Weber grills are some of the most popular and coveted backyard grills on the market. Known for their quality construction and excellent grilling performance, Weber grills do tend to cost more than other grill brands. So what makes Weber grills so pricey compared to other options?
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Weber Grill Construction
One of the main reasons Weber grills command a premium price is their heavy duty construction. Weber uses high grade stainless steel for many of their grill parts including the cooking grates, flavorizer bars, and burner tubes. Stainless steel is more expensive than materials like cast aluminum or porcelain coated steel grates used on cheaper grills, but it also holds up better over time.
The firebox and lid components on Weber grills are made from thick, high grade porcelain enameled steel. Porcelain enameled steel won’t chip, peel, or rust like regular painted steel. Weber also uses cast aluminum for components like their grates and lid handles. Cast aluminum is lighter than steel while still offering durability.
Weber grills feature heavy duty steel cooking grates that are built to last. Their iconic kettle grills use a single large 22” diameter grate, while the Genesis gas grills use high quality stainless steel rod grates with a grate area between 500-800 square inches depending on the model. The larger the cooking surface, the higher the grill cost.
Weber Grill Performance
The excellent materials and construction of Weber grills lead to best-in-class grilling performance. Features like consistent heat distribution, precise temperature control, and effective grease management result in mouthwatering food.
Weber kettle charcoal grills like the Original Kettle Premium possess heat shielding between the charcoal and grates to prevent hot spots. Vents on the lid and bowl allow good airflow for precise temperature control. The bowl and lid are designed to circulate heat and smoke evenly around food.
On the gas grill side, Weber Genesis grills contain a unique grease management system to prevent flare ups. Angled flavorizer bars catch drippings while allowing smoke to rise back up and impart flavor. The burners are crafted to distribute heat evenly across the grates.
This thoughtful engineering allows you to perfectly sear steaks, grill juicy burgers, and barbecue melt-in-your-mouth ribs. The premium performance demands the premium price.
Weber Grill Features
In addition to excellent materials and performance, Weber grills come loaded with helpful features.
On charcoal models, Weber includes helpful features like hinged grates for easy mid-cook fuel addition, built-in lid thermometers, and durable wheels on most cart models. The Weber Performer kettle takes it a step further with gas ignition, a work table, and handy storage.
With Genesis gas grills, you’ll find versatile side burners, bright work lights for night grilling, large side tables, extensive burner controls, fuel gauges, and high performance burners that can handle anything from a quick weeknight meal to an all-day low-and-slow smoking session.
These specialized features improve the grilling experience and justify the investment compared to a cheaper, stripped down grill.
Weber Grill Warranties
In addition to rock-solid construction, Weber grills come with excellent warranties to protect your purchase in the long run.
Here is how the warranties compare between cheaper grills and premium Weber grills:
| Grill Brand | Materials & Workmanship | Burner Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Char-Broil/Dyna-Glo (inexpensive) | 2 years | 3-5 years |
| Weber | 10 years | 10 years |
As you can see, Weber protects all grill components for a full decade. That’s 5-8 more years than cheaper competitors. This long coverage provides peace of mind for years to come.
Weber Grill Resale Value
Not only do Weber grills hold up over the years, but they maintain their resale value extremely well compared to other grill brands. It’s not uncommon to find 5-10 year old Weber kettle or Genesis grills selling for nearly as much as brand new cheaper grills.
The high quality materials stand the test of time. And the excellent brand reputation means used Webers are highly sought after. When you decide to upgrade, you can recoup a significant portion of a Weber grill’s original price.
Weber Grill Cost: Is it Worth it?
At the end of the day, determining if the cost is worth it comes down to your grilling habits.
If you only grill occasionally on summer weekends, a cheaper grill around $150-300 may suit your needs just fine. But for the grill master who cooks year-round, a premium Weber grill delivers.
You’ll enjoy chemical-free cooking thanks to the stainless steel and porcelain enameled surfaces. The thick steel components hold heat extremely well for perfect sear marks. Precise airflow and grease management prevent any flare ups. These grills can easily handle the most elaborate grilling masterpieces and the large cooking surface provides ample room to grill an entire meal at once.
Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that your grill can hold up to decades of heavy use. Between the unmatched performance and long lifespan, a Weber grill delivers extremely high long term value compared to disposable grills built with cheaper materials that only last a few seasons.
Bottom Line
At first glance, shelling out $400-1,000+ for a backyard grill seems excessive. But considering the long lifespan, excellent cooking ability, and resale value of Weber grills, the investment pays off over the long run. You get what you pay for, and Weber grills deliver premium results worthy of the price tag.