$50 used ss genesis or $275 for a new E310 Spirit ?

[Jeff Cabo]

I’m looking for a grill. Found these two but not sure which would be best.
3 burner ss genesis for $50.00 - Young seller not sure if it works.
Or
New 3 burner black E310 Spirit for - $275.00 - seller won in a raffle.
Opinions ?
I always buy a new grill every few years from Home Depot.
Since I have more time on my hands was thinking about refurbishing a used one but not sure if it is worth it when there is a basic model but new at $275.00.
Family of 3 but grill for 8 when family is over.
Thanks in advance

 

[LMichaels]

Providing the steel cabinet and such is good on the older grill, for less than $200 you can have a grill better than anything Weber makes today

 

[Bruce]

As long as the Genesis is not rotted out in the inside of the cabinet, I would go that route for sure. Both are pretty good deals though. The side winder Genesis is definitely a better cooking machine, but those cabinets are notorious for rusting out.

 

[Sam Bee]

I'd go with the Genesis only if the cabinet isn't rusted out. If it is then pass on it and find an old school one and refurbish it.

 

[BPratt]

The Genesis has a potted plant on it. Also there is an older Genesis in the background of the photo. $50.00 at the opening of grilling season seems a little low. Probably more to the story.

The Spirit has a Home Depot price tag on it. Probably more to the story.

 

[Jeff Cabo]

I'd with the go Genesis only if the cabinet isn't rusted out. If it is then pass on it and find an old school one and refurbish it.

Sorry new to the grill game - what is considered old school ? I found this Silver C for $75. Can’t quite figure out the year on it though.

 

[Bruce]

Silver/gold/platinum series are considered old school. That is a nice grill, but would try to get it a little cheaper. But that is the rehab/flipper in me.
That would be 2000-2005 year range. Look on the underside on the left right behind where the propane tank hangs. On the inside of that panel will likely be the data sticker and it should have a serial number on that. If you find it, there should be two letters at the beginning of the serial number. Those will tell you exactly what year it was. The sticker could be in other places as well and it could even be damaged so you cannot read it.

 

[Sam Bee]

Yes, that is a nice grill as Bruce said. I'd offer $50 and see if the seller budges as he/she might meet you halfway at 60 something (never hurts to ask). Also, make sure that rust is minimal, especially on the left side (when standing in front of it) where the firebox is attached to the frame.

 

[Jon Tofte]

I definitely like the most the Silver/Gold/Platinum and the even earlier 1000-5000 Genesis grills. On the other hand, if that stainless 300 series Genesis - a "sidewinder" is the nickname some of us here use for it - isn't rusted out in the cabinet, I could definitely see it as a cool project. That is a big "IF" - but if you are lucky enough to find one with little or no rust I would go for it. Main thing to especially look at are the frame legs that hold the casters. If they show any significant rust at the bottom, forget about it.

Good luck in whatever you choose! My final advice would be to be PATIENT, especially if the stainless one turns out to be a bust. You still have a little time, so scour OfferUp, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Letgo. There will be some nice classic grills that will show up in time.