Weber 3880001 Genesis S-320 Natural Gas Grill, Stainless Steel

Comment: We got this grill several months ago, and our son and I assembled it in about an hour, with no real trouble. It worked perfectly right from the start (I was always a charcoal grill person--Weber kettle--before this, with very little experience using a gas grill). It started fast and got up to about 550 degrees right away, and it was fairly easy to clean, except for the inclined drip catcher; but I probably overdid cleaning that (trying to get it back to mint condition). Even in 32-degree weather with the wind blowing on it, the grill heats up well for searing things. The key is that it is very solidly made, with first-rate materials and thoughtfully designed. Weber just plain knows what it is doing and doesn't cut corners. That makes it worth the money.

Comment: About 3 years ago I purchased a Sure Heat propane grill from Costco with all the bells and whistles for $399.00. It seemed like a steal and initially worked well. I then purchased the upgrade kit for natural gas to rid myself of tank filling...I grill alot. Long story short, the guts of the Sure Heat Tuscony (burners and flavor bars as well as connectors) rusted away. Parts would be $300+...but I couldn't buy them to replace...Sure Heat didn't have any! Good old Costco...unhappy with my purchase after 3 years...they gave me a full refund and I dropped off the hunk of junk BBQ.

After much homework...I settled on the Weber Genesis S-320 at twice the cost. It took me a couple of hours to assemble solo, but I could tell all the parts were quality made and this sucker was going to last. Fired it up and let it burn for a few hours to get a feel for heat/temperature control (while some choice lamb chops were marinating :)) A joy to cook on. I like to saute onions and peppers without stinking up the house so for me the 320 w/ side burner was the way to go. The stainless is a looker too!

The no sales tax and free delivery (200 lbs.) was a big plus...here in California the Governator shakes us down for another 9.25% when they can. Had delivery in 5 days. Amazon rocks!

Comment: I have always been a Weber grill fan whether it be propane or charcoal. Had to replace my previous one after about 15 years of great service and bought a Genesis. No issues with the way it cooks = however, an extremely annoying problem emerged after it was exposed to rain a few times - water somehow drains into the drip pan which eventually overflows inside the cabinet and ultimately onto the patio carrying all the grease with it. Would not buy another because of this problem. Also, the igniter is pretty flimsy, wore out very quickly and had to be replaced within 6 months.

Comment: I recently moved and my new place doesn't allow charcoal grills. My old neighbor had a Weber spirit and the smoke and smells coming off rivaled my charcoal grill (well pretty close). So when I was forced to abandon my charcoal grill, I of course 1st considered Weber. I wasn't disappointed. After building up a little grease base on the flavor bars the amount flavor produced is excellent. Not having to go through the mess and wait of charcoal and having a unit that comes up to 500+ degrees in minutes has me grilling more. I put the grill together by myself in about 1 1/2 hours. The instructions are pure Ikea in nature and a few explanations would have been very helpful. Putting a fairly nondescript picture with a warning triangle (triangle with an explanation point inside) was confusing and had me scratching my had and wondering WTF is that suppose to mean? I only made one mistake and fortunately I didn't have to disassemble anything to correct it. I know the rule of thumb (or hand) is anything thinner than the side of your hand cook with the lid up, anything thicker, cook with the lid down. I've found that I get the best results (smoke, char, flavor...etc) if I always cook with the lid down. The grill was expensive but I figure it will last me quite a long time. The price from Amazon so much cheaper than anything I could find locally (Lowes, Home Depot, the local BBQ Store) that I got the grill, the cover and the LED light for less that what they wanted just for the grill alone.

Comment: I shopped for a grill after having at least four in the same location, outside my back door. Years ago I ran a natural gas line from my house and it has saved thousands of dollars in filling gas tanks. But, most beneficial of all, I don't run out or have to change them at awkward times. I have had smaller and cheaper grills in the past. They have worked well for we are not gourmet people. At times, we have cooked turkeys to save heat in the kitchen and have had great polish sausage snached while cooling by our German Shepherd. Being outside the door we cook all year long. Being in my seventies, I wanted this to be my last instllation. I looked into the Weber and paid more than twice as much as my past units. I read every internet review I could find, and delayed as much as possible. However, I was being pressured in June to have this done by July 4th. I can say that Amazon provided the best price. There were cheaper options but when you added their shipping and handling they were more. The internet was the easiest way to find outlets and make comparisons. When I got down to actually ordering I was put in contact with Weber. The person I talked to was knowledgeable, practical and not afraid to agree or disagree with what I planned. [I hate the current climate of do it my way or no way.] I must be honest in that, now being October, I honestly do not know who I bought it from but do remember a pleasant experience with Weber. The unit was delivered as promised by a local company. They were about 4 hours late but, it was the same day. The guy rolled it into my yard which was of some concern but, the unit was well packed and arrived safely. Since time was so short I read the instructions. Moving things about it took a leisurely four hours to assemble. It started right up and we were prepared for about 25 on the 4th. The unit has worked well. I am satisfied with the added size, the total stainless steel construction and heavy overal construction. I feel the burners will last. [That is what corroded in the old ones.] Quite frankly, so far, we are well pleased. I might have been smarter to buy a unit like this in the past. However, I don't think they were as available and my cash flow was tighter. If you have a need or can spend a little more for something better ... this is something better.