Weber’s first charcoal grill with integrated Wi‑Fi temperature-control hardware is the 22-inch Performer Smart family, introduced in January 2026. The $599 Performer Smart and $799 Performer Premium Smart combine a conventional kettle-style charcoal cooker with an LCD controller, powered airflow fan, temperature probes, and the Weber Connect app. They are not fully autonomous grills: owners still light the charcoal, manage fuel and airflow, and supervise a live fire.
What Weber launched for 2026
Weber announced its 2026 smart lineup on January 21, 2026. The headline charcoal products are the 22-inch Performer Smart Charcoal Grill and 22-inch Performer Premium Smart Charcoal Grill.
The announcement also included the Kettle Smart Ring retrofit attachment, Smart Wireless Probe Plus with Booster and Charger, Smart Hub Display and Booster, Smart Probe and Grate Sensor, updated smart gas grills, and continued development of the Weber Connect ecosystem.
“First Wi‑Fi charcoal grill” needs a precise qualification. This is Weber’s first charcoal grill with built-in Wi‑Fi-enabled temperature-control hardware. It is not necessarily the first Wi‑Fi-capable charcoal grill on the market, and it is different from using a separate Weber Connect hub to monitor a conventional grill.
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- Intuitive LCD Wi-Fi Enabled Controller makes it easy to set grill temperature, monitor food probes, and set timers.
- Digital fan regulates airflow to charcoal to reach, hold, raise and lower temperature automatically and circulates air for even crisping and browning.
- Remotely monitor and control grill from your phone with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology and the Weber Connect App.
- Rapidfire Assist mode works with the digital fan to stoke charcoal and preheat the grill fast without a chimney starter.
- 2 built-in probe ports and 1 included food probe let you monitor food temperature, so you never overcook or undercook food.
How the Performer Smart controls charcoal
A standard kettle relies on the cook to adjust the bowl and lid dampers. The Performer Smart adds a digital control system and powered fan:
- The cook sets a target grill temperature through the LCD controller or Weber Connect app.
- A fan changes the airflow reaching the charcoal.
- The controller uses temperature readings to help raise, lower, and maintain the target temperature.
- Rapidfire Assist uses the fan to accelerate startup and preheating after the fire starter is lit.
The grill includes two built-in probe ports and one food probe. The Weber Connect app can provide grill and food-temperature monitoring, fuel alerts, timers, flip notifications, serve notifications, and doneness alerts. Wi‑Fi enables remote access, while Bluetooth supports local connectivity; Bluetooth should not be treated as equivalent to internet-based remote control.
This is more capable than a probe-only thermometer. A Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub can report temperatures, but the Performer Smart’s integrated fan is designed to regulate airflow as well.
Manual grilling remains possible
Weber says the grill can be used manually without its smart functionality. It retains conventional charcoal controls, so a failed connection or unavailable phone does not automatically prevent basic grilling.
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Manual fallback does not make the grill identical to a simple kettle. The controller, fan, probes, and other electronics remain part of the product, and remote features still depend on the app and connectivity. For important cooks, keeping a physical thermometer or another manual-read backup is sensible.
Rank #2
- Hand-applied, porcelain-enameled finish on lid and bowl ensures superior heat retention, withstands high temperatures, resists scratching, rust and corrosion, and is easy to clean.
- Adjustable, aluminum lid and bowl dampers allow you to control the temperature inside your grill for perfect results, every time.
- Painted steel side table adds 280 square inches of space to prep and serve right next to your grill.
- Weber Works side rail fits snap on accessories (sold separately) like the Bottle Holder, Condiment Holder, Tool Hooks, and more.
- Built-in lid thermometer lets you check the temperature inside the grill without opening the lid.
Performer Smart versus Premium Smart
| Model | Observed US price | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| 22-inch Performer Smart | $599 | Integrated smart control at the lower entry price |
| 22-inch Performer Premium Smart | $799 | Smart control plus a more fully equipped cart, storage, and workspace |
| 22-inch Performer | $449 | Cart-based charcoal grilling without integrated smart control |
| 22-inch Performer Premium | $649 | Premium cart and workspace with manual fire management |
The core smart concept appears to be shared by both Smart models. The principal reason to spend the additional $200 on the Premium Smart is the cart and workspace package, not a different class of temperature-control technology. Weber’s readily indexed detailed listing is for the Premium Smart, so buyers should confirm the exact cart, shelf, and storage contents of the $599 model on its live product page before ordering.
Premium Smart specifications
- Cooking diameter: 22 inches
- Primary cooking area: 363 square inches
- Closed dimensions: 45 inches high × 47.5 inches wide × 28 inches deep
- Open-lid width: 49.5 inches
- Weight: 90 pounds
- Manufacturer-listed maximum temperature: 600°F
- Approximate capacity: 13 burgers
- Included food probe: one
- Probe ports: two
The Premium Smart listing describes a premium cart, side table, side rail, bottom and middle storage shelves, hinged plated-steel cooking grate, two wheels, two locking casters, Tuck-Away lid holder, and One-Touch cleaning system. Weber Works accessories and other recommended accessories are sold separately.
The listed warranty for the Premium Smart is 10 years on the bowl and lid, five years on the One-Touch cleaning system, five years on plastic components excluding fading or discoloration, and two years on remaining parts.
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Remote access can be useful when a cook is managing a long charcoal session. The app can show grill and food temperatures, allow target-temperature adjustments, and deliver fuel, timer, flip, serve, and doneness notifications.
But a fan controller cannot overcome every limitation of a charcoal fire. Wind, cold weather, rain, damp fuel, ash buildup, the arrangement and quantity of charcoal, lid openings, and the grill’s ability to retain airflow all affect results. Opening the lid frequently can create temperature swings and disrupt the controller’s assumptions.
Rank #3
- This premium Weber kettle grill has space to hold up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; The durable-plated steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel, offers a resilient surface that stands up to the demands of frequent grilling
- Easy Ash Cleanup: The One-Touch cleaning system included in the black charcoal grill has a removable aluminized, high-capacity ash catcher allowing for efficient and less frequent removal of ash from the bottom of the grill
- Durability and Flavor Retention: Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are engineered to withstand high temperatures and retain heat; Bowl and lid combination on outdoor grill resist rust and won't peel
- Glass-Reinforced Nylon Handles: Kettle grill's handles were crafted with precision and durability in mind; Reinforced with high-quality, glass-infused nylon, ensuring they can withstand the demands of frequent use and exposure to heat
- Real-Time Temperature Monitoring: Built-in Lid Thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling, displaying the internal temperature of your black charcoal and BBQ grill
Weber markets the system for longer cooks and overnight smoking. That describes the intended use, not independently verified proof that the grill holds temperature perfectly, consumes fuel efficiently, produces a particular smoke profile, or can safely be left unattended. The supplied evidence does not establish those performance results.
Performer Smart alternatives
Original Kettle Premium: $249
The 22-inch Original Kettle Premium is the value choice for traditional charcoal cooking. At the observed US price of $249, it costs roughly $550 less than the $799 Premium Smart. That difference pays for the cart, workspace, integrated controller, fan, probes, and app ecosystem—not merely Wi‑Fi temperature readings.
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The 22-inch Performer Premium offers the cart and workspace format without the integrated Wi‑Fi controller and fan. It is the more rational choice for cooks who like the Performer setup but prefer manual fire management, fewer electronic components, and a $150 lower price than the Premium Smart.
Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub
Weber lists the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub at $139.99 on the Summit Kamado E6 page. It is primarily a probe-based monitoring accessory. It does not, by itself, turn an ordinary kettle into a built-in fan-controlled cooker.
Kettle Smart Ring: $279.99 announced price
The Kettle Smart Ring is a separate attachment intended for compatible 22-inch Weber charcoal grills, including certain non-smart Performer models. It may suit an existing Weber owner who wants smart temperature control without replacing the grill, but compatibility is model- and generation-specific. Verify Weber’s current compatibility list before buying.
Rank #4
- Compact, lightweight charcoal grill for grilling on the go
- Efficient rectangular design is easy to carry, pack, and store
- Spacious grilling area perfect for cooking for 2-4 people
- 2-piece cooking grate lets you add more charcoal as needed
- Char-rail insert helps arrange coals for indirect cooking
For a new buyer, the total cost should be compared with a complete Performer Smart, including warranty coverage, integration, cart features, and the condition of the existing grill.
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Price and availability
Weber originally described spring 2026 availability for the base smart models and summer 2026 availability for the premium models. The current Weber US pages observed in the supplied research show active purchase listings for the smart grills at $599 and $799. Those are US prices, not universal regional pricing, and promotions, inventory, taxes, shipping, and availability can change.
Other announced US prices include $114.99 for the Smart Wireless Probe Plus with Booster and Charger, $89.99 for the Smart Hub Display and Booster, $39.99 for the Smart Probe and Grate Sensor, and $69.99 for an individual Smart Wireless Probe.
Who should buy the Performer Smart?
- Buy the Performer Smart if you want charcoal flavor, a cart-based 22-inch cooker, remote monitoring, and integrated fan-assisted temperature control without paying for the Premium cart package.
- Buy the Premium Smart if storage, preparation space, and the more complete cart matter enough to justify $200 more.
- Choose the conventional Performer if you want the cart and workspace but do not need connected features or automated airflow assistance.
- Choose the Original Kettle Premium if low cost, simplicity, and manual charcoal cooking matter most.
- Consider the Smart Ring if you already own a compatible 22-inch Weber and want an upgrade rather than a complete new grill.
- Consider the Summit Kamado E6 if insulation, kamado-style efficiency, high-heat performance, and its 24-inch cooking area matter more than integrated Wi‑Fi. Weber lists it at $1,399 and describes features including dual-wall insulation, an adjustable fuel grate, diffuser plate, and built-in fan port, but it is not presented as the new integrated Wi‑Fi Performer Smart.
Limitations buyers should understand
Charcoal remains a live fire. The system still requires safe lighting, suitable fuel, enough charcoal for the cook, and attention to weather and airflow. Rapidfire Assist does not mean that no fire starter or normal charcoal safety precautions are required.
Connectivity can fail through the app, grill electronics, Bluetooth, or home network. The grill’s manual controls are therefore important, but remote functions should not be assumed to work during an outage or without the required connection. The supplied material also does not establish the exact power arrangement, setup requirements, account requirements, permissions, or firmware-update process; check the current owner’s manual before purchase.
One customer review on Weber’s product page reportedly describes difficulty maintaining a healthy fire. That is anecdotal feedback, not an independent performance test or proof of a general product defect.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The Performer Smart is most compelling for charcoal cooks who regularly smoke or run longer cooks and want integrated airflow control with remote oversight. It is not the best-value Weber for ordinary burgers and steaks, and its Wi‑Fi does not remove the need to understand fuel, airflow, weather, safety, or manual fire management.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
