Barbecues - Outback v Weber

[K12beano]

Hi all

Looking to replace our two-burner gas barbecue, mid-priced jobbie that has served well but the burner's now looking a bit iffy, the ignition failed ages ago and we generally want (Read: Mrs Beano wants me to cook on something) a bit bigger, so might go for a three-burner.

Now - no debates please on charcoal v gas! It's a gas, gas, gas decision on this one as Mick Jagger would say......


We're near to narrowing down to one of the Outback (something like the "Hunter" or "Spectrum") or Weber (E210 Spirit Classic) ranges, since nothing else seems to be their quality.

Are we just talking the BMW and Mercedes of BBQ-Tech here? Are there any significant and practical differences to look out for? Are we missing another brand that deserves consideration?

All experiences and suggestions welcome!

[Zaxxon]

Newhome make some of the best cookers, why not just drag it from the kitchen to the garden.

[K12beano]

Zaxxon said:

Newhome make some of the best cookers, why not just drag it from the kitchen to the garden.

...dragging the gas pipe through the living room?


Yeah - could do that!

[Minemapper]

Weber all the way. You're comparing a Ford to a Bentley.

[K12beano]

Minemapper said:

Weber all the way. You're comparing a Ford to a Bentley.

That's EXACTLY the sort of view we're looking for.....

[Big Al.]

Outback for me, spares easy to obtain and fit.

[Minemapper]

To elaborate, my father bought an Outback gas grill in 2004. It was stored outside, under a proper cover. It now resembles an Alfasud in its metal:rust ratio. My friend in the USA bought a Weber gas grill in 1999. It is also stored outside, under the proper cover. It looks used, but is very serviceable, and will be for years to come.

My weapon of choice is a Weber kettle. It was 10 years old when I inherited it 5 years ago, and I expect to be using it for many years yet.

[Zaxxon]

Webber all the way, also get the Webber cookbook.

[calibrax]

Weber. For the sheer quality, the long warranty, and the fantastic customer service you get if you have any problems after buying one.

[escargot]

Big Al. said:

Outback for me, spares easy to obtain and fit.

Weber for exactly the same reasons above.

[escargot]

Minemapper said:

To elaborate, my father bought an Outback gas grill in 2004. It was stored outside, under a proper cover. It now resembles an Alfasud in its metal:rust ratio. My friend in the USA bought a Weber gas grill in 1999. It is also stored outside, under the proper cover. It looks used, but is very serviceable, and will be for years to come.

My weapon of choice is a Weber kettle. It was 10 years old when I inherited it 5 years ago, and I expect to be using it for many years yet.

Quite. My father and I had the same experience. Him with the outback, me with the weber.

There really is no choice frankly.

[MarkSharp]

I've had Weber bbqs all my life, including weber gas barbecues. Id highly recommend them, i think most the gas ones come with a long warranty, something crazy like 25 years! These guys are very good for all Weber stuff http://www.bbqs2u.co.uk/5-weber-gas-bbqs

Edited by MarkSharp on Friday 28th September 11:07

[Council Baby]

Weber moved their manufacturing to China about 3/4 years back, there were some teething problems at the time but I believe their quality control has improved since those issues. My one is 5 years old and loves outside without a cover - it's not dead yet