I have a Weber that I think is the original ancestor of the Spirit, purchased probably close to 20 years ago. Still works fine and still has the original burners, which are stainless steel and apparently indestructible. So definitely concur with the recommendation for Weber, although they’ve made a lot of changes since then, hopefully for the better. A cover is fine if you want to keep it looking new, but weather won’t hurt it.
I personally don’t see the need for more than two burners in a small grill of that size, but I don’t typically cook for more than a few people. The two burners in mine heat it up quite quickly and are eventually capable of driving the thermometer needle right off the dial. Unlike most other smaller grills, the small Webers like the Spirit have quite a small internal volume (notice the low profile in the pic), so they heat up more quickly and efficiently than you might expect. Webers are also reputed to be particularly good for indirect slow cooking, too. I’ve had excellent roasts and slow-grilled flattened chicken on mine.
Concur with the idea of having two propane tanks that you swap around.
My Dad got a Weber propane probably sometime in the late 70’s and I don’t know if he ever replaced it until he moved in the late 90’s. Probably 20+ years.
He got me one (a Genesis) for my house warming in '89. I remember I had it until my daughter was around 7… 2001. I got a big bonus and replaced it with a Weber Summit series which was great but really way more grill than I needed. I gave the old one to a friend who has a cabin in the woods and as far as I know he may still use it. They are basically bullet proof.
Missed this. As others have said it just lets you sit by the grill and enjoy your adult beverage and the beautiful evening without running back and forth. Oh, yeah… and the flavor.
They come in all kinds of sizes and it is so simple to toss in seasonings or marinade chopped veggies and just stir them around from time to time without having to worry about them falling through the grates.
We often just take some combination of sliced squash, onions, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, sugar snap peas, beans, etc. and dump them in a bowl and pour a bottle of Italian dressing over them. Wait for a bit and toss them in the grill basket and toss them around when you turn the meat. Simple, cheap, easy and tasty.
And of course there are tons of variations of corn on the cob (no basket needed) that is wonderful on the grill.
I’ve used a side burner only a few times and it was for something in a big pot that wouldn’t fit on the regular grill (usually Southern style green beans). My newest grill… I didn’t waste the money.