How We Picked The Best Gas Grill
We had three firm criteria that our main contenders had to meet:
Finally, we restricted our search to grills that burn propane from refillable tanks, the most common fuel by far, but you should note that most grills can also run on natural gasthough converting to natural gas isnt cheap or simple.1
We didnt fret much over two other factors that grill-makers spend a lot of time talking about: total Btu count and the grates material. First, the total Btu count on three-burner grills tends to vary between 30,000 and 40,000, and the industry is making a strong push toward more is better. But our research and reporting convinced us that at least as important as the total output was whether those Btus were applied efficiently, steadily, and evenly across the grates. We decided to reserve judgment until our tests.
We knew we would be looking at intangibles, too, such as how well the grills were packed, if the instructions were clear, and if assembly was reasonably straightforward. And, of course, we would consider the biggest intangible of all: the grills ability to perform in our tests.
But those judgments would have to wait until we got our hands on the contenders. So after weeks of research, reporting, and discussion, we settled on four gas grills to test in our main $400 to $700 category, and two grills around the $200 mark to test as budget options.
Weber Spirit Vs Genesis Overview
Its important to note that the Spirit and Genesis are both series of grills.; Each series features dozens of individual grills that are suited for different needs.; When comparing the Weber Spirit vs Genesis series, were going to look first at the high level differences.
The high level difference between the two series is that Weber Spirit grills are designed to be more of a bare bones grill, whereas the Genesis series grills are more advanced and loaded with extra features.
Thats not to say that a beginner cant operate a Weber Genesis quite the opposite.; Its just that you might be paying for features you wont use at first when youre just learning how to grill.
Thats also not to say that the Weber Spirit series isnt full of high quality grills.; Just because there arent a bunch of bells and whistles doesnt mean that it isnt an incredibly good grill.
If youre the type of griller who uses a grill once every other week, the Spirit might be a better suited design for you.; It has everything you need to get the job done.; If youre an intermediate or advanced griller, or youre looking to take your grilling game to the next level, the Genesis series might be better.
Exclusive: Weber Genesis Ii Se Series 4
At Designer Appliances, we have been working closely with Weber for years to offer our customers the absolute best grill lineups while also providing unparalleled customer support. This year, Weber has returned the favor by releasing their Genesis II SE Series grill only available to a few of their select Weber dealers, including Designer Appliances. You wont find this model at your big box home improvement stores.
Weber Genesis II SE 4-Burner Grill
For only $50 more than the standard Genesis II 4-burner grill, the SE Weber Grill includes:
- Upgraded grill grates, from standard porcelain enamel to stainless steel
- Upgraded flavorizer bars, from porcelain enamel to stainless steel
- Rich Color Options
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Question: How Do I Identify My Weber Grill Model
The serial number consists of one or two letters found on the lid damper, plus the bar code containing 5 or 6 numbers, located under the control panel. Located in the upper right-hand corner of owners manual. Older units had a bar code underneath the stainless steel charbin cover.
Gas Grill Vs Charcoal Grill
If youre buying a grill, your first decision is which type of fuel: charcoal or gas.
Gas grills offer three big benefits:
- Control: Adjusting the heat is a simple matter of turning the burner knobs, so you can easily prevent burning or undercooking, as well as create different heat zones by shutting down one or more burner . You can do the same with charcoal, too, but it takes workyou need to move the coals around and adjust the vents.
- Convenience: Gas grills turn on with the press of a button and heat up fast. Charcoal grills require 20 minutes or so to light the coals and another 10 minutes or so for the grates to heat up.
- Cleanliness: Gas grills dont generate much smoke and dont produce ash or embers the way charcoal grills do, so cleanup is simpleyou just have to brush and wipe the grates and empty the grease trap after youre done cooking.
That said, charcoal grills have several upsides of their own. Charcoal burns hotter than gas, so you can get a superior sear on burgers and steaks. You can buy an exceptional, do-everything charcoal grill for $150; gas grills start at around $200, and youll spend at least twice that on a really good one. Lastly, theres the romance factor: For some people, its more fun to play with fire than to twiddle a few knobs.
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Craig Smith Chattanooga Tn
Date Code: C
I was talking at work about building a drum smoker and a girl I work with overheard me. She said her husband had an old smoker that doesnt get used at all and offered to call him to see if it was something he wanted to get rid of. Turned out that he was, and this smoker has the date code of C.
Thanks for putting a website like this up and thanks for all the info to use my new to me old Smokey Mountain.
Which Is Better Weber Or Char Broil
Weber vs Char Broil Summary Weber offers much more expensive models, but at the same time they are much more durable and efficient, whereas Char-Broil mostly offers models for those with a limited budget. Their grills are good, but only for a few seasons as at this kind of price its hard to build something durable.
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Clark Hodgson Wyocena Wi
Date Code: B
I was driving past my neighbors place in Wyocena, WI on Memorial Day weekend 2006 while they were having a garage sale. I saw what I thought for sure was a WSM sitting in his driveway. It was a little rusty, the access door and legs anyway, but appeared to be in excellent condition otherwise.
My neighbor had a price tag on it of $20.00. He said, Dont buy that because then youll have to cook! I told him I used my Brinkmann to cook all the time. Since I am his neighbor, he said $10.00 would take it away. I couldnt pass up that deal.
So I came back with my truck, loaded it up, took it home and gave it a good cleaning. All of the porcelain was in really good shape. The grates were all rusty, but a wire brush took care of that. Since it did not have a thermometer, I searched the Web for retrofit ideas, which is how I happened on your site and learned about the date codes.
Clark cleaned up the old steel legs as best he could, but took a wire brush to the steel access door and sprayed it with black barbecue paint to make it look better.
How Do You Tell What Year A Piano Was Made
Pianos also have other numbers printed on them such as part numbers and many other pianos do not have a serial number at all. Many pianos will have a 4, 5 or 6 digit serial number to identify the age of the piano. Using this number, along with the manufacturer, the age of the piano can sometimes be determined.
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Upgrade Grill Pick: Weber Genesis Ii E
*At the time of publishing, the price was $780.
The Weber Genesis II E-310 gas grill is also an exceptional performer, and it offers several clever, life-improving design elements that we love. The grates are about 20 percent bigger, too, but overall the Genesis II takes up barely more area than the Spirit II, so theres no appreciable trade-off between the two if your patio space is tight. Essentially, the decision comes down to how youll use your grill: If you often cook for crowds, the Genesis II is worth the extra couple hundred dollars.
Performance-wise, we found the two Weber models nearly identical, with the Spirit just slightly edging the Genesis II on burger-searing performance. And that gap would probably close with a bit more time to learn the Genesis IIs finer points. In terms of materials, the two are almost twins, offering heavy cast-aluminum fireboxes and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. The Genesis II, however, features a frame made of welded rails, while the Spirit II is made of folded metal . Theyre both sturdy enough, but the Genesis II is appreciably stiffer and more solid-feeling. And we like that it has casters: Its easier to swivel into a corner for storage than the casterless Spirit.
Moving the tank to the outside also frees up space below the grill, which Weber fills with a generous and sturdy storage shelf. Thats a nice feature; you can keep trays, grill tools, or even a small cooler there.
Frits De Jonge Nijmegen Netherlands Model 1880
Date Code: C
Although it has some imperfectionsthe enamel on the bottom rim is not perfect, the bottom grill is missing, and its not perfectly round anymorethe rest it still looks great. The original booklet was present as well.
The owner told me that he had received this smoker from his sister in Scotland, but they never used it. As you can imagine, I am very pleased to own such an old, special WSM.
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Where Is My Serial Number
Weber has made so many different versions of our Q, Spirit, Genesis and Summit models it could make your head spin. While having a huge assortment of grills to choose from is a great thing, it can make it a bit hard to figure out which is the correct replacement part.
Serial numbers are the single best tool for identifying a Weber gas grill, and every gas grill that Weber makes has one. Weber charcoal models have serial numbers too, but they are even more crucial to have when dealing with a gas grill, due to the gas train parts involved.Whenever anyone calls Weber Customer Service one of the first questions we ask is if they have the serial number for their grill. This ensures that the representative taking the order will order all the right parts for the grill. Not only that, but serial numbers are used to register grills in our system to provide warranty coverage.
So where does one find a serial number on a Weber grill?
Well we have a handy chart right here on Weber.com for finding out where the serial number for each model can be found.
On gas models, the serial number will be on a data label affixed to a component of the grill.
Here is an example of a serial number from a Weber gas grill.
Jim Pfefferle Pewaukee Wi
Date Code: C
I rescued this bad boy from the back porch of my sisters place, where it had gathered dust since my fathers passing five years ago. Before looking, I was pretty confident it would be a C model, since my Dad was always trying out new grills and loved Weber products. I now consider this WSM a family heirloom.
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Review: Weber Genesis Ii Lx Grill
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A few nights after I got the new Weber Genesis II LX grill on my roof deck, I texted my buddy Ted, proposing beer and burgers at my place. I’ve reviewed Weber’s grills before and fully expected this one, the latest addition to its line of sturdy and well-made propane grills, to stand out as a high-end weekend warrior.
Oh, hell yes! Ted replied less than a minute later. Gentleman that he is, he even brought the beer.
I crisped up buns on the hot grate and grilled thumb-thick patties, giving one side more time than the other in order to brown them while avoiding what my dad would call “cooking it into a coma.” They made for some pretty fantastic weeknight burgers. But after more rigorous testing, the grill proved to have some serious weaknesses. This thing is built like a tank, but it’s surprisingly underpowered.
I reviewed a grill in the LX series, which comes with a few more BTUs of heat and some additional bells and whistles. There’s a stainless-steel grill grate, a storage cabinet beneath the grill, and a light that attaches to the lid handle to illuminate whatever youre cooking. You can find similar features in other grills or buy them as after-market add-ons, but having them built into the model is a nice touch.
Weber Weber Genesis II LX
Rating: 4/10
Rating: 4/10
Do You Sear A Steak Before Or After Grilling
Searing meat doesnt create an impermeable barrier that prevents the release of natural juices when cooking or slicing a steak or other cut of meat. But that doesnt mean you should abandon searing altogether. You should always consider searing steaks before grilling, baking, braising, roasting, or sautéeing.
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John Wells Overland Park Ks
Date Code: C
I had to laugh when I saw;the note;about the C club on New Years Day 2005. I was smoking a turkey and realized when loading the charcoal, that I need a new charcoal grate.;Its FINALLY;giving out.;I was checking your website and saw the thing about the letters stamped into the vents.
This has been one great smoker, consistent and easy to use!;I cant remember where I got it or what I paid for it, but Ill buy another for surewhen this one cant be used anymore!
Simple Steps For How To Identify Your Weber Gas Grill
If you do not know your model or series of your Weber grill, you can always collect some information by either measuring the grill parts or by identifying certaincharacteristics of your grill.
Here are some things to look for in order to identify thetype of Weber grill you have:
1. Locate your Serial Number
There will be an information sticker on your Weber;grill that will have your model and serial;number
Weber serial number location :
All Weber Grills have the serial number located on the owners manual. If you should not have your manual, follow these guidelines below. Also you can email us a picture of your grill and we can figure it out.
Cant find it? Here are thepossible placements of the serial number on your grill .;
Your serial number will begin with 2 letters and 5 or 6 numbers following:
Spirit 2007-2017
- Before 2013 – On the bottom panel
- After 2013 – Also on the manifold.
Spirit II
- Inside face of the left side panel and on the manifold.
Genesis 1-5
- Inside of the tank panel or under the control panel.
Genesis 1000-5500, Spirit & Platinum
- Under of the control panel
Genesis Silver, Gold, Platinum
- Right side of control panel.
Genesis Silver, Gold, Platinum SWE
- Inside of tank panel.
- Located on the right side panel next to the drip tray.
Genesis II / Genesis II LX
- Rear Frame and manifold
- Outside of the right louvered panel and on manifold.
Summit 2007-2017
- Toward the bottom of inside the cabinet on the Left side panel.
Summit 2007-2008 Built-Ins
- Back side frame
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How Do I Find My Weber Grill Model
How do I find my Weber grill model?
Where is the model on a Weber grill?;On gas models, the serial number will be on a data label affixed to a component of the grill.
How do I find the year of my Weber grill?;In 2013, Weber started using the same nine-character alphanumeric code on the Go-Anywhere Gas Grill as it uses on Weber charcoal grills. The code consists of two letters + seven numberstwo letters represent the model year using the word CONSUMABLE as the key and seven numbers as a serial number.
How do I read my Weber serial number?;Serial numbers have 2 letters followed by 7 numbers, including leading zeros, printed on the data label of all gas and wood pellet models. NOTE: The Gas Go-Anywhere model will show this on the burner tube. Current charcoal models use the same format, with the serial number stamped on the damper.
Four Or Six Main Burners
The Weber Summit Grills will have 4 or 6 mainburners. There is the Summit 400 Series , the 600 Series , and the Silver, Gold and Platinum Series.
We always recommend measuring your parts and comparing them to our part description to be absolutely sure.
Does your Grill have wood shelves? Then it is most likely a Genesis 1000-5500 and has 13 flavorizer bars.;
Plastic Shelves? These grill would likely be a Spirit or a Silver, A , B or C
Older Weber grills , and Platinum I/II ) gas grills used a piezo ignition. In fact, it wasn’t until the introduction ofthe E or S series in the Genesis and Spirit that a battery-operated sparkgenerator was introduced.
The Genesis 2007 grills have Side Control knobs and use a2-port spark generator and have the burners running left to right and have more BTU’s than the older grills.
ignitor kit. metal gascollector box and electrode.
ignitor kit. white molded plasticcollector box with ceramic electrode and wires
Genesis – 2011-2016 had a major changein the burner orientation. They moved from horizontal to vertical. They hadused the horizontal orientation for decades. This moved the controls to thefront of the grill. This grill uses a 4-spark generator and Heat deflectors
Genesis II Grills have flat tube burners versus round tube burners. All of the Genesis II open cart grills are imported. The closed cart is Made in the US though many of the parts components are imported. These grills have either 2,3,4 or 6 Main Burners.
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