5 steps to choose the best Weber grill

Weber grills are built for performance and built to last. Choosing the right one is an important decision. Here are some key points to consider before making your purchase.

1. What will you be using the grill for?

This will determine a lot when planning your Weber grill purchase. If you only want to make burgers and hot dogs for dinner a couple of times a week, a gas grill may be better because it’s quick to cook and easy to clean. If you’re making more sophisticated recipes or having barbecues on the weekends, you may want to opt for a charcoal grill. Charcoal grills are a bit smaller and harder to clean, but the flavor you get from them is second to none. Actually, I can get in trouble for saying that; some people live and die by their barbecue smoker. If you think there is no barbecue other than smoked meat, skip to step 6.

The other important thing here is whether or not you will need a portable grill. Weber offers portable grills in their Q series. Q’s are great for cookouts, camping, and tailgates.

2. How many people does it host?

You don’t need to get a larger grill than you will be using. In fact, it’s better to have a smaller grill if you can get away with it, as it will heat up faster. On the other hand, I know people who throw huge pool parties every summer and have to cook for 30 people at a time.

Fortunately, Weber generally offers 3 sizes in their grills. They range from 2 burners (1 if you count the Q’s) to 6 burners for gas grills and 18 to 38 inches for charcoal grills. You can definitely find one to feed the right amount of people.

3. How much space do you have?

Small apartment in the Bronx? Ranch house in the suburbs? Mansion in the country? Ok, the grills don’t take up that much space. But it’s important to think about where the grill will go before you buy it.

For small apartments with a porch or patio, I recommend a charcoal or Q kettle. If you have a lot of space and want a powerhouse for outdoor cooking, choose the Summit 650, a beast with 6 burners, it will be like having a second kitchen in your yard.

4. What is your price range?

Weber is not the cheapest option for grills because of initial costs. However, they make up for it in reliability. Buying a cheaper brand means getting a new grill every 2-3 years.

Once you’ve determined what your basic grilling needs are, price will narrow your search. The difference comes down to the materials used and some additional features.

For example, if you have a family and you grill once a week, but don’t have a lot of time to cook and occasionally have a party on the weekend, you’ll probably want something from the E-310 series. . The main differences between the starter Spirit E-310 and the premium Genesis E-310 (besides around $200) are 20% more cooking area and stainless steel parts instead of plastic. While these extras are great for those who can afford them, they don’t affect the quality of cooking.

5. Do you need additional tools?

You won’t need replacement parts very often, but it’s nice to know that Weber has excellent customer service. Give them a call and you can get the parts you need for any grill you choose. Additionally, there are plenty of accessories that are compatible with Weber grill models.

6. Bonus: Want a BBQ smoker?

If you like to smoke meats, the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is for you. Commonly known as the Weber Bullet Smoker or WSM, this is a great machine. It is a vertical smoker that uses charcoal and water to smoke meat to perfection. You won’t be disappointed.