$100 Summit Platinum - Go or No-Go?


 
There is definitely no right or wrong answer when it comes to grilling. People have different priorities and preferences. @Brett-EDH
Is a master chef! I definitely can't argue his method of choice for grilling and @Jon Tofte Has a one of a kind amazing Masterpiece Summit that is second to none. That grill deserves respect in my opinion the way Jon has it set up. Personally I have had several grills they come and go. I currently have over 20 gas Weber grills new and old. As far as newer ones I like the Genesis ii LX grills but by far my favorite are 1st and 2nd generation Genesis grills from 1985-2000 also Genesis Jr. From mid to late 80s. This is just my opinion from my experiences but it's different for everyone. Sure is fun experimenting and finding out what you like though!
 
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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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But Jon, you're comparing a 1st gen Summit with FAR superior build quality and bones than the 2nd & 3rd gen Summits. The level of craftsmanship in that 1st gen is far and away better. Hell I saw it myself when they were sitting side by side on the showroom floor. The step backward in quality was so obvious. Perhaps if Justin found a 1st gen in good to decent shape and restorable with some of your reinforcement resources, he could be pleased with it. Perhaps even more so if he found a 6 burner with side burner 1st gen. But, 2nd gen and beyond (at least up until the brand new version which is IMO really good), should be avoided for one's own well being. Between the horrible cook boxes, inferior build quality, money pit parts. Just not worth it.
Curtis don't be all hung up on your large grill acquisition being a Weber either. Open your horizons to other products (especially ones some of us have experience with). You may be very pleasantly surprised what you can find and accomplish
 
Those are valid points, Larry. I agree the 1st gen is definitely superior to the 2nd generation and far, far superior to the 3rd gen that I personally hold in very low regard.

But the short-lived Platinum model I still think is stylish and, with all 304 stainless frame and cabinetry, a big step above the Silver and Gold 2nd generation versions.

I guess restoring one of these is best left to nut cases like me who just do put psychological value on it being a Weber :george: rather than Napoleon or other even better grill. Maybe not all that different from someone spending a lot to restore a classic Chevy when the same $ would buy a Lexus or other far more reliable and comfortable car. True, but it wouldn’t bring the same feelings. So, yes, I am a Weber fan and nut case. On the other hand, my affection is not carte blanche, so you won’t see me restoring any 3rd generation Summits anytime soon:smilekettle:.

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p.s. I am with you in seeing a lot to like - other than price😫 - in the new Summit. Maybe I will get to restore one a few years from now!
 
Those are valid points, Larry. I agree the 1st gen is definitely superior to the 2nd generation and far, far superior to the 3rd gen that I personally hold in very low regard.

But the short-lived Platinum model I still think is stylish and, with all 304 stainless frame and cabinetry, a big step above the Silver and Gold 2nd generation versions.

I guess restoring one of these is best left to nut cases like me who just do put psychological value on it being a Weber :george: rather than Napoleon or other even better grill. Maybe not all that different from someone spending a lot to restore a classic Chevy when the same $ would buy a Lexus or other far more reliable and comfortable car. True, but it wouldn’t bring the same feelings. So, yes, I am a Weber fan and nut case. On the other hand, my affection is not carte blanche, so you won’t see me restoring any 3rd generation Summits anytime soon:smilekettle:.

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p.s. I am with you in seeing a lot to like - other than price😫 - in the new Summit. Maybe I will get to restore one a few years from now!
Yeah I'm afraid the new Summit will most likely need to be restored in a short period of time. They might have the cook box figured out but the cheap thin metal and plastic clips I don't see holding up for very long. In my opinion Jon your summit is far far superior to the new one.
 
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what a sad picture. so much wasted potential.
 
If this were in my area, I’d throw out an offer.

 

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