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barbecue

Weber’s 2026 Smart Grill Lineup Includes Its First Wi‐Fi-Equipped Charcoal Grill

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Weber’s 2026 lineup adds the 22-inch Performer Premium Smart Charcoal Grill, which the company describes as its first integrated Wi‐Fi charcoal grill. Unlike a standard kettle paired with a thermometer, it actively regulates airflow into the charcoal through an LCD controller. The WEBER CONNECT app then provides remote temperature control, probe monitoring, timers, and alerts.

U.S. pricing listed by Weber is $599 for the Performer Smart and $799 for the Performer Premium Smart. Weber is also offering a $279.99 Kettle Smart Ring for retrofitting compatible 22-inch kettles. Prices and availability can change; the figures here reflect Weber’s U.S. listings and 2026 launch information.

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What the Performer Smart actually does

The defining feature is active charcoal-fire management. Its Wi‐Fi-enabled LCD controller adjusts airflow into the coals to influence the cooking temperature. That makes it materially different from a conventional kettle or a standalone wireless probe, which can measure temperature but cannot change the fire.

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Through the WEBER CONNECT app, owners can monitor grill and food temperatures, adjust settings remotely, and receive timers, flip alerts, serve alerts, and doneness notifications. Weber is positioning the system for longer cooks, including overnight smoking.

#1 Best Overall
Weber® Performer™ 22‑Inch Smart Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Black | Charcoal Kettle with Wi-Fi® Control, Cart with Prep Table, Weber Works™ Side Table & Rail, Black Porcelain-Enameled Finish
  • 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.

That does not make charcoal behave exactly like gas, electricity, or a pellet grill. Charcoal has thermal inertia, fuel can run low, and airflow control cannot compensate indefinitely for poor fuel placement, ash buildup, a leaky lid, or a fire that is already too large. Remote control also depends on power, a properly paired phone and probes, and a reliable network connection.

Features of the 22-inch Performer Premium Smart

  • Charcoal-burning, 22-inch Performer-style kettle design
  • Wi‐Fi-enabled LCD temperature controller
  • Automatic airflow regulation into the charcoal
  • WEBER CONNECT app integration
  • Two built-in probe ports and one included food probe
  • Rapidfire Assist startup and preheating mode
  • WEBER WORKS side table and side rail
  • Two standard wheels and two locking swivel casters
  • Porcelain-enameled finish
  • Hinged cooking grate
  • Tuck-Away lid holder
  • One-Touch cleaning system

Rapidfire Assist is intended to speed ignition and preheating. It is not a substitute for charcoal, a chimney starter, lighter cubes, or proper fire preparation. Weber announced a ten-year limited warranty for the new charcoal grill line; individual components may not all have identical coverage.

The four Performer models compared

Model U.S. launch price Smart control Availability announced
Performer Charcoal Grill $449 No Spring 2026
Performer Smart Charcoal Grill $599 Yes Spring 2026
Performer Premium Charcoal Grill $649 No Summer 2026
Performer Premium Smart Charcoal Grill $799 Yes Summer 2026

The smart versions cost $150 more than their corresponding non-smart models. The $799 premium smart model is also $200 more than the non-smart premium Performer. That difference pays for more than software: premium models have different cart, storage, and configuration features.

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Weber’s current U.S. new-products page lists the $599 Performer Smart, $799 Premium Smart, and $649 Premium Charcoal Grill. Check the current Weber U.S. listings for stock, promotions, delivery charges, and live pricing.

The Kettle Smart Ring is the retrofit alternative

The Kettle Smart Ring is a separate attachment rather than a complete grill. Weber says it adds automated temperature control and connectivity to compatible 22-inch Weber kettles, including non-smart Performer charcoal grills, at a U.S. price of $279.99.

It is the more relevant option for someone who already owns a suitable Weber kettle and does not need a Performer cart, storage shelf, side table, or integrated grill package. It may also offer a lower-cost route into automated charcoal control.

Compatibility is the important qualification. The Ring is not presented as a universal attachment for every Weber kettle, every Performer generation, or third-party grills. Confirm the official compatibility list before ordering.

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Monitoring is not the same as fire control

Weber’s broader 2026 smart ecosystem includes products that monitor temperature but do not necessarily regulate a charcoal fire:

  • Smart Wireless Probe with Booster and Charger: $114.99 announced price.
  • Individual Smart Wireless Probe: $69.99 announced price.
  • Smart Hub Display and Booster: $89.99 announced price.
  • Smart Probe and Grate Sensor: $39.99 announced price.

Weber says the Smart Hub can connect up to two wired probes and four wireless probes or sensors. It can be used with any brand of grill or oven and can also serve as a display for Generation 2 Weber smart grills. These products are useful when the problem is knowing the food or grate temperature. They do not, by themselves, turn an ordinary grill into an airflow-regulated charcoal grill.

The lineup also includes updated smart GENESIS and SPIRIT gas grills. Weber says new GENESIS models have a Sear Zone reaching up to 750°F (398°C), with liquid-propane and natural-gas versions. The announcement listed new SPIRIT smart models from $599 and the GENESIS Smart Gas Grill from $999, while current individual U.S. listings vary by fuel type and configuration.

What you need to use the smart features

The grill is not a self-contained automation system. Plan on needing:

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  • A compatible smartphone and the WEBER CONNECT app
  • Bluetooth pairing near the grill and Wi‐Fi for supported remote functions
  • Correctly installed and positioned probes
  • Power for the controller and charging or batteries for wireless accessories, where applicable
  • A home-network signal strong enough to reach the cooking area
  • Charcoal, ash removal, fire preparation, and normal cooking supervision

Weber’s UK 2026 page lists WEBER CONNECT compatibility as iOS 17 or later and most Android smartphones running Android 7.0 or later. Those requirements are region- and app-version dependent, so U.S. buyers should check their local app store before purchasing.

Connectivity details such as backyard range, router-band requirements, outage behavior, and recovery steps should be confirmed in the final regional manual or Weber support documentation. Wi‐Fi should be treated as a convenience, not a safety guarantee.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What automation cannot solve

  • It cannot load or replenish charcoal.
  • It cannot remove ash that blocks airflow.
  • It cannot make wet or inconsistent fuel burn predictably.
  • It cannot prevent temperature swings caused by repeated lid opening.
  • It cannot correct every leak, probe-placement error, or oversized fire.
  • It cannot guarantee food safety; cooks still need to verify internal temperatures and handle food properly.

Independent testing is still needed to establish long-cook temperature stability, Wi‐Fi reliability, charcoal consumption, recovery after opening the lid, controller noise, and durability around heat, grease, rain, and ash. Weber’s announcement establishes the design and features, not those performance results.

Which Weber smart charcoal option fits?

Choose the Performer Premium Smart if

  • You regularly smoke brisket, pork shoulder, ribs, or other long-cook foods.
  • You want active airflow regulation rather than probe-only alerts.
  • Remote monitoring is genuinely useful to you.
  • You want the full Performer cart, prep space, storage, and accessory features.
  • You accept the $799 U.S. price before fuel and accessories.

Choose the base Performer Smart if

You want the same basic smart charcoal-control concept at $599 and do not need the premium cart and storage configuration.

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Choose a non-smart Performer if

You prefer manual dampers, already own a reliable thermometer, mostly cook short meals, or want to avoid outdoor electronics. The $449 base and $649 premium models save $150 versus their smart equivalents.

Choose the Kettle Smart Ring if

You already own a compatible 22-inch Weber kettle or non-smart Performer and want automation without replacing the grill. Verify compatibility first, and remember that it does not provide the complete Performer cart package.

Choose a Smart Hub or probe instead if

Your priority is temperature monitoring across an existing charcoal, gas, pellet, or indoor cooker. A probe system may be enough if you want alerts but do not need automatic fire control.

Availability and regional differences

Weber announced the 2026 lineup on January 21, 2026, with base Performer models scheduled for spring and premium models for summer in the U.S. The company’s U.S. page subsequently listed the smart Performer models and Kettle Smart Ring. International timing, model names, prices, warranty terms, and app requirements may differ. For example, Weber’s UK 2026 page has used “Coming Soon” language for the Performer Smart charcoal product.

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For the latest U.S. information, consult Weber’s official 2026 announcement and new-products page. UK readers should check the UK 2026 page.

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.

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