I had great results dealing with their warranty department. I had purchased a new 26" to replace my 22" Deluxe Performer that we were moving to our permanent campsite. My plan was to build a cart for the 26" similar to the Performer.
After having the grill for about a month, I noticed some rust in a few spots. After inspecting further, I found quite a few areas missing finishing or finish flaked off. I had not used it or did a burn in, I simply purchased it, loaded into my truck (already assembled), and unloaded at home. The lid and bowl were wrapped individually in moving blankets to protect the finish.
The problem areas on the bowl were where the legs attached (some rust coming out after rain on the exterior and the finish flaked off on the interior where they attached), and the handle. There was some finish missing where it looked like it had been stressed and there was rust coming out of the seam (where the handle attached to the bowl) after rain.
The lid had missing or flaked off finish around the vent holes.
I contacted Weber (via their website) and received a response the next day. They requested the usual information. I sent them pictures of all the problem areas and said that I had excellent results with my 22" performer that has lived its entire life outdoors. About a few weeks later, I received a brand new bowl and lid!
So now I have a new in box (naked/stripped) 26" that needs the grates and accessories to complete it, and my original. I did not not to return the defected 26".
