Weber Genesis E320

[capn frank]

Greetings grillers.... I'm new to the forum but have been poking around / reading posts for a while. Charcoal is really where my heart is when it comes to Q, but I use my gasser about 3 times per week. I use the Weber 22" kettle exclusively on the weekends, WSM on special cuts, and have an old char-broil p-o-s which has been getting me by on quick meals during the week ...which leads me to my post.

It's time for a new gasser. I want to go with Weber, but can really only spend between $500 and $600. That gets me the Weber Genesis E320. I want the side burner for hurricane season (live in NC; power outages from ice storms, hurricanes, you name it), and to light my charcoal chimneys :p .

I see a ton of posts about Weber Genesis Silver, Gold, Summit etc.. but not specifically about the E320. From what I can see, the only thing about it that bothers me is the burner control knobs being on the side tray. Is that a pain-in-the-a$$ to anyone?

I'm interested in any comments anyone has on the E320. I really appreciate the advice, and look forward to contributing to this site.

Thanks

[capn frank]

So, I called Weber and instantly saw why you guys speak highly of their customer service. It was very easy to get someone on the phone, and (she) was very helpful. The Genesis E320 is the modern-day "Genesis Silver B". The Silver B was discontinued.

I'm still interested in any feedback anyone has on this grill.... Thanks

[swamp smoker]

Hey capnfrank

My silver b is almost 4yrs old now and i've never had any issues with it. I just scrub it down with grill cleaner and a plastic brush on the inside every few months and keep enjoying it.
the grill keeps real even temps for me and has no problem hitting 750-800++. If you have any other ???'s fire away i'll try and help. oh yeah the one time i had ti use customer service was due to the fact that my grill came 1 flavorizer bar short. I called Weber and they shipped me a whole new set within 7days. Now i've got some extras.

Seeyaa
Swampsmoker

[capn frank]

Do you have the SS grates or porcelin coated? Ace Hardware has this model but they only get it with SS grates. I'm wondering if they hold their heat well enough to sear both sides of steaks, etc.

[swamp smoker]

I've got the porcelain ones. The people that have the stainless ones like them but the one i hear people rave about are the coated cast iron grates. I believe Home depot used to sell them with there grills. I believe the ss ones are hollow tube so they dont hold there heat as well as the cast iron. you might ask them if they can get them at Ace.

Good Luck
swamsmoker

[capn frank]

I went for the EP-320 with SS grates. Comparing to what I was cooking on before with my 6 yr old, beaten to death, rusted, chipped, low-end and filthy Char Broil, the SS is like butta! I also spoke to Weber, and they considered the SS an upgrade from the PCI, which pushed me over the fence.

So I'm a proud owner of another Weber. It's a welcomed addition to the family, and one that should be around a very long time. :D

Thanks for the replies.

[sharky]

Congrats on the buy! What did you end up paying?

[capn frank]

$649 + tax

:(

[StPeteBBQ]

You'll be tickled with your purchase. Weber Rocks!

A few months ago, I stumbled on a Weber Silver B at our local Home Depot. It was on closeout because of the new models. It was $399 - 10% because of the closeout. Regular price was $599 I believe. Then I discovered it was missing a part. Home Depot discounted the grill another 20% making my price about $220. Weber replaced the missing part for free.

Since I bought at Home Depot, it came with the PCI grates. If those give me a problem, I'll switch to SS. So far, the PCI grates give me the best sear I've ever gotten.

As Sharky will attest, I'm not a Gas Grill guy... I like charcoal. Previously my only Gas Grill was a Weber Baby Q, which I still love and use for road trips, tailgating, etc.

Having a real Gas Grill is a great convenience, but I'll always be a Charcoal Grill guy down deep.

Unless I'm smokin'... Now THAT'S cookin'!!!

[sharky]

LMK if you want to get rid of the grill STPete... I'd happily take it off your hands!

I'm finally getting settled in the new house and grilling. I've put a few things on the grill, nothing too special. I slaughtered some sweet potatoes last weekend (burnt). Fortunately I had extras. I have such a hard time judging the head over charcoal.. I need to practice more. I used to be pretty good.