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NFT: After 20 yrs need to replace my gas grill - I have questions

pjcas18 : 5/17/2024 11:47 am
I have a smoker and a blackstone griddle, so just need a grill for those occasions where a grill is most convenient. I don't need anything fancy - just a basic Weber 4 burner.

I put a lot of miles on my current Weber Genesis 4 burner (with sear station).

Looking for some advice or validation of my opinion....

I am looking at the latest 4-burner Genesis.

I don't see an option for porcelain covered cast iron grates, but that's what I currently have.

Do people buy those grates as an add-on/after market or just use the stainless steel?

Or does Home Depot just not carry the model with those grates?

Also, I believe I used the side burner 0 times in 20 years. if I buy it without the side burner will that occasion finally come up when I say I should use the side burner for this...it's another $400 for the side burner and I doubt I ever need it and if I don't need to spend the $400 I won't.

I am getting a Weber so while I appreciate all replies I will not be convinced to change to a different brand. when something in this era last that long they earn brand loyalty (for me at least).
Good call on the Weber.  
giantsfaninphilly : 5/17/2024 12:13 pm : link
It's the only topic on BBI that everyone agrees on.
I think side burners are gimmicks  
Fat Wally : 5/17/2024 12:20 pm : link
I had one on my last grill and used it maybe a handful of times. I would have preferred having the extra workspace instead. My current grill (which is also on its last legs) doesn't have one, and I don't miss it.

Not to miller, but if anybody has recommendations on a Natural Gas grill that isn't a 1k let me know!

I hear you  
cjd2404 : 5/17/2024 12:21 pm : link
My Weber is about 16 years old and getting near its end.
I don't have the burner, nor will I buy one with it. I use that "counter space" too much to block it with a burner.
If you are concerned about the rare occasion you may need one, you can get a camping burner for under $50 that can achieve that goal.

I have not looked recently myself, but are your grates the same size as the new one. Maybe you can just clean them up and keep them from the old grill
I have a 4 burner weber....no side grill.  
George from PA : 5/17/2024 12:44 pm : link
Porcelain covers....

Love it
Do you fellow Weber guys  
DC Gmen Fan : 5/17/2024 12:45 pm : link
Use the grates with the flat side up or the pointy side up?
RE: Do you fellow Weber guys  
JoeSchoens11 : 5/17/2024 12:47 pm : link
In comment 16518106 DC Gmen Fan said:
Quote:
Use the grates with the flat side up or the pointy side up?
One pointing up, one down.
RE: RE: Do you fellow Weber guys  
GF1080 : 5/17/2024 12:50 pm : link
In comment 16518111 JoeSchoens11 said:
Quote:
In comment 16518106 DC Gmen Fan said:


Quote:


Use the grates with the flat side up or the pointy side up?

One pointing up, one down.


Curious what are the benefits of doing this?
I don't know bout the porcelain covered grills,  
Section331 : 5/17/2024 12:54 pm : link
but I don't have the side burner and I've never once thought, "wow. I really wish I had a side burner!" I've had my Genesis for almost 15 years.

I don't know if Weber even makes any grills this way any longer, but mine has the burner controls on the side panel, rather than in front. It's a lot of wasted real estate, as I do wish I could use the side as a 2nd spot for food and/or utensils.
RE: I think side burners are gimmicks  
Jim in Fairfax : 5/17/2024 12:54 pm : link
In comment 16518071 Fat Wally said:
Quote:
I had one on my last grill and used it maybe a handful of times. I would have preferred having the extra workspace instead. My current grill (which is also on its last legs) doesn't have one, and I don't miss it.

Not to miller, but if anybody has recommendations on a Natural Gas grill that isn't a 1k let me know!

Weber Genesis is $850, or Spirit $570
RE: I think side burners are gimmicks  
k2tampa : 5/17/2024 1:13 pm : link
In comment 16518071 Fat Wally said:
Quote:
I had one on my last grill and used it maybe a handful of times. I would have preferred having the extra workspace instead. My current grill (which is also on its last legs) doesn't have one, and I don't miss it.

Not to miller, but if anybody has recommendations on a Natural Gas grill that isn't a 1k let me know!


Agreed. In 40 years of grilling I never had any use for a side burner. Had one grill with it and learned quickly what a waste it was. And the Weber product, and especially their warranty, are outstanding.
RE: Do you fellow Weber guys  
pjcas18 : 5/17/2024 1:14 pm : link
In comment 16518106 DC Gmen Fan said:
Quote:
Use the grates with the flat side up or the pointy side up?


I use pointy side down. it's what Weber recommends and just seems logical to me.
Side question  
SimpleMan : 5/17/2024 1:17 pm : link
How do you like the Blackstone? What do you cook on there? I was thinking of getting one.
RE: Side question  
djm : 5/17/2024 1:20 pm : link
In comment 16518153 SimpleMan said:
Quote:
How do you like the Blackstone? What do you cook on there? I was thinking of getting one.


I’ve only used one at the vacation house we go to every year but it’s great. It’s spoiled me to the point where I want to buy one for my house. Thing is huge too you can cook a ton of food on it. If you can do it, get one. I’m paying off some debts first but it’s only a matter of time before I get one.
I basically cooked everything on the blackstone  
djm : 5/17/2024 1:23 pm : link
From bacon to homefries. Being able to cook enough homefries or peppers onions for a dozen servings, outside, no mess in the span of one cook session, quite nice. You can pretty much cook anything on it. And it doesn’t stick or scratch.
RE: Side question  
pjcas18 : 5/17/2024 1:26 pm : link
In comment 16518153 SimpleMan said:
Quote:
How do you like the Blackstone? What do you cook on there? I was thinking of getting one.


Love it. I would almost rather cook everything on the Blackstone than my grill. hot dogs, kielbasa, chicken breasts, smash burgers. A couple times a summer I make a hibachi style fried rice, I do big breakfast out there (you can fit a ton of pancakes, eggs and bacon all at once) I cook sausage peppers and onions a few times per summer, fajitas, even steaks are great on it.

the only negative is that the surface is cast iron and if you don't take care of it, it can get away from you. You need to season the surface like you would a cast iron skillet plus you need a good cover if you leave it out in the elements like I do - if you can get it under some kind of overhang it would be better.

RE: RE: Side question  
SimpleMan : 5/17/2024 2:45 pm : link
In comment 16518170 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
In comment 16518153 SimpleMan said:


Quote:


How do you like the Blackstone? What do you cook on there? I was thinking of getting one.



Love it. I would almost rather cook everything on the Blackstone than my grill. hot dogs, kielbasa, chicken breasts, smash burgers. A couple times a summer I make a hibachi style fried rice, I do big breakfast out there (you can fit a ton of pancakes, eggs and bacon all at once) I cook sausage peppers and onions a few times per summer, fajitas, even steaks are great on it.

the only negative is that the surface is cast iron and if you don't take care of it, it can get away from you. You need to season the surface like you would a cast iron skillet plus you need a good cover if you leave it out in the elements like I do - if you can get it under some kind of overhang it would be better.


Thanks for the info. Sounds pretty much like what I was thinking. I grill on my Weber about 3-4 times per week but I think the Blackstone is calling my name. I do have a storage garage so won't need to worry about the elements.
If you can afford it a Lynx grill is the Rolls Royce  
gtt350 : 5/17/2024 5:57 pm : link
but weber is as solid as it gets
Are electric grills  
xman : 5/18/2024 11:55 am : link
a good idea
RE: If you can afford it a Lynx grill is the Rolls Royce  
pjcas18 : 5/18/2024 12:09 pm : link
In comment 16518467 gtt350 said:
Quote:
but weber is as solid as it gets



these look awesome, but I don't think I would spend this much on a grill if I could afford it.

the allure for me for Weber grills over the flimsy charbroil and sunbeams and other shitty brands is that the Weber last forever (or 20 years in this case) and if the need should arise you can replace every single part.

The food off my Weber tastes the same as the food off a charbroil but after 1 year the charbroil push start stops working and you risk losing your eyebrows with manual lighting, you get hot spots and need to move food all around the grill, and then the flimsy grates start disintegrating after year 2 or so and you need to go through the hassle of replacing them every 3 to 4 years.

While those Lynx grills certainly look like they are awesome, not sure what it gets me that I don't have in the Weber which costs a fraction of the price. I would be surprised to hear the food tastes better. If I had time I'd just go Weber kettle and cook over charcoal. The gas grill adds convenience.
Might just be Home Depot  
Blue Dog : 5/18/2024 1:45 pm : link
Quote:
I don't see an option for porcelain covered cast iron grates, but that's what I currently have.

Do people buy those grates as an add-on/after market or just use the stainless steel?

Or does Home Depot just not carry the model with those grates?


Found the Genesis II E-410 a few places online that has the porcelain enameled grates.
Genesis II E-410 Gas Grill - ( New Window )
For those of you who don't know  
RomanWH : 5/18/2024 4:58 pm : link
Weber makes their own version of the Blackstone griddle. It's call the Slate. Comes in 3 burner 30" and 4 burner 36" versions.

Best part is their rust-resistant cooking surface. It's preseasoned carbon steel. Two side tables that convert with their Weber Works line of accessories. Only downside is that it isn't cheap. Check it out:
Slate 30" - $650 - ( New Window )
RE: For those of you who don't know  
pjcas18 : 5/18/2024 5:03 pm : link
In comment 16519162 RomanWH said:
Quote:
Weber makes their own version of the Blackstone griddle. It's call the Slate. Comes in 3 burner 30" and 4 burner 36" versions.

Best part is their rust-resistant cooking surface. It's preseasoned carbon steel. Two side tables that convert with their Weber Works line of accessories. Only downside is that it isn't cheap. Check it out: Slate 30" - $650 - ( New Window )


I bought a griddle "attachment" from Weber that fits the new grill I bought. Same material?
RE: RE: For those of you who don't know  
RomanWH : 5/18/2024 5:13 pm : link
In comment 16519165 pjcas18 said:

I bought a griddle "attachment" from Weber that fits the new grill I bought. Same material? [/quote]

Seems like it. Guess that would mean you got the best of both worlds!

I'm also a Weber devotee. I own 4 kettles: an 18, two 22s, a 26. Plus a Weber Smokey Mountain smoker. I tend to be more of a charcoal over propane guy, but I ended up picking up a Weber Traveler last year. Absolutely perfect for tailgating.

Their stuff just lasts and lasts. Also outstanding customer service... The company truly stands by their products.
I prefer charcoal  
pjcas18 : 5/18/2024 5:39 pm : link
too, but sometimes it's "can you grill some burgers and dogs for dinner?" or "how should I cook these chicken breasts"?

and I just fire up the gas grill because it's more convenient.

I have the traveler too and the WSM 22" smoker. Love them both.
I assume you can get the porcelain grates  
Bubba : 5/19/2024 8:09 am : link
online. I just replaced my porcelain ones using Amazon. As far as the side burner I use mine fairly often. Mostly for frying things like hot peppers, mushrooms and onions to avoid the splatter in the kitchen. I find it more of a convenience than a necessity.
RE: I assume you can get the porcelain grates  
pjcas18 : 5/19/2024 9:16 am : link
In comment 16519402 Bubba said:
Quote:
online. I just replaced my porcelain ones using Amazon. As far as the side burner I use mine fairly often. Mostly for frying things like hot peppers, mushrooms and onions to avoid the splatter in the kitchen. I find it more of a convenience than a necessity.


I actually kept the grates from my old one (per the advice on here that is so obvious but for some reason I hadn't considered lol). new one is same size. The grates are in very good condition.
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