Weber BBQ's

[OVERKILL]

So my BBQ is reaching EOL and I'd like to get something a bit nicer this time. Home Depot has a wide selection of Weber products and the one that piqued my interested was the Spirit SP-310 in stainless, with the stainless grill. I noticed some of the lower priced Genesis offerings had the cast grill, whilst all the higher tier ones had the stainless one.

I know the Genesis is pretty much the benchmark, but to get the stainless grill in the Genesis series, I'm looking at $400 more at minimum.

Thoughts?

 

[andyd]

Yah, I've been keeping a Weber "red top" going. This spring, MDW wanted to buy a new grille. The Weber had died over the winter. I fixed the burner with a $6.15 burner connector. I like Webers, because they are made well enough to be worth fixing

 

[bioburner]

Ever check out the local ads? I bet in my local CL there was 50 grills for sale. My most used grill a Weber Q is 15 years old and the Charbroil monster that gets rolled out for major grilling is over 20 years old. Don't know if I will be able get any more burners for it but the Q still has the original cast grill but that's because it does not have a super high flame. I picked up a used Q last March in TX with adapter hose and carry case for a whopping $30 in excellent condition.

 

[sleddriver]

Set on gas?

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: sleddriver
Set on gas?


In terms of convenience, I think yes. I doubt my wife would be overly thrilled about charcoal, if that's where you are going with that

 

[CourierDriver]

Have a 20 yr old weber,,,works great, no complaints

 

[bruckus]

I think the extra cost is worth it if you can pull it off. Im on about 11 years on my top of the line Weber and it still works perfect.
The only thing i have done was replace the battery in the ignitor. Great Grill.

 

[fdcg27]

We have an ancient 30+ YO Weber charcoal kettle grill.
It's seen variable use over the years, with daily use some summers.
It remains in good shape.
I don't know about current Weber grills, but the old ones were certainly quality pieces.

 

[SF0059]

We retired a 35+ year old Weber that was a hand-me-down from the mother-in-law. Still cooked great, but the body was rusting through from one too many Connecticut winters.

We bought a Genesis and couldn't be happier. It is a joy to use something that is as well made as its predecessor. The Genesis series is absolutely worth the upgrade, especially if you are buying it for the long haul.

 

[Silverado12]

The Spirit line in made in China. I bought one thinking they were American made. No where on the box did it state it was Chinese, but I saw a piece that had the Chinese label on it. IMO the Spirit line is not worth the high price as mine had the base (where the tank sets) rot away within 5 years. I have replaced the grids, v-shaped deflectors and have the burner going bad now. I bought it in 2011.

 

[Rand]

Probably worth spending on the genesis its a nicer grill and will last 2x as long easily.

 

[JC1]

I've got a stainless genesis that I bought back in 2002. Only thing I've changed is the flavourizor bars that rusted out.

They do last a long time.

 

[bubbatime]

I agree. The Genesis is a really nice grill, and made in America, and parts are easy to come by.

The Spirit is made in China.

I think you will be much happy in the long run to spend a little extra money up front. You will have this grill for the next 15-25 years of your life. Remember, they are fully rebuildable, and parts are super easy to get from Weber.

I have the Genesis with the cast iron cooking surface. They dont present a problem and likely hold heat better and cook better than the stainless ones, so I wouldn't worry about it. If you REALLY want the stainless steel cooking grates, then you can buy them on Amazon for $119.

So if there is a crazy markup on the grills that come with the stainless grates, buy the cheaper grill with cast iron grates, and then the stainless grates from Amazon, and you will have two full sets of cooking grates.

https://www.amazon.com/Weber-7528-Stainless-Cooking-Grates/dp/B000WEOPR8

 

[Linctex]

Originally Posted By: bioburner
Ever check out the local ads? I bet in my local CL there was 50 grills for sale.


Which is why I'll be waiting until after Father's day to go grill shopping!

 

[KrisZ]

My inlaws have the Genesis model and it is really nice and seems well made. Another brand worth looking into is Napoleon, Canadian made and similar quality, support as Weber. Both are pricey though when going for the good models, not the ones made for the big box stores. These are not supported after release of the next version, which is usually from one season to another.

 

[WiskyBadger]

Originally Posted By: SF0059
We retired a 35+ year old Weber that was a hand-me-down from the mother-in-law. Still cooked great, but the body was rusting through from one too many Connecticut winters.

We bought a Genesis and couldn't be happier. It is a joy to use something that is as well made as its predecessor. The Genesis series is absolutely worth the upgrade, especially if you are buying it for the long haul.
Were still rockin a hand me down charcoal Weber. It's older then me but it's in good shape and works great.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Silverado12
The Spirit line in made in China. I bought one thinking they were American made. No where on the box did it state it was Chinese, but I saw a piece that had the Chinese label on it. IMO the Spirit line is not worth the high price as mine had the base (where the tank sets) rot away within 5 years. I have replaced the grids, v-shaped deflectors and have the burner going bad now. I bought it in 2011.


That's the kind of feedback I'm looking for, thank you very much!

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: bubbatime
I agree. The Genesis is a really nice grill, and made in America, and parts are easy to come by.

The Spirit is made in China.

I think you will be much happy in the long run to spend a little extra money up front. You will have this grill for the next 15-25 years of your life. Remember, they are fully rebuildable, and parts are super easy to get from Weber.

I have the Genesis with the cast iron cooking surface. They dont present a problem and likely hold heat better and cook better than the stainless ones, so I wouldn't worry about it. If you REALLY want the stainless steel cooking grates, then you can buy them on Amazon for $119.

So if there is a crazy markup on the grills that come with the stainless grates, buy the cheaper grill with cast iron grates, and then the stainless grates from Amazon, and you will have two full sets of cooking grates.

https://www.amazon.com/Weber-7528-Stainless-Cooking-Grates/dp/B000WEOPR8


that's a good thought, thank you!

 

[Carmudgeon]

Originally Posted By: bubbatime
I agree. The Genesis is a really nice grill, and made in America, and parts are easy to come by.

The Spirit is made in China.



The old ones were, but the Genesis II is made in China.

The US-made (albeit with some foreign componentry) lines now start with the Genesis II LX, at $899

COO isn't the be all/end all, but regardless, I dislike the open design of the II compared to the I.

A NOS Genesis would be a better buy, but it's been at least 6-7 months since the model change.


Webers are well-made and well supported, but their control over MAP pricing makes discounts rare.

 

[c502cid]

I'll buy Weber again just because of their customer service. I had a heavily used Weber Genesis that rusted out the innards well after the warranty was up. Sent Weber a letter and they sent me all I needed to get it going, which was everything, for N/C. Customer for life.