Weber E VS EP , 310, 320, 330??? Older models VS 2011 Models?

[Tom (Gunner)]

Ok, I know this has probably been covered, but I am new to this forum and am a proud new owner of a 18.5 WSM but I am also looking to replace my 8 year old Spirit 210. Hopefully you all don't get annoyed with this long post?? Anyways, I almost pulled the trigger on a Genesis E-310 until I started reading some of these threads and now my mind is twisted into knots on what to get! Hopefully you all can offer some insight? Here's a little background. I have a Spirit 210 which is a great little grill. Except the fact I can't get it hot enough in the winter and if I open the lid it goes down in temp instantly. I also just moved from a condo to a house so I can finally upgrade to a bigger grill.

My original thought was to get a Weber E 310 because it came with porcelain grates, and from what I have heard, the porcelain grates retain heat very well. Living in the Midwest we have 6 months of Winter and I grill all year long so I need something that doesn't drop 200 degrees when I open the lid!

But then I read that getting SS grates is the way to go for longevity and things like that so I should go for the EP version. But do SS grates retain heat very well?

THEN, I was reading that the 2011 grills now run there burners North to South. Is this true with the 310, 320, and 330 and is it worth it? I am also struggling because I read that the searing station on the 330 is awesome and worth the extra cash. This is a long term investment so I want to make the right choice.

If I am correct, the only difference between the 320 and 330, is the 330 has the searing station right?

I KNOW this is a long email and a lot of questions, but hopefully you all can shed some light on which way to go?? (Also, this is an anniversary present from the wife...

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[Tom (Gunner)]

I literally just saw Tommy Scarano's post below mine with all the same questions..haha! Sorry about that...I will read through all your replies...I spoke to soon...whoops!

 

[billy sparrows]

I bought the E-330 a few days ago. The sear station is insane. I had the grill at about 700 degrees to get two thick ribeyes started. Great char. It's a neat feature and works well. As far as I know the only difference between the E-330 and E-320 is the sear station. I'm in Chicago, too and I bought it at ABT in Glenview and got 10%, so I paid about $830 for the grill and a cover, which is a bit cheaper than even amazon could do. Go with the E-330. The ABT even had the copper color in stock, which I bought. Call them and they will sell it over the phone and you can go pick it up...or they will deliver it if you can wait.