marty ilacqua
New member
I am now in the market for a propane grill and in my quest stumbled upon this forum. It is obvious I have come to the right place with people like Hartcher from Down Under (I think) and, well, suffice it to say lots of experts here and I am sure I will learn a lot. I have already learned a great deal by reading many of the more recent threads. My research has me pointing to a Weber, specifically the Genesis E-310. Size, price point, reputation, etc., etc. looked like it was tailor made to my needs and convinced me this was probably the grill for me. After reading here, I am now certain of it. I was leaning towards the 320 but felt I would never use the side burner enough to justify it. Besides, while I'm outside I want HER inside doing the stove thing. I can then drink my beer while grilling in peace!
A few questions remain. I have read all your opinions about steel "flavor" bars, steel grates, the coated cast iron and the various differences between the EP model and the E model. I'm not sure if this is allowed on this forum but my local high end store has the EP for $800 and includes assembly; the hardware store can get the EP for $700, no assembly; the big box hardware store has the E for $650 and the department store has the E for $670 and comes fully assembled.
So, there I am. I am pretty sure I'll go with the E assembled as the steel, although attractive, is not a big deal with me. Also, although I do not know much about this stuff I have to think that common sense will say the cast iron would retain heat faster and longer than stainless. I could be wrong I suppose but I would bet a few buck anyway that I'm not.
The questions specifically are: are the prices I found locally on the mark? Does Weber discount their grills like other manufacturers towards the end of the year? Although I can assemble I imagine it is worth the extra $20 for them to do it. Is the cast iron/stainless issue really one of personal preference as I am lead to believe, or are there proven and specific pros and cons? Do these cast iron grates have to be "seasoned" such as you would a skillet or does the coating act to prevent the actual oil and seasonings to be absorbed?
Finally, I like to smoke but I read here (or somewhere) that the 310 is really not made for smoking but by putting soaked chips in foil with holes on the flavorizor bars you can do as well as you would with a box on the grate. Is there a better way to smoke on this grill?
Well, if anyone would be so kind as to respond to one or some of my questions I would appreciate it. If all goes well and you all don't talk me out of it, I'll probably order the E310 on Friday or Saturday.
A few questions remain. I have read all your opinions about steel "flavor" bars, steel grates, the coated cast iron and the various differences between the EP model and the E model. I'm not sure if this is allowed on this forum but my local high end store has the EP for $800 and includes assembly; the hardware store can get the EP for $700, no assembly; the big box hardware store has the E for $650 and the department store has the E for $670 and comes fully assembled.
So, there I am. I am pretty sure I'll go with the E assembled as the steel, although attractive, is not a big deal with me. Also, although I do not know much about this stuff I have to think that common sense will say the cast iron would retain heat faster and longer than stainless. I could be wrong I suppose but I would bet a few buck anyway that I'm not.
The questions specifically are: are the prices I found locally on the mark? Does Weber discount their grills like other manufacturers towards the end of the year? Although I can assemble I imagine it is worth the extra $20 for them to do it. Is the cast iron/stainless issue really one of personal preference as I am lead to believe, or are there proven and specific pros and cons? Do these cast iron grates have to be "seasoned" such as you would a skillet or does the coating act to prevent the actual oil and seasonings to be absorbed?
Finally, I like to smoke but I read here (or somewhere) that the 310 is really not made for smoking but by putting soaked chips in foil with holes on the flavorizor bars you can do as well as you would with a box on the grate. Is there a better way to smoke on this grill?
Well, if anyone would be so kind as to respond to one or some of my questions I would appreciate it. If all goes well and you all don't talk me out of it, I'll probably order the E310 on Friday or Saturday.