Bruce
TVWBB 2-Star Olympian
Since I just finished the rehab on the one year old Spirit II E-310, I thought I would post some thoughts about it in comparison to the normal Silver B, Genesis E-3xx and the front burner Spirit E-210 that I did earlier this summer.
First off, there is no comparison in pure sturdiness to an older Silver B. The cook box is thinner and lighter, the end caps are the same and the lid is clearly thinner and while the ceramic coating didn't seem to be less durable than the older grills, it just seemed more like a heavy coating of paint than ceramic. The design of the Spirit II was very much like the three or four year old front burner Spirit E210 that I did a couple months ago. If not for the open cart, vs frame, they were basically the same over all design. The lids are also different. I think I actually like the new design better. But, I don't know why they gave the newest ones a "II" designation with such small changes.
Only one of the two side tables folds down which seemed strange. But, whatever. The were quite flimsy too. Setting food on them would be no issue, but when lifting the grill end up to move it (no caster wheels), I was always afraid the side shelf would break/bend.
I listed this grill for sale today along with a Silver B, black head today and already have a guy committed to buying the Spirit II for $295. The Silver B is only $245, but in my opinion, it is a much better grill and I can confidently say that in ten years, the Silver B will still likely be burning cow flesh while the Spirit II is probably on someone's curb for the Scrap Man.
Bottom line though, is that same Spirit II is way better than any Charbroil, Chargrill, Chinese throwaway grill for the same $295.
Oh, and I did cook a couple Sirloin Steaks on it before I rehabbed it and it did a great job on them. I was interested in getting my hands on one of these new generation Webers and since I did, I just thought I would pass on some of my thoughts as others seem to have the same curiosity as I did.
First off, there is no comparison in pure sturdiness to an older Silver B. The cook box is thinner and lighter, the end caps are the same and the lid is clearly thinner and while the ceramic coating didn't seem to be less durable than the older grills, it just seemed more like a heavy coating of paint than ceramic. The design of the Spirit II was very much like the three or four year old front burner Spirit E210 that I did a couple months ago. If not for the open cart, vs frame, they were basically the same over all design. The lids are also different. I think I actually like the new design better. But, I don't know why they gave the newest ones a "II" designation with such small changes.
Only one of the two side tables folds down which seemed strange. But, whatever. The were quite flimsy too. Setting food on them would be no issue, but when lifting the grill end up to move it (no caster wheels), I was always afraid the side shelf would break/bend.
I listed this grill for sale today along with a Silver B, black head today and already have a guy committed to buying the Spirit II for $295. The Silver B is only $245, but in my opinion, it is a much better grill and I can confidently say that in ten years, the Silver B will still likely be burning cow flesh while the Spirit II is probably on someone's curb for the Scrap Man.
Bottom line though, is that same Spirit II is way better than any Charbroil, Chargrill, Chinese throwaway grill for the same $295.
Oh, and I did cook a couple Sirloin Steaks on it before I rehabbed it and it did a great job on them. I was interested in getting my hands on one of these new generation Webers and since I did, I just thought I would pass on some of my thoughts as others seem to have the same curiosity as I did.