Considering a Genesis


 
S

ScottM

TVWBB Member
A few weeks ago I posted about the possibility of buying a new Spirit 210. After much research, probably too much, I'm leaning on the Weber E-310 (maybe 330). However, I made the mistake and went to a high-end grill shop where they showed me a Beefeater grill. I don't know much about Beefeater, nor could I find much online other than their bad website (which could be a bad sign, and a reason not to buy it). In any case, I'm a bit torn. The Beefeater's burners are very impressive, honestly. They are very heavy, seems better built then Weber's tube burners (sorry to say, just my opinion).

On to my concern about the Genesis. I have seen a few reviews on amazon where the reviewer says it doesn't get that hot. I find it hard to believe as there are a number of very good reviews too. So I figure I'll ask here, as I'm sure there are plenty of Genesis owners. How hot does your grill get and how long does it take to heat up? Further, does it have the North/South burner configuration or the East/West?

Another question, assume the "330" model, E-330 or EP-330?

Thanks for your input,
Scott
 
The 210 only has 2 burners, correct? That alone would steer me to the 3 burner grill. I'm sure people are more than happy with their 2 burner, but I have zero complaints about my 3 burner. And it gets HOT! Preheating doesnt take long at all unless its the middle of winter & really windy out. Burners run left to right, not front to back. The Beefeater is one I've never heard of, but I'm no expert. What happens if/when you need parts? Availability & cost? Weber does really well in that department. The Brinkman & Charbroil at Home Depot also look like decent grills, but we know where they end up in 5 years.

I think you know where I'm leaning. lol
 
I have one. Three burner, but the burners run from front to back. Personally, I would never own a grill that went from side to side. If I light all three, it will run up to 750 degrees within 8-10 minutes I think, though I've never timed it, it gets plenty hot. My main issue with the grill is the so so sear on food with the SS grates. I cook mostly high heat on it and have done some indirect chicken, beef tenderloin on it, both cooked nicely. The problem that I have with doing indirect is getting the heat low enough as I have trouble getting it under 300 with one burner on low, but then, I was using the grill therm, so I was likely much lower.

I love the side burner, though I mostly use it for lighting my charcoal chimneys! I wish weber had extended the cabinets underneath out as far as the two side tables, as I could use the extra storage as the gas tank takes up half of the area. I've even thought about ways to expand it myself, but I'm no metal worker and don't want to do wood as it weigh too much.

I also looked at other brands, but as a previous owner of a 1000 dollar grill that I threw out within a few years, I went with the weber reputation and warranty. So far, I'm pleased with the performance and she looks looks like new, well, not the inside, but the outside pretty much does. Like any gas grills, it is close to "just" cooking outdoors, as adding smokey flavors are a bit difficult with the air flow, but one can. I use the SS smoke box, but find that on very low temp, it does not smoke well, and on higher temps, it burns up the wood too fast, so one needs to keep loading up. So, now if I want smoke, it is on to the OPT or WSM, and therefore, as I said, the Gen. gets short cooks. The space is large enough to do several different foods as I often do, meat, corn on the cob/veggies/potatoes, and toasting bread at the same time.

Go for it, I think you be pleased, everything has shortcomings, which is why I own four grills..................................d
 
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Don't knock the side to side arrangement on the burners. They do a FAR better job with rotisserie than front to back. The only way anyone gets my side to side Genesis II is from my cold dead fingers. Yeah it's THAT good
 
LMichaels said:
Don't knock the side to side arrangement on the burners. They do a FAR better job with rotisserie than front to back. The only way anyone gets my side to side Genesis II is from my cold dead fingers. Yeah it's THAT good
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Actually, I've never considered that point of view with a rotisserie.......I see how that could be an advantage. Most of my rotisserie cooking has always been over charcoal, so, never thought about that.........................d
 
I went through the same decision last summer. If your even considering the EP-330 do it and never look back. You don't want to be saying "maybe I should have" down the road. In a few months you won't even miss the extra cost. I have one and it is one awesome grill. Glad I didn't settle for less.
 
I ahve an EP 330. The buners run north to south. (I'ts my understanding all the Gensisi since 2009 have the N-S burners.

With all the burners on (including the sear station) The grill hit's 700 in about 5-10 minutes. It's very well insualted and hold the temps very well...I went with the EP becase I wanted the stainless steel grates and flame tamers. I never likedthe PCI grates. The sear station works great as well. If you want to cook steaks, you will love the sear station. I love my EP 330!
 
I bought my EP-330 about 2 years ago and just love it. It gets hot really quick. I like the SS grates and the side burner.
 
Go with the Spirit 310 3 burner - the cooking sq in to btu ratio is better, the cooking sq in aare the same as the original Genesis, and you can add stainless rods (and FB's) later if you want. I saved over $300, go tthe cast iron, and it works like dream. IMO the current Genesis is too large of a cookbox and thus they had to add heat deflectors - who wants heat deflectors. My Spirit heats to over 550 in about 10 min - good luck. They are far outselling the Genesis.
 
Skip said:
Go with the Spirit 310 3 burner - the cooking sq in to btu ratio is better, the cooking sq in aare the same as the original Genesis, and you can add stainless rods (and FB's) later if you want. I saved over $300, go tthe cast iron, and it works like dream. IMO the current Genesis is too large of a cookbox and thus they had to add heat deflectors - who wants heat deflectors. My Spirit heats to over 550 in about 10 min - good luck. They are far outselling the Genesis.
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Those deflectors do 2 things actually. First the increase the efficiency of the grill. Second they increase the safety. How? You may ask. If you check many people think they never have to clean their grill or maintain it thinking because it's a Weber it is invincible. Well it is not. After a while grease builds up in the grease channeling system and you might be cooking something with lots of drippy fat (say chicken). Suddenly the fat drips, hits a hot falvorizer bar, flames a little and the flame drops in to the unprotected grease pit below and you have an inferno. Sometimes one so bad the firebox will melt if you don't catch it in time. Those deflectors help IMMENSELY in preventing this from happening. So much so if you look for it I have a post here of how I actually made a set for my Genesis II and my Summit 450 and YES they DO work and they DO help them cook with less gas use and more even heat distribution along with less chance of an inferno if I neglect to clean them. So you ask "who wants heat deflectors?" The answer is ANYONE who actually has studied the design and reasoning behind them.
 
It would be nice if Weber offered the deflectors (cheap price ;))to those of us with older style (east/west) burners. However, that might open them up for liability issues I guess, more or less admitting a design flaw. I will just have to remember to clean the tray.
 
Colin...

A "design flaw" or is the new design just an advancement in design !!!
Is the lack of a 35mph bumper a 'design flaw' on Mr Ford's Model T ?
 
Yes, the heat deflectors do work, but the had to ADD them to the larger fire box just to make it more efficient. Are you aware of them on any other models?? Also, they do help channel the drippings between the flavorizor bars. My original Genesis back in 1985 had 12 FB's - 5 going E/W and 7 going N/S. Now they only have 5, and the spacing betwen them is too wide. Additionally the angle of the newer Genesis FB's is more narrow than the Spirit - Spirit has better spacing and wider angled bars. Next time you are in a HD or Lowes, look at the difference. Additonally you will notice that if you actually take the Spirit grates and place them on top of the Genesis grates, you pick up only about 1 1/2 inches in width and about 1" length-wise - hardly enought to get a few extr brats on. Again, for the money and efficiency, I went with the Spirit 310. Take the savings and contact Omaha Steaks!!
 
One other quick note - sit tight if you really want a Genesis. Apparently the new Spirit is cannabalizing sales of the Genesis, and stock on Gnesis is stagnant. You may see some specials and closeouts as Weber considers updating the model, esp around Labor Day. Good luck!
 
Skip said:
One other quick note - sit tight if you really want a Genesis. Apparently the new Spirit is cannabalizing sales of the Genesis, and stock on Gnesis is stagnant. You may see some specials and closeouts as Weber considers updating the model, esp around Labor Day. Good luck!
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Where do you get you stuff? The new Genesis cooks just fine there is no flaw or too wide spacing. The old grills had more bars but in many cases Weber support recommended taking the top set out. I am sure the Spirit is a decent product and yes I have looked at them AND the newer Genesis model and even put together and installed a NG version of the E310 for my sister and have cooked on it at her home. It does just fine. Bottom line don't denigrate someone's choice of the new Genesis to justify your own choices. Neither is a "wrong" or "flawed" choice or design only different
 
LMichaels said:
Where do you get you stuff? The new Genesis cooks just fine there is no flaw or too wide spacing. The old grills had more bars but in many cases Weber support recommended taking the top set out. I am sure the Spirit is a decent product and yes I have looked at them AND the newer Genesis model and even put together and installed a NG version of the E310 for my sister and have cooked on it at her home. It does just fine. Bottom line don't denigrate someone's choice of the new Genesis to justify your own choices. Neither is a "wrong" or "flawed" choice or design only different
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No "denigrate" intended - simply passing on facts and observations. Was told just recently by an exclusive dealer he was informed that the Genesis would be the next in the line to be modified. They just completed the Spirit, so Genesis, then Summit. Dealers in Kansas City, Baton Rouge, and Maryland say the Spirit is far outselling the Genesis, and yes, it may be that Weber hit a magic pricepoint that yields great value. Wasn't the reason I bought it - just made more sense for the $ difference.
 
Skip said:
No "denigrate" intended - simply passing on facts and observations. Was told just recently by an exclusive dealer he was informed that the Genesis would be the next in the line to be modified. They just completed the Spirit, so Genesis, then Summit. Dealers in Kansas City, Baton Rouge, and Maryland say the Spirit is far outselling the Genesis, and yes, it may be that Weber hit a magic pricepoint that yields great value. Wasn't the reason I bought it - just made more sense for the $ difference.
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Maybe in HIS store but I seriously doubt one dealer's opinion. As for modifying the Genesis line about the only thing they could add/modify is to put a rotisserie burner on it but that certainly would NOT lower it's price point. Frankly for what the Genesis is, it is perhaps the best overall grill on the market bar none especially considering it's price point.
 
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