is the sear station worthwhile?
1285164
Yes it is helpful. I use it sometimes on low heat setting to offset the first and second burners. It creates a more equal heat depending the your meat selection.
1285165
I bought this grill from Amazon at the beginning of last season, it has been wonderful, see my review for details about delivery and assembly. But honestly, I have yet to have a reason to try the sear station feature. I cook meat, chicken, fish and vegetables, and there is enough fine control over heat using the main three burners that I have never found a need for the sear burner.
2110144
Doesn't matter , the sear station side would just be hotter,if thats what you needed.
2179256
Would not be my first choice due to expense and having to discard it. I use and love the food saver marinating container for that as is can be thoroughly cleaned with antibacterial soap and used again.
2117033
Yes, it's worth it if you are satisfied with it lasting no more than 2 barbeque seasons. Otherwise invest the money in a better quality grill such as Weber.
1932835
The sear station raises the temperature about 200 degrees sealing in the juices. I cook 2 minutes on each side and move off of the high temperature for 5 minutes on a side for medium rare delicious steak in 14 minutes. A much better flavor than without the sear station
1055345
The heat output of the newer design from Weber really puts a lot more than the older generations. I have the NG model with the sear burner between the two left burners. This gives a lot of heat concentrated on this area. In other words, the searing power is more than adequate. If you check the models that run on a propane will put out even more heat, if the NG model is not hot enough for you If you have an older weber genesis , you will be pleased with the new ones performance. Get the one with the sear (4th) burner. I can even make a small batch of fries with the side burner while I am cooking steaks. Good luck! Gh for you
135728
I definitely think it is worth the money. I use it for much more than I originally bought it for. It costs less from Amazon than it does from a cooking catalog which is where I first noticed it.
965341
Not too bad to clean because it's outdoors. It will grill without sear marks. I would suggest keeping the griddle inside because mine did rust even being seasoned with oil and a cover!
1238683
First maybe someone needs them on the Craigs list so try that first . Some people will cut out the bad bars and make up 3 or 4 grids instead of 2 grids because it saves $50. Its a smart thing to do , cooks the same and is just smart if part of the grid is still good.Second , recycle them for the metal
2203040
I have the silver and have been very happy with it. I would suggest spending the extra money on something like a rotisserie or a kettlepizza
955774
No. It heats up with 8lbs of meat. It's a light duty. Gear is plastic. Go the next step up in size and you should be good.
1018594
Patrick I am not shure . I have it on my bench at work I know the high setting is about 900 degrees i dont think that is correct i havent checked it . But I can tell you one thing that is a heck of a good station for the money . Ive had a repair shop since 89 and thats the best for the money . I was using edsyn stations but they were too expensive to maintain. Tips and heating elements for this station are cheap. and they have a good life . I run my station at about 675 degrees 10 hours a day 6 days a week . a tip will easily last 2 or 3 months and Ive never replaced the heating element. One thing I would suggest is to throw away the sponge that comes with it . I use a piece of stainless steel wool glued in the tray with silicone . This cleans the tip nicely and you dont experince temprature change from wetting the tips. Which keeps your station temp steady and prolongs the tip life. Tips are small enough to do smd removal.
921767
Yes and no depending on what you want to cook. Yes : For anything that won't retain too much water e.g. Potato or when you evaporate all water e.g. rice dishesNo : Veggies, fish etc. These could get soggy (disintegrate) and you will have to strain things out at the end. Buying a separator (<$10 in any Indian store) or steamer basket is a good investment. Remember to remove the 'whistle' and steam for desired amount of time if you plan on using this as a 'steamer' and not a pressure 'cooker'.The quality of the steel (as others have already mentioned) is stellar. Cleaning it is extremely easy, unless you burnt something in it of course :) Yes and no depending on what you want to cook. Yes : For anything that won't retain too much water e.g. Potato or when you evaporate all water e.g. rice dishesNo : Veggies, fish etc. These could get soggy (disintegrate) and you will have to strain things out at the end. Buying a separator (<$10 in any Indian store) or steamer basket is a good investment. Remember to remove the 'whistle' and steam for desired amount of time if you plan on using this as a 'steamer' and not a pressure 'cooker'.The quality of the steel (as others have already mentioned) is stellar.... » Read More Yes and no depending on what you want to cook. Yes : For anything that won't retain too much water e.g. Potato or when you evaporate all water e.g. rice dishesNo : Veggies, fish etc. These could get soggy (disintegrate) and you will have to strain things out at the end. Buying a separator (<$10 in any Indian store) or steamer basket is a good investment. Remember to remove the 'whistle' and steam for desired amount of time if you plan on using this as a 'steamer' and not a pressure 'cooker'.The quality of the steel (as others have already mentioned) is stellar. Cleaning it is extremely easy, unless you burnt something in it of course :) « Show Less
2212389
The reason I bought it was its high rating. When it comes to kitchen gadgets, I usually go quality over cost. Going cheap tends to lead to burned food or re-buying the gadget. That being said, I've had mine for about 6 years and it has never failed me. Alton did motivate me to buy one, but I did not specifically seek out the model he used.
84642
I agree with Jeff, George, and Sandra. My Fagor emits minimal steam, and I believe that even if I can smell what's cooking, the nutrient loss is insignificant. To answer your question, sharan, it is NOT TRUE.
747690
I agree with all the above comments. Its a learning process versus other BBQ but it is worth spending time learning how to make it work . I have been using mine for over a year and it keeps surprising me as wooooo this is good bbq. Easiest is steaks and hardest to do is chicken but once you get the wood/air/fan speed level combination the concept is amazing. I quit using my other barbecues. That's how good this is. (for example 2 faux filet Costco quality is about 10min of use from the start of the BBQ using 1 or 2 pcs of wood)
2121939
Grill works well. Keep in mind the surface area is smaller than a conventional gas grill so if you're grilling for a crowd, not a good choice. But you can roast big items in the cooking chamber. It's indirect heat so there are no flareups but it gets very hot and you get the nice grill marks. It's a good grill and smoke cooker (higher temp smoking). I have smoke cooked chicken and saus ages with good results.