Weber Q320
Burners: 2
BTU Rating: 21,700
Fuel: 20lb liquid propane tank
Primary Cooking Area: 462sq in
Dimensions: 55.5"H, 36.5"W, 22" D
Weight: 120lbs
Sometimes quality is better than quantity, but with the Weber Q320 you get both. With two stainless steel burners, 21,700 BTU-per-hour input and an enormous 462 square inches of total cooking space, this impressive piece of machinery can turn out grilled meat by the wagon-load, while leaving every steak, hot-dog or burger tasting like the work of a gourmet chef.
18 burgers, 36 hot dogs, or even 2 whole chickens can be cooked comfortably on the Weber Q 320. And all that before you even consider the 69 square inch warming rack for heating up buns, or keeping that mountain of food warm. And then there’s the electronic ignition; porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates; cast-aluminium lid; and removable catch pan. All of this in a portable grill that folds down to 55.5" x 36.5" x 22"D.
Simply put, the Weber is what you need to be cooking on this summer.
Assembly
It is clear from the moment it arrives that Weber have taken some time in designing this grill. Assembling it is easy, even if you are working on your own. Simple and clear instructions and pictures mean even those with little mechanical expertise can have the grill ready for action in an hour or two. Nor do you need to buy a whole new toolset just to put it together. A Philips screwdriver, a hammer and a little muscle will see you through in no time.
When everything is assembled, you’re left with a grill that is both practical and easy on the eye. You may initially be surprised by the large amount of plastic in some parts, including the legs, side tables and handle. However, these are high-quality parts that give the Q 320 excellent support and stability. In addition, the plastic stand has the added benefit of being rust-proof, even if left outside for long periods. Just remember to buy the additional grill cover for the rest of the unit! The Q-300 cover also fits this Q-320.
Here again, the Weber’s high-quality construction is obvious, with a cast-aluminium lid and body, glass-reinforced nylon frame, and porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates. The overall look and feel of the Q 320 is of a rock-solid, reliable grill that justifies it’s slightly higher price tag.
A clever design
It’s the small details which show just how much thought has gone into the design of the Weber Q320. Even the gas tank storage has practicality and ease-of-use in mind. A standard 20lb tank rests easily on the platform of the bottom rack. The bottle can then simply be twisted until it locks in place. Not only does it remove any chance of the tank moving, it also provides added stability to the grill, by acting as a counterweight.
Built into the Weber’s handle is a simple grill light. While it may seem a little extravagant, the light proves very useful for outdoor, night-time cooking. No need for flashlights, and no difficulty seeing when your steak is just right. It even switches off when the lid is lowered! Another built-in feature is the grill thermostat. Not only does it take the guess work out of cooking temperatures, it also lets you see just how effective the burner controls are.
Grilling
The grilling area on the Weber Q320 is served by two split, cast-iron grills, giving you 462 sq inches of cooking space. This split-grill design allows for easier cleaning, without taking away from the overall area. As is standard in some units, the grates are solid over the burners, to prevent food and grease slipping through onto the burner. Whereas some grills have a cover installed over the burner, the Weber’s design is hassle free and does not force extra cleaning work on you. The remainder of the grilling area is slotted – though the slots are narrow enough to allow you cook most food with ease. Hotdogs can be grilled in any direction and even vegetables cut into ½ inch pieces should fit easily. The Weber may be designed with couples and small families in mind, but many users report that they’ve easily cooked for 8 or more adults on the grill. The consistency of the grill and it’s ability to keep a constant temperature, mean you can keep turning out medium steaks every 10 minutes or so.
The electronic igniter – running of a simple AAA battery – makes it easy to get up and running. The two burners – a main outer burner and small inner burner – produce an impressive 21,700 BTU. So it’s no surprise that the Weber heats quickly, aided by a clam shell design which makes it faster and more energy efficient. The accompanying booklet recommends allowing 5 minutes for it to heat up, though one user reports that it gets to 450 degrees within a minute! Some committed grill fans have even tested it in the middle of winter (-25F) without any difficulty
With the unit easily reaching very high temperatures, it is rated highly for its ability to sear meat. If you like your steak rare, it can really lock in that flavour, leaving the outside perfectly charred and marked. The use of outer/inner rings also means you can cook ‘indirectly’, by turning off the inner ring and leaving the meat in the middle of the grill. Perfect for those who like medium to well-done. The stainless steel warming rack is mainly used for heating buns and other breads, but some users also recommend it as the best place to allow meat a few extra minutes to cook through by itself, while keeping it hot.
Cleaning
The underside of the Weber Q320 has a very simple and effective cleaning set-up. The rounded bottom opens onto a disposable drip pan, which simply slides in and out. Grease simply flows from the grill into the pan. The split grills remove easily, meaning the remainder of the unit can be quickly wiped down, disassembled and put away for the next time!
In conclusion...
The Weber 320 does what many other grills do – it gives you the tools to produce well-cooked meat. What separates the Weber from the others though is everything else it gives you – an easily assembled and stable unit; quick and consistent heat; ample cooking space; and a well-thought-out design that always has the owner in mind. The Weber Q320 does what many other grills do – it just does it better.
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