This new model is a must have for serious grillers who feel cramped on their old 22.5" like I did. I never had quite enough room for proper indirect cooking or for creating the necessary heat zones. Many times I was forced to use my 6 burner Gas Weber Summit for larger BBQ parties. On the 26" I cooked chicken for 15 last week with room to spare. Problem solved. Don't bother buying the smaller model if you are serious.
Pros:
1. Lots of grill space for cooking tons of food.
2. Room for proper indirect cooking with larger items like Roasts or a whole Turkey
3. Better thermometer than my old 22.5" One-Touch Gold
4. Plastic handle on the lid vent so it can be adjusted when hot.
5. Reinforced grate to hold up the coals. Much better design
6. Stainless Steel cooking grill is much easier to clean and will last much longer than the chrome plated grill on smaller models
7. Looks impressive :¬)
Cons:
1. Lid is large diameter and heavy, Be careful slinging it around like the smaller model. Burned my forearm the first day, learned my lesson.
2. Legs are flimsy like smaller model, but this grill is much heavier. I wonder how long they will last. Appear to made of the same thin aluminum.
3. Natural wood charcoal unburned "bits" small enough to fall through the grill, but large enough to lodge in the vents will prevent adjustment, cleaning or closure until they burn or are removed. Forcing will damage the cleaning blades. I am trying different brands of charcoal. I may also add another coal grill at 90° to see if it helps. I am not a big fan of molded briquets which don't have this problem.
4. Does not fit in a passenger car like the 22.5 or smaller could. Now I have an excuse not to loan it to friends for their parties :¬)
5. Wish they made a 26" Performer Model with Propane for lighting coals and the built in work table.
6. No rotisserie option (yet)Get more detail about Weber 781001 26-Inch One-Touch Gold Grill.
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