new gasser needed... help me out here


 
Briant

Briant

TVWBB Member
Ok guys, it's time to put the ECB to the curb. It had a good 6 year run, but finally it's rusted through. I had the old HD $199 special that has 486 sq in of main cooking area (18 X 27).

I'm debating between the Genesis and the more wallet friendly 3 burner Spirit. There are times that I fill the ECB, especially when the veggie pan goes on it, which is roughly 60 inches larger than the largest Spirit. I usually cook for my family of four but occasionally host larger groups. What I have now normally has ample room for my cooks- but unfortunately it sits almost in the middle between the room on the Spirit & Genesis.

I guess I'm looking for input from Spirit owners... do you guys run out of room when cooking for 4? And from Genesis owners... is all the room on the Genesis overkill? Is the step up to the Genesis worth the extra money?

And for the grill background... I have a 18.5 WSM and two 22.5 Kettles
 
I have the 2009 model of Spirit e310 and I cook for 4 adults (apparently, my kids are never going to move out!!!!!). I find I have plenty of room, but if I need more, I have my 22.5 OTG (which I use far more than my Spirit, truth be told). A Genesis is a better unit (and alot more money) but if you can get one for cheap, then go for it.
My gasser is usually relegated for the "yucky" stuff like vegetables, and the OTG gets the "glory" stuff.
 
Hi Brian,

I have a Genesis EP330. I don't think the size of the Genesis is overkill. To me it's always struck me as pretty much standard size of the gas grills I always had. The EP330 has a sear station that I use quite often, and after the inital sear, I like to move the steaks over to a cool side of the grill. So the EP330 allows me to get a very hot side and a cooler side of the grill.

We use the 330 for cooking for anywhere from 2 to 8 people. You say you're filling the ECB right now, so I don't think moving to a smaller grill would be the right choice.

I'm told the Gensis has a better build quality than the Spirit and I know it puts out slightly more BTU's. But I've never had a Spirit. All I can say is I really am impressed with the Gensis.
 
i normally only cook for two but still went with the Genesis. It's nice having the extra room. When flipping steaks, etc. there's always a super hot place to flip them too.

A few days ago I did some baby backs indirect. It was great having the extra space for indirect. It keeps the meat further away from the heat source.

Also in my opinion, the Genesis is built much better than the Spirit.

If you go for the Genesis, I would look for a Special Edition model. It's definitely worth the extra $50.
 
I personally do not think the Genesis "overly roomy". It is not a bad size though and can get you through most cooks small or large quite nicely. You don't say if you're going brand new or finding an oldie but goodie. One thing I will comment on is while decent IMO for doing something like rotisserie cooking the newer style Genesis (controls in front) falls short of the old style (controls on side). The old burner arrangement IMO allowed you to do more things better. So if rotisserie cooking is a large part of the repertoire you may want to investigate a Summit 470 which has a rear mounted burner. Grill overall size is about the same but allows for better rotisserie.
I will make another "observation" for you to consider. I was gifted a 12 year old Broilmaster premium (P3) grill. I have to say that as happy as I have been over the years with the Weber it (Broilmaster) does a better job as a straight up grill. It uses a ceramic vaporizer system and I cannot figure out what "magic" it does (mine has the ceramic "briquettes") it gives a better grill flavor than steel innards do. They are very spendy grills for simple 2 burner products (which is why I first bought a Weber) since the sales person was working me toward the Broilmaster (over 20 years ago) but I looked at the big pretty Weber on that large cart and pull up tables, 3 burners,.................you get the idea and boom I got the Weber. But I have to say as a "grill" the Broilamster is the better of the 2. As a cooking "system" I still think the old style Genesis has the BM beat (a little) thanks to the burner layout for rotisserie cooking. But as a straight up "grill" I am totally impressed with that Broilmaster. And mind you I am comparing it to my Genesis II, my Summit 450, my Wolf 6 burner, and an old style Ducane. And frankly it grills better than all of them. So there you have my experiences/opinions
 
Thanks for the input so far. I'm going for a new grill here for those that were wondering.

As for what will go on it, it's usually bscb, chops, burgers & dogs, and veggies. Steaks, ribs, roadside chicken, etc go over coals. I have not ever used a rotisserie. I mainly use the gasser a couple nights per week after work to do a quick dinner for the family. Weekend cooks sometimes incorporate the gasser, but mainly use one of my other webers.

I really appreciate the feedback and am still interested in everyone's thoughts!
 
Last edited:
IF that's the case and you do more of your proteins over the coals and the gasser is for back up or quick dinners, then I'm thinking the Spirit would fit the bill nicely. If the gasser was going to be your main cooking unit, then I'd might steer you to the Genesis...
 
I just picked up a 2009 Genesis E320NG and I love it plenty of room and great quality. It has the east/west burners which I like after having my now retired but going nowhere 1997 Genesis 1000 I bought new. I mostly use the gassers for winter cooks and roti cooks, that's why I like the e/w burners. I use the performer for most of my grilling.
It's no problem having too much grill area, but not enough is a different story.
 
If you're looking for a Spirit, Home Depot has the special versions of the E-210 and E-310 with the Gourmet BBQ System grates and griddle at the same price as the regular E-210 and E-310.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

 

Back
Top