Just my opinion. These knobs have such a "cheap" look. I dunno...I can't get past it.
I feel like they could have done better.
Although...maybe it's a psychological tactic to convince people to pony up for the no-knob Smart Grill version.
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You are right Jon. I can just imagine the cost of trying to replace the electronics on that thing. I doubt there will be much aftermarket interest in making those kind of parts either. Plus, it looks like it will still have the issues with rust.I think I actually like those knobs, but I need to see in person.
The fully electronic Summit (with a black, not stainless hood) would sure look cool as long as someone came and picked it up 2-years later - and gave me 80% back. I have to think that keeping that electronic Summit with sensors, etc. all working right long term would be up there with getting a moon rocket off the ground. I doubt you will be able to restore an 8-year-old cast off of one of these new Summit electronic grills.
My Summit doesn't have any knobs.Engadget had more info including the smart Summit with no knobs: https://www.engadget.com/weber-reve...arwood-smart-grill-at-ces-2024-150053207.html
I guess it's kind of burned into my brain from seeing these style knobs on all the lower-end brands over the years.I can personally guarantee you there's no psychological tactics at play here when it comes to the control knob design in an attempt to get someone to step up to the next model.
What's an example of how you'd prefer them to look? Not trying to dismiss your opinion. I'm just genuinely curious. #IworkforWeber
My phone does a lot for me and it's a great tool.Looks like we are headed to two divergent paths. One with classic appliances that put us in control of the cook. The other, we set the controls, plop in the meat and come back when it is done. Which camp are you in?
Tim, I think you make some very good points. I suppose I look at it from the vantage point of having restored a number of older, "classic" Weber grills. Similar to restoring a 1950s car in a way. When I look at today's electronic-laden cars, I find it hard to believe it will be possible to do complete restorations of any of them 30 years from now. Likewise, I think I am right that whenever these new Summits do fail, they will have to be consigned to scrap.The fear over electronics really isn’t based in any version of reality.
I can guarantee, your vehicle, be it brand new or 30 years old, has far more complex electronics and sees WAY harsher conditions than a grill ever sees, and they aren’t dying left and right.
Our entire world is electronic, yet we only complain about electronics on grills and them being “not reliable”. Extremely odd.
I did a quick look at Lynx, Wolf and Fire Magic and see that all of these high-end brands are still using round knobs without the flat extended "grip" part we see on the new Summit. Here is a Fire Magic that goes for around $11K:I guess it's kind of burned into my brain from seeing these style knobs on all the lower-end brands over the years.
It's almost like a "Weber" has become partially recognizable as "Weber" with their round knobs in the last decade and a half, and even the latest (just revealed) models reflect that, but for some reason this one, single particular Summit model breaks with that visual aesthetic.
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To be fair so does a rolex explorer watchJust my opinion. These knobs have such a "cheap" look. I dunno...I can't get past it.
I feel like they could have done better.
Although...maybe it's a psychological tactic to convince people to pony up for the no-knob Smart Grill version.
View attachment 84958
Both. Things cooked on my trusty kettles taste different than things on my gassers, which tastes different than stuff on my pellet. And as I age (I turned 40 in ‘23Looks like we are headed to two divergent paths. One with classic appliances that put us in control of the cook. The other, we set the controls, plop in the meat and come back when it is done. Which camp are you in?
So, uh, if you #IworkforWeber, can you give me an idea of the difference between the Genesis E-325s that was $899 and the new(?) Genesis E-325 that is currently $849?I can personally guarantee you there's no psychological tactics at play here when it comes to the control knob design in an attempt to get someone to step up to the next model.
What's an example of how you'd prefer them to look? Not trying to dismiss your opinion. I'm just genuinely curious. #IworkforWeber