LMichaels
TVWBB 2-Star Olympian
Being the proud owner of a quite old Genesis II (bought closeout model fall 92), also having acquired a Summit 450 about 3 or 4 years back in addition to a Spirit 500 I thought I would share this mod I have performed first on the Genesis and most recently on the Summit and Spirit. The photos are of the Genesis. Keep in mind it does not show the flavorizer bars this is for clarity and explanation only. In use the flavorizer bars are present. I did this to the Genesis back in August and followed up the other 2 in September. So far all 3 have been GREAT success. What follows is my post from another forum. So for some here it may look familiar.
So I have been looking at some of the modifications Weber made to the new style Genesis grills. One thing I found intriguing are those heat deflectors found under the burners with the "tent" running in the same direction as the burners.
So I got to thinking what these things accomplish: First I believe they accomplish putting more heat "upward" to make the grill more efficient (hence the lower BTU compared to earlier models) but another thing I think it did (as Broil King did something similar after Consumer Reports made them into blazing infernos) is help eliminate flaming grease dropping into the grease trapping system and causing the meltdowns we read about so many times when someone got forgetful
or a little careless in maintaining their grill(s). Simply this would act as a second layer of "vaporizer" and catch this problem BEFORE it happens. Think about it: Since the redesign have we read ANYWHERE about someone having one catch fire? I know I haven't.
So having a "walkabout" at Menard's I came across an idea to modify the older Genesis like this. So I found these items Char-Broil Drip Vaporiser Bar Universal Fit. High quality SS and made in USA model 4544 (see all photos). I bought 2 sets.
I also just recently (because I forgot to clean the grease funnel) had a pretty good conflagration going in it. So I left it as is and did this mod (see photos) and decided to cook up a big bunch of freshly ground chuck burgers and do my best to make a fire. Voila' none zip nada. Added benefit I could cook effectively at lower BTU (heat setting) got GREAT sear and again NO FIRE even with all the grease and fuel I left behind from the last time
All this cost me was about $20 and 5 minutes of my time. I think I hit on something so good I am going to do a similar mod to my Summit and my little Spirit 500 and also recommend it to my neighbor who bought my other Genny from me (already done as noted) In addition I modded my dad's old Genesis 2000.
I apologize for the crappy photo quality but I used my cell phone. Notice all the grease stains on the tents BTW. I REALLY think I hit on something great!
So far now I have not had a single grease fire, I have not needed to clean the grease trap nearly as often, heat is much more even front to back and side to side (on all grills) and cooking can be accomplished at lower BTU for same performance. There has been no ill effect on any of the 4 grills I have modded and the benefits are simply amazing. I hope this helps folks here enjoy their older Weber gassers more and as much as I do now.
So I have been looking at some of the modifications Weber made to the new style Genesis grills. One thing I found intriguing are those heat deflectors found under the burners with the "tent" running in the same direction as the burners.
So I got to thinking what these things accomplish: First I believe they accomplish putting more heat "upward" to make the grill more efficient (hence the lower BTU compared to earlier models) but another thing I think it did (as Broil King did something similar after Consumer Reports made them into blazing infernos) is help eliminate flaming grease dropping into the grease trapping system and causing the meltdowns we read about so many times when someone got forgetful
or a little careless in maintaining their grill(s). Simply this would act as a second layer of "vaporizer" and catch this problem BEFORE it happens. Think about it: Since the redesign have we read ANYWHERE about someone having one catch fire? I know I haven't.So having a "walkabout" at Menard's I came across an idea to modify the older Genesis like this. So I found these items Char-Broil Drip Vaporiser Bar Universal Fit. High quality SS and made in USA model 4544 (see all photos). I bought 2 sets.
I also just recently (because I forgot to clean the grease funnel) had a pretty good conflagration going in it. So I left it as is and did this mod (see photos) and decided to cook up a big bunch of freshly ground chuck burgers and do my best to make a fire. Voila' none zip nada. Added benefit I could cook effectively at lower BTU (heat setting) got GREAT sear and again NO FIRE even with all the grease and fuel I left behind from the last time
All this cost me was about $20 and 5 minutes of my time. I think I hit on something so good I am going to do a similar mod to my Summit and my little Spirit 500 and also recommend it to my neighbor who bought my other Genny from me (already done as noted) In addition I modded my dad's old Genesis 2000.
I apologize for the crappy photo quality but I used my cell phone. Notice all the grease stains on the tents BTW. I REALLY think I hit on something great!
So far now I have not had a single grease fire, I have not needed to clean the grease trap nearly as often, heat is much more even front to back and side to side (on all grills) and cooking can be accomplished at lower BTU for same performance. There has been no ill effect on any of the 4 grills I have modded and the benefits are simply amazing. I hope this helps folks here enjoy their older Weber gassers more and as much as I do now.