trying anything else. Some of the gear that's really enhanced my grilling would include the stainless hinged grate (well worth the expense), and a couple of half fire bricks that I use for Minion method smoking and keeping the coals to the sides for indirect heat. I tried the sheet metal Weber gizmos, but they are more trouble than the bricks.

I was gifted a semi-circular wire basket that goes on the side to hold stuff. It keeps the lid from closing so I haven't used it at all. The Weber vegetable basket is handy, as are the cheap welding gloves I keep around. My most used tool is probably a 5/8" x 12" foundation anchor, makes moving coals and lifting grates easy.

I have a separate table nearby that works great, so I haven't been tempted by the Performer, although when this one finally gives up the ghost, that might be on my list.

**jlanger** · 07-30-2012, 03:28 PM

The cart on the performer is nice but IMO you can pick up an inexpensive outdoor table for much cheaper. From what I've heard the grill will outlast the cart.
For me I'm looking at getting one of the newer 26.5" models. Spendy but I can fit a lot more stuff on it than my current 22.5.

**Franziskaner** · 07-30-2012, 04:49 PM

I've been using a Performer for about three years. The gas charcoal starter is nice, but not really a big advantage over a chimney starter. The convenience of the ash catcher, lid holder, work table, and under-table charcoal bin is great. Everything's right there where you need it. All in all I think it's a nice improvement over the regular Weber kettles, which I've used since I was a teenager.