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5
out of 5
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Weber grills are a cooks best friend,
May 14, 2009
By jimna01
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"I have had a Weber EP320 for 1 month. It replaced a 16 year old Weber Genesis 1000 which was used and stored year round outdoors in Connecticut. The rails that held the bottom pan on the grill finally gave out. The burners were original, the wood work tables original. The stainless steel flavorizer bars replaced a few sets of the porcelain ones. The grill surface was also a stainless replacement. 18 years out of one grill, no wonder I bought another Weber. If this one lasts 18 years it may get 8 stars. Other grills owned? A Weber 22 inch charcoal Kettle, a Smokey Joe and a Go Anywhere.
Why do I give the grill 5 stars? At least based on history, longevity. Also, I can be pretty well be assured that 12 years from now I will be able to buy parts for my Weber EP320. I can still get parts for my 18 year old Weber. Prior to the Weber, I couldn't get OEM parts for my Charbroil's the next year. Second reason is this is a cooking appliance. No, it doesn't get as hot as some grills, although the EP320 is a furnace compared to the old Genesis. I learned to make a great steak on it, and the new one will make even better steaks. I only cook steaks and burgers a few times each summer. Most of the time I am doing whole chickens, chicken parts, baby backs, country pork ribs, beef ribs, veggies, pork loins, lamb of all types and fish and shellfish. All these require some subtle control of heat and indirect heat. The Weber system does this perfectly. I can cook multi course meals for two to 40 with confidence I can control the heat and get what I want. That is what I spend the money for, control and I get it on the Weber's. Do I need to spend 1000's+ on a superhot gas grill for searing steaks? Nope, the 90.00 Weber Kettle and bag of good hardwood chunk charcoal does that just fine... as well if not better than a mega grill. I am learning to love the side burner. Too hot to simmer much, but it sure cooks the marinades down quickly and does a great job of sauteing veggies as either ingredients to my main dish or as a side dish.
What don't I like about this new grill? STAINLESS STEEL surfaces. At least Weber kept it to a minimum. It gets streaky and requires constant maintenance. Thankfully most of its painted unlike many other higher end grills which are all stainless of some quality or other. Perhaps it works find in Southern CA or Phoenix where it rarely rains, but in New England?. I'd rather spend my time cooking than cleaning. Dirty stainless looks like bad! So you have to clean it. My old Weber? No stainless, either cast aluminum, painted steel or porcelain. Would last for ever, Yes, there is a little hazing or discoloration. They didn't show the dirt much and when it did, cleaning it was simple. A quick wipe with Windex twice a year, and they were fine. Its a grill not a device to impress my neighbors!. Now, I have to clean the thing every time I use it (which is just about daily). Just reinforces why I would never put a stainless steel appliance in my kitchen. Too much work. White porcelain cleans up so much quicker and faster. Now if Wolf only made a stainless steel free cook top! ."
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62 of 62 people found this review helpful.
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