$100 Summit Platinum - Go or No-Go?


 
Justin-NC

Justin-NC

New member
This one is very interesting for $100. I've asked for more pictures. What's the consensus on these? Any chance I could find a replacement hood? General parts availability?

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This is yet another orphaned grill by Weber. IDK if they pulled on this what they did to me (orphaning the grill while it was still under warranty), but honestly if I were you and wanted a large format grill I'd be looking for another brand. These things are nightmares. Find a Napoleon, a Lynx, Wolf, etc. All stainless, no burn through, better build, etc.
 
While I share Larry’s disdain for almost all post-generation 1 Summits, this one is my only exception. That is because of the all 304 stainless frame and cabinetry. To my knowledge, the only Weber grill ever made that way.

However, these grills have several serious issues. First, you will likely have to find someone to make stainless reinforcements for the firebox. I would be almost certain there is already significant - and dangerous - rusting around the burner openings. I don’t know if Weber still has new fireboxes or hoods any longer. If they do, that would be nice but likely very expensive. You can’t justifiably make a warranty claim not being the original owner.

Then, you will need to keep in mind that the flavorizer bars are very unique - and expensive. You CAN still get these from a couple sources - if you are willing to pay the freight.

So, I guess I do agree with Larry to the extent that there are definitely cheaper options to getting a large grill. But, if money isn’t a big deal - and having an uncommon and special WEBER :george: is important to you, I would go for it!

p.s. One of those exactly like that is on my short bucket list of remaining grills I wish I could at least restore and better yet keep :coolkettle: !
 
Jon Tofte said:
While I share Larry’s disdain for almost all post-generation 1 Summits, this one is my only exception. That is because of the all 304 stainless frame and cabinetry. To my knowledge, the only Weber grill ever made that way.

However, these grills have several serious issues. First, you will likely have to find someone to make stainless reinforcements for the firebox. I would be almost certain there is already significant - and dangerous - rusting around the burner openings. I don’t know if Weber still has new fireboxes or hoods any longer. If they do, that would be nice but likely very expensive. You can’t justifiably make a warranty claim not being the original owner.

Then, you will need to keep in mind that the flavorizer bars are very unique - and expensive. You CAN still get these from a couple sources - if you are willing to pay the freight.

So, I guess I do agree with Larry to the extent that there are definitely cheaper options to getting a large grill. But, if money isn’t a big deal - and having an uncommon and special WEBER :george: is important to you, I would go for it!

p.s. One of those exactly like that is on my short bucket list of remaining grills I wish I could at least restore and better yet keep :coolkettle: !
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This is assuming wanting to do a ton of resto work. I still think a more solidly built higher quality product could be found. For $100? I doubt it. But, if the work is done well? Then sure. It would make a decent grill
 
Except I don't think Justin is looking for a "part out" type of grill. Unless I'm reading wrong, looks like he'd like a simple "turn and burn" to be able to do a cleanup and use
 
Bruce said:
Right Larry. I should have mentioned that I didn't think it was a good rehab candidate, but that it still is worth $100 in a lot of peoples eyes.
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Like me! I think one of those restored and with the firebox reinforced, like I did my 1st gen Summit, would be one really nice grill. They remind me of Genesis Silvers of that era on steroids.
 
LMichaels said:
Except I don't think Justin is looking for a "part out" type of grill. Unless I'm reading wrong, looks like he'd like a simple "turn and burn" to be able to do a cleanup and use
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And as much as I would love to have one myself, an unrestored Summit Platinum isn’t the grill you are describing.
 
are you seeking happiness or emotional punishment?

all previous summit gassers, except current gen, would be avoid category if you're seeking happy, issue-free ownership.

if you want projects and possible headaches and frustrations, buy any Summit gasser you desire.
 
Man. It’s times like these I really wish I wasn’t behind or in progress on 10 other projects. I wasn’t looking for a rebuild project but this one is tempting!! Still on the hunt. I think you all have pretty much talked me out of Summits unless someone just out right gives it away. I’m looking at a well used SS Genesis 2, 4 burner with sear station, side burner and cabinet now. I’m thinking 500ish on that one might be where I need to land. Solid cook box rust resistance (I think?) and proven burners IMO that I already have experience with on my existing Genesis 2. You guys are awesome by the way. I’ve definitely been looking harder at the classic Genesis now. I wish they had bigger models!
 
Just something to consider. I run a 2 burner Genesis on a day to day basis and a Genesis 3 burner beside it for larger cooks. I have this type setup at both my places. Also when my wife and daughter and I make pizzas from scratch we use both grills.

Current setups
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I'm going to switch out the Genesis ii in the lower picture for a good old Genesis 1000
 
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Brett-EDH said:
are you seeking happiness or emotional punishment?

all previous summit gassers, except current gen, would be avoid category if you're seeking happy, issue-free ownership.

if you want projects and possible headaches and frustrations, buy any Summit gasser you desire.
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I have to disagree. My restored 1st generation Summit - with stainless reinforcements for the firebox - has brought me thus far two years of lots of happiness. I love early Genesis grills, but these first Summits have a richer and classier feel - at least to me. Mine makes me happy just opening the hood and has done lots of good cooks for me.

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Jon Tofte said:
I have to disagree. My restored 1st generation Summit - with stainless reinforcements for the firebox - has brought me thus far two years of lots of happiness. I love early Genesis grills, but these first Summits have a richer and classier feel - at least to me. Mine makes me happy just opening the hood and has done lots of good cooks for me.

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I can only speak from my own experiences. Two summit NGs and both crapped themselves to oblivion. The box rot made them dangerous.

I’m sure you enjoy yours. For me, doing larger cooks, I needed more reliability and safety.

That’s why I moved back to coal, on the WSK.
 
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