Weber Genesis Silver A (LP) Grill

Weber Grills

Owning a Weber Gas Genesis means never hearing "Hey Honey! What's for dinner!" during the warmer months of the year. Out here where we get 2 weeks of Winter every year (ok, a few more weeks) This could mean I never get to cook again! :-(

I Love to cook! I have a great Jenn Air range on which to do it on! But when we bought a brand-new house out in Modesto in '88, our very first piece of furniture at it was the then new Genesis Gas Grills by Weber. These grills were ahead of their time! We bought the top of the line model that came with a side burner! Just perfect for heating up a pot of beans to go along with that grilled meat!

The other wonderful reviewers have explained the BTUs in detail & the flavorizer bars in great length. Our Genesis has lasted all this time (almost 12 years) but we did have to replace flavorizer bars, the gas burner & the cooking grate (just last year) The bad part about replacing 11 yr old metal components in a unit that achieves high heat is that the bolts that attach it to the heavy duty frame become welded! Fortunately, both hubby & I are mechanically inclined & we jerry-rigged a way to fasten the components to the unit after we hacked off the slagged bolts.

Customer Service in getting all these parts (even on a 12 yr old BBQ) was great. Shipping was fast - just a few weeks & we had everything for the replacing of worn parts.

Now, about the title of this article. I am not kidding when I say that with the Genesis, my husband prefers to cook most nights. He loves getting creative with different cuts of meats, fish or poultry. Even vegetables -as in Kabobs- for my vegetarian kid are creatively done on our grill.

The good part about this is that the house doesn't get heated up when he's grilling, but I hardly ever get a chance to cook myself! You might say "well, why doesn't she grill?" Yeah, right! The King of the Grill wouldn't let me closer than 'holding a plate' distance to his baby!

All good humor aside, we have had almost 12 years of great grilling with the Weber Genesis Gas Grill. We went straight to it from the Weber Kettles that were almost the standard in grilling for the charcoal set! I didn't get to experience any of the hassles that the other epinionators did with their other brand gas grills. And yes, occasionally I get to grill a steak or two! :-)

Bon Apetit!

Weber Genesis Silver A (LP) Grill

Pros
top quality construction, durable, ease of cleaning grills, choice of models, excellent cooking results, stylish

Cons
pricey, needs more tool hooks, fuel gauge is difficult to use

The Bottom Line
I recommend Weber's Genesis A line to both apartment dwellers and home owners. My family loves to cook on it. We are extremely happy with the cooking results.

Full Review
One Sunday last June, we needed to buy a grill for our new apartment in Florida. Our former apartment in the same complex had a thirteen-year-old Fiesta grill that was rusty and greasy and peeling. We decided that although the old one worked well, it was time for a new grill. Off we went to Home Depot to shop.

At the Outdoor Grill Department we requested a knowledgeable salesperson to help us choose from the many brands on display. Within seconds a young salesman arrived to assist us. We explained that we needed a sturdy, not too large grill that would stand up to exposure to salt, wind and direct sunlight. He recommended any of the Weber units. "They are very well built, cook exceptionally well and will hold up to all weather conditions," he said. We already knew of Weber's excellent reputation.

Since our patio table seats eight people, we decided to go for a smaller model. We chose the Genesis Silver A model that retailed for $349. Weber first introduced the Genesis style in 1986. The salesman explained that although the grill wasn't on sale, it came pre-assembled. Home Depot was running a special for Father's Day. The salesman said that he, himself, assembled all the units. He assured us that he owned one himself and had lots of experience assembling them in the store. After listening to his thorough descriptions, we knew he was competent. Great, we didn't have to assemble it.

Now, how were we going to get it home in our compact rental car? Even with removal of the hood, the unit was still too large to fit in the car. (The salesmen came out to the parking lot to measure the space we had in the car.) He suggested renting a Home Depot truck for $19. So, after purchasing the unit, off we went to arrange for a truck rental. A very kind salesman, however, offered to deliver it personally on his lunch hour at no cost. Boy, were we impressed! We accepted his offer and gave him the $20 we would have paid to rent the truck.

There are three Genesis Silver models and a Genesis Gold. The Gold model is a larger unit with extra bells and whistles. The units also come in either propane or natural gas models. We chose the propane model.

The Genesis Silver A has a cooking system consisting of 2 stainless Steel burners (other Genesis models have 3,) a BTU-per-hour input of 22,000 (other Silver units have 36,000; Gold-C has 39,000), crossover ignition system, cast iron cooking grills, porcelain enameled Flavorizer bars and a dual-purpose thermometer. The cooking (350 sq. in.) and warming rack areas (108 sq. in.) of the Silver- A unit is smaller than the Silver-B, Silver -C and Gold-C. It lacks the extra swing-up work area that the other two Genesis Silver units have. Since our patio is small, we couldn't use the swing up feature anyway. We also didn't need the extra burner. The width of the Silver-A is 51 1/4" (Genesis Silver-B is 53 �, Silver-C is 59 �", Gold-C is 69 �'.) All units come with a drip pan holder and pan. The propane tanks have a device to prevent over filling of the cylinder. Do not exchange tanks unless the new one is equipped with this feature.

What most impresses me about Weber's Genesis A grill is the top quality construction. The cart is welded together, not just held by rivets, nuts and bolts, as was our older unit. The handle is large, glass-reinforced nylon. It is maintenance-free and comfortable to grip. Large wheels allow it to be portable. I was a little disappointed in the quality of the wheels. They are, however, study enough to support and move the unit. Since our unit will sit in the same spot, it will not be moved often.

The cooking system prevents flare-up, which is especially important to us since the unit is in a large condo. Weber uses the Flavorizer bars as opposed to the usual lava rocks, pumice stone, ceramic tiles or metal plates found on other units like our old one. On the Flavorizer bars, fats don't ignite they smoke and enhance the flavor of the food. The heavy-duty grates retain heat and sear meats better.

The burner system eliminates hot spots and ensures even cooking over the entire cooking surface. Burner controls are limitless so perfect cooking temperature is achieved. The Crossover ignition system starts up the burners with just the push of a button. We have never experienced any trouble with start-ups.

The durable tight fitting hood permits slow cooking of turkeys and roasts while maintaining the desired cooking temperature using less fuel. Weber also has Spider Screens to prevent the creatures from blocking the gas. Our unit has 2 tool holders (other units have 3.) I love the Granite-style thermoset work area. It is stylish, practical and very handy to have. It removes for easy clean-up and is heat resistant.

Weber guarantees that the unit will be free of defects in material and workmanship as follows:

Aluminum Castings, lifetime-1 year paint
Porcelain Hood Section-------25 years
Burners-----------------------------10 years
Cooking Grates------------------5 years
Flavorizer Bars-------------------1 year against rust
Thermostat------------------------10 years
All remaining Parts-------------5 years

Weber Customer Service Centers are located in 27 countries.
Weber has been making grills for fifty years. Each and every part that leaves the factory is inspected to ensure the part is up to Weber's standards.

The construction, features and Warranty are great but how good does the food taste? We have used our grill to cook roast beef and pork loin roasts, whole turkeys, chickens and leg of lamb, hamburgers, sausages, hot dogs, vegetables, chops, steaks, ribs, lobsters and even pizza. Everything turns out moist, tasty and evenly cooked. The very first time we cooked on our grill, we were cooking for 10 people. The grill was large enough to accommodate all the food we needed to cook. Since that first time we have on occasion cooked for similar sized groups without a problem.

Food can be cooked using the indirect method by turning off burners directly below the food. Burners on either side of the food should be adjusted to equal amounts of heat. This allows heat to rise, reflect off the lid and grills. Food cooks from above, around and below. This type of cooking is similar to convection cooking. Turning the food is not necessary. High fat foods like sausage, duck and ribs should be cooked this way. Use the direct method for preheating and searing foods. Finish grilling using the indirect method. Weber suggest that you season the grills with solid shortening to prevent food from sticking.

The units come with an excellent 64 page cookbook inside a binder. The pages are glossy and sturdy. The binder is great because it protects the pages of the cookbook. I am slowly working my way through it. The cookbook contains guidelines for cooking various kinds of food including meats, poultry, fish, seafood, side dishes, marinades and sauces. There are excellent cooking tips and hints and lots of tempting recipes with delectable pictures. Weber even has a 24-hour a day, 7 days a week customer service number to call. You can speak to Barbecue experts about any grilling question you have. Go on their web site www.weber.com for grilling tips and recipes.

We have used our unit many times since purchase and have been pleased with the quality of its construction, the ease of igniting, cleaning and the taste of the food cooked. We have used it to cook for up to 10 guests at a time and found it was large enough to accommodate all the food. Weber is a well known company that makes quality products.

Other cooking accessories are available at all fine stores that carry Weber Grills. We purchased a Weber tool set ($39.99 - Weber suggests oiling them for easy clean up,) a Weber heavy duty high quality cover ($47) for our grill and a Weber plastic pan to place the unit on to protect our patio tiles from stains. Weber carries a rotisserie unit ($79.99) that fits all weber models.

If I needed a grill for my home in NY, I would buy a Weber Genesis model. I would probably pick a larger model since I I would be using it for large family BBQs and parties. Overall, all Weber Genesis models are a great value. Come on over, we have steaks sizzling on the grill!

Weber Genesis Silver B (LP) Grill

Pros
Beautiful construction, attention to detail, quick assembly, Grilling never tasted better!

Cons
initial cost

The Bottom Line
The Weber Silver B is a quality product offering the best results from a proven company standing behind their product.

Full Review
Somewhere in my genetic code is a subset of traits that would have lobbied for me to be an engineer. I say that because I have an intense interest in how things work and marvel when things are made simpler by just exercising common sense. Such is my amazement with the Weber Silver B Grill!

Cost

Granted this is an area where we may debate endlessly on the merits of value and quality vs. practical use and bang for the buck. Having been on both sides of this argument, I can tell you outright I have purchased 3 grills in my adult life. I perhaps have spent an average of $200.00 for each with costs reaching as high as $250.00 to a low of $150.00 on sale. Throughout that time my folks have owned the very same Weber grill they had when they first came out with a propane model. I remember their friends commenting on what they paid for it, the uptown jokes about who must have gotten a raise and the snickering. They were simply wise in their way going about making a purchase once and for all. I asked my mother if she remembered what she paid for it and she remembers $110.00! Lessee..$110.00 divided by 18 years = $6.11 a year! My numbers are not as remarkable i.e. $600.00 divided once by my grill buying years of 16 = $46.75! In summary 1 grill vs. 3 grills, 6 times the cost, and what, the grill still works fine? Lou, can this possibly be? The answer is a resounding, yes!

Whatever side of this argument you fall on is a matter of personal choice, financial circumstances and perhaps priorities. There are no right or wrong answers here .Certainly a $450.00 expenditure on a grill cannot weigh in when college tuition or Visa payments are due but my purpose here is to offer up the long- term results of ownership. In a perfect world though, we can make our money work for us long term by not overspending on common household items and invest the difference in lifestyle enhancements or perhaps boost an investment portfolio.

The N u t z And B o l t z

The Weber Silver B grill is long overdue at my place. I have recommended it over the years but for reasons that escape me avoided following my own advice until last year. Over the past year, I must say I could have kicked myself in the lower posterior region every time I fired it up.

There are a number of things to consider when evaluating the quality of this Weber grill. Lets do that now.

Assembly

Real time scenario # 1 It is 4:30 pm and you have dinner guests invited for a 6:00 Barbeque steak dinner. You check your grill and find a propane leak on the fuel hose. Disaster? Not with the Weber Silver B Grill.

Solution, You immediately get in your, hopefully roomy, vehicle head to the home center (4:50pm) buy the Silver B and bring it home 5:15. Assembly requires no tool hunting as there are only 6 bolts to tighten, switch tanks, and fire up your grill and start grilling (5:30 pm) Okay, maybe this is a little exaggerated but trust me not by much! If you spend 15 minutes assembling your Weber Silver B grill, you are having a beer with friends as I was.

The Weber Silver B comes with detailed instructions in English only, large print so you can place it near your work, (not that you’d need to) and is very clear reading. Now, I don’t know about your experiences but I have spent 2-3 hours in the past sorting what appeared to be hundreds of parts assembling a grill with a sweaty brow and some scraped knuckles to show for my effort. The generic manuals were written for all the grills in the line and you had to sort through the instructions, looking for your model as you assemble the plethora of parts. Remember sizing up the bolts next to the parts list to see which bolt was AAA? Not with the Weber. Simple, to the point and no wasted effort. Weber has gone a long way to respect their customers, by offering a product that goes from marketplace to your place in record time. And after all, time is the issue here isn’t it. It’s one thing to save cash but time is a resource that’s best spent with your family and friends, not deciphering a multi-lingual instruction manual!

Three Individual Burners and Controls

The Weber Silver B has three (3) stainless steel burners running the width of the cooking box. They are placed at even intervals from front to back. Each burner has an individual control placed at the right on the flat control panel atop the Propane tank. This is a stationary surface and nothing more than incidental small utensils, and possibly seasons can occupy. The controls are much like the ones you would expect on a consumer oven in your kitchen. The benefit of 3 separate burners comes into play when you are cooking meats especially. With a single or “H” configured burner, commonly associated with Charbroil and other popular grills, the actual burner does not flame at extreme edges and sides resulting in uneven cooking temperatures and results. You end up moving your meats placed at the edge of the grill to the center into the hotspot so everything is done on time. The Weber cooks at even temperatures from full side to side, going the extra step of allowing the user to speed up or slow down cooking at any point and at any part of the grill. The results are more controlled zoned cooking hotter cooking on demand. Cook times sped up approximately 30% on the average.

Spider and insect screens are already attached to the burners assuring long life and even wear.

Flavorizer Bars

Flare-ups happen when dripping from your meats consisting of fats, and seasonings roll off your meats and hit the flame source. A flash of flame results charring and discoloring your meats and returning the burnt fuel back onto your foods. Therefore some grills utilize charcoal or lava briquettes to act as a barrier and perhaps enhance flavor. Obviously flashback is something that you would like to avoid, but is difficult especially if your lava rock is not placed just so or is used up. The Weber Silver B does away with the concept of Lava and Briquettes with their Flavorizer bars. Simply put, the 5 tent shaped porcelain coated Flavorizer bars shield the cooking surface from the burner flames turning fats and seasonings into barbeque flavor by smoking when it reaches the Flavorizer Bars with no flashback involved. The result is a real barbeque flavor. You can, of course, enhance flavors with mesquite or anything else you choose.

The Cast Aluminum Cook Box

The 611 Sq. inch cooking area includes the 411 sq. in area of the porcelain cooking grates and the remaining 200sq.in. attributed to the bun and warming racks and basket. A heavy porcelain enamel lid covers the cook box with an attached dual-purpose thermometer at the ready for either probing or monitoring cook box temperatures. The probe is ready at a moments notice as it is clamped onto the unit’s lid. The manual suggests that a dedicated meat probe would fall more on the mark for critical tolerances, although I have found the units thermometer/probe to be just fine.

The 2 porcelain enamel cooking grates are heavy, and are a dream to clean. A simple soaking once a month and a light brushing after use goes a long way to keeping them clean. Generally I keep the grill on for about 10 minutes after all foods have been removed just to burn off excess fats etc. before brushing.

The Nickel-plated Warming basket attached to the lid on a swivel is a safe haven for fish and vegetables. It comprises the smallest area (75 sq. in) of all the cooking surfaces.

The Nickel plated Warm-up Rack (112 sq. in.) is a great place to keep buns and finished foods warm, though it’s space makes it practical for only smaller items. The Warm-up rack also comes in handy for cooking vegetables.

Catch pans have always been a messy issue to deal with. Forget to put one in, or not checking on the one you installed when you assembled the grill and your deck, patio or driveways becomes a greasy cleaning problem. Not with the Weber! The slide-out catch pan is set up for routine maintenance and is totally accessible from the front of the Weber Silver B. With attached replaceable aluminum catch pan you can be on top of this potential mess and attraction to pests, if you keep your grill outdoors. This is among one of my favorite features on this grill. The nice thing about the cook box is its overall construction. Not only is it durable, the materials used in its construction make it a breeze to cleanup and maintain.

Lighting the Weber Silver B Grill is as easy as flipping a switch. Their patented Crossover Ignition lights all three burners in succession and has yet to fail lighting on the first attempt. Located on the right work surface

Window Dressing

Face-to-face with the Weber Silver B Grill, you noticed the attention to detail. From the swing up Thermoset table and adjoining work surface on the left to the detailed instructions for cook times, temperatures and heat settings on the Thermoset surface on the right. The Thermoset surfaces are heat resistant and resist scratching and clean quite easily. The 20 lb. LP tank (also available in natural gas) is attached to a gauge that allows you to check at a glance the levels of propane remaining in your tank simply by weight: nice! The rolling crack resistant all weather locking casters are accompanied by 2 rubber wheels with hubcaps which lend an impressive finishing touch.

Warranty

It’s a home run when any company commits to their product with a warranty that benefits their consumer. Weber does so with a :

� lifetime warranty on all Aluminum casings
� 25 years on the porcelain hood,
� Stainless Steel Burners 10 years
� Thermoset shelves 10 years
� Cooking grates 5 years
� Igniter 3 years
� Any remaining parts 5 years

Rather impressive? Their web presence http://www.weber.com/bbq/ is notable as well and includes parts lists and warranty information as well as product support, generous documentation including maintenance and manuals.

Conclusion

When it’s all said and done, The Weber is a great grill to have in the backyard. Saving time , money (long-term) and enjoying great results immediately are a recipe for great consumer appeal. Further that effort with bulletproof construction and attention to detail and you have outclassed 90% of many consumer offerings. Now, sweeten that even further by making assembly as easy as Weber has on it’s Silver B Grill, and this makes this grill a must have!

One final note: If you opt to purchase this grill, spend the additional $50.00 on the cover! This cover is amazing in it’s construction as well with Velcro tighten-downs and vents to avoid ballooning in high winds. It is thick and durable…Hey…it’s a Weber!