I started off looking at the TEC Infrared grills at around the $4k price range, after a while, I found I could get a similar grill from Fire Magic, for less money, so was about to go that route.I sent an e-mail to the people at Shopper's Choice, and asked some questions about Infrared grills in general.What I found out was very interesting, and kept me from buying the wrong grill.
It turns out, almost all infrared grills are only good for one thing, cooking steaks, and usually rare to medium rare in taste.I do not like my meat still mooing, so that was out of the question.About the only infrared grill that would allow you to cook other foods, and use other doneness levels, would be the TEC.This is because the TEC version can get down to around 300 degrees, where most other infrared grills have a low temp of only about 500-600 degrees.So, if you only like cooking steaks, then an infrared grill is for you.Otherwise, one of the Fire Magic grills would be a good choice, as you can get both infrared and conventional gas burners, but there is still one drawback to that, over this Weber model.That is, that if you need conventional burners for whatever you are cooking, the grill space over the infrared burner is wasted, and cannot be used for anything else.
After much looking around, and reading reviews of Weber grills (including the one already here on this grill), I decided I wanted one of the Summit grills.I decided on the 470 model, because 4 main burners was more than enough for what I wanted to do, and our family isn't huge, so the added space probably wouldn't get used.The reason I picked the higher end 4 burner model, was because I wanted the sear station, to get the effect of the infrared burner, without having to devote an entire burner to it.In my opinion, the lighted knobs are kind of a waste, however, I haven't needed to use them.The grill out light is kind of cool, and I've actually used it a few times now with good results.
I ordered this grill online (not through Amazon), and it arrived on a pallet, within a heavy cardboard box.Almost all of the main unit was already assembled, leaving the wings, and a few other things to install.I think it took me less than an hour to assemble the entire unit, once I got it off the pallet.This grill is heavy, around 300-350lbs, so it is a lot easier if you have a couple people to get it out of the packaging.
I was really impressed with the quality of the parts.All of the burners, flame tamers, and grates are made out of stainless steel, so they should last the life of the grill (which I expect to be 20 years or more).One of the more cool features of this grill, is the smoker box.This is something that did not even come with the higher-end grills, until you stepped up to the $6k or more grills.The smoker box is all stainless steel, and has its own burner on the very right side of the grill.It takes up little grilling space, which is nice.I've used it several times, and it seems to work pretty well.Controlling the amount of smoke is as easy as turning a knob.
On to the cooking.This grill is fantastic at cooking.You get those perfect sear marks on everything you cook, and the flavor is outstanding.One thing I would point out here, is if you think you really know how to grill, get the cook book by Jamie Purviance, called Weber's Real Grilling (bought here on Amazon for less than $17, 75 reviews at 5 stars), and you will really learn how to grill.It is amazing some of the things I used to do to try and make things taste better, only to learn it was the wrong thing to do.A lot of people I have seen grilling, do it the WRONG way, so I'd highly recommend this book, not only does it teach you the proper technique, it has some fantastic recipes in it (not just meat, either--my wife and I are fans of the Barbecue Chicken Pizzas--yes, on the grill pizza, and the Apple Cake).
The grill is fantastic at everything so far.I have not tried the rotisserie yet, but everything else works really well.The burner lighting system is great, basically like using a flame thrower to light the burner, so you don't have to sit there and keep sparking the igniter all the time (oh, and the igniter is nice, it's built-in to the knob, you don't push another button or anything, just turn the knob to light, and hold it for a second or two, and you're good to go.This grill is capable of getting very HOT.The first time I used it to make a couple steaks, with the sear burner on, I burned all the hair off of my right hand, just opening the grill cover!I did the same thing a few weeks later, until I learned my lesson--get longer grilling tools!The knobs regulate well, and the burners seem to cook evenly.
Overall, I'm really impressed with this grill.I would buy it again, without a second thought.It sure beats the Patio Caddy I had, up until I got this one.This grill does seem to go through the gas a little faster, but then again, it has more than one burner...I ordered the Weber grill cover that goes with this grill last week, because I noticed that even under a covered porch, the grill does get pretty dirty.
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Weber 2740001 Summit S-470 Grill, Propane, Stainless SteelProduct Description: Fire up this grill with the push of a button, and load up its burly cooking grates with food for the whole crowd. With gourmet-savvy features for juicy flavor and tenderness, the Summit grill from Weber is the best way to take backyard grilling to the next level. The Summit features a sturdy, enclosed cart with chrome-plated cast aluminum handles. A steel frame and stainless steel shroud with polished handle and trim will shimmer brightly on the patio or deck. And, accent colored painted, cast aluminum end caps dress up the unit nicely.
The cooking system, rated at 48,000 Btu's, includes 4 stainless steel burners and Weber's Snap-Jet individual-burner ignition system. The cooking grates are equipped with stainless steel, 9-1/2-millimeter rods for easy cleaning and optimal durability. Weber's stainless steel Flavorizer bars eliminate grease-fueled flare-ups that often occur with standard lava rocks and ceramic briquettes. Fats and juices are vaporized when they hit the angled bars and quickly sizzle away, adding delicious, smoky barbecue flavor rather than cauterizing flames. The primary cooking area measures 468 square inches. The handy warming rack area measures 112 square inches for a total cooking area of 580 square inches. The grill also has a 12,000-Btu input flush-mount side burner that lets you prepare sauces and side dishes right on the grill. A 10,600-Btu infrared rotisserie burner is great for slow-cooking poultry, ham, and roast. And, a 10,600-Btu dedicated sear burner puts the perfect glaze on your favorite outdoor meal.
Other features include a center-mounted thermometer, 2 stainless steel work surfaces, Weber's Grill-Out handle light, 6 tool holders, an enclosed tank storage area and a precision fuel gauge, a spit fork rotisserie attachment with heavy-duty motor. Two heavy duty front locking casters and 2 heavy-duty back swivel casters ensure easy transport and safety. The purchase includes a Weber cookbook and is covered by a Weber limited warranty.
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Grilla gear products seem to be well built, but they just don't last. The wraparound handles on the barbecue tools broke at the seam on 2 of the three tools during the second season of use. The black coating flakes off too. It's made to look anodized, but it's actually paint which may or may not be heat resistant.
