Weber Q 200 Gas Grill Review

 Rating: 4 stars====================Product price: Check new Price in amazon====================Buy with Secure Transaction Amazon now…====================
Product DescriptionWEBER Q200 LP GAS GRILL *280 sq. in total cooking area *12,000 BTU per hour input *Stainless steel burner *Infinite control burner valve *Porcelain enameled cast iron cooking grate *Push button ignition *Uses both 14.1 and 16.4 oz. LP cylinder (not included) *Weber No. 6551 Ace No. 8214017 or No. 6552 covers fit grill (not included) *Duffle: Ace No. 8214009

Weber Q 200 Gas Grill

Customer Reviews:* I am writing this long term review because as so many reviews are just initial impressions when the product is new. They are hard to find, but some people will write a review later in the product's life cycle, especially if they have had problems. This is not one of those "problem" reviews. The Weber Q is my all time favorite grill.Background Info:I bought my "Q" back in 2004 when they first came out; there were only two models at the time, the Q and the Baby Q. The overall design theory and execution of a portable gas grill was amazing in my eyes - like nothing I had ever seen before. I was in the market for a gas grill, and the portable nature yet still nice enough to grill on a daily basis design sold me instantly. I had used my dad's Weber gas grill since he bought it new in the mid 90's (comparable to today's Genesis models) and was impressed in every aspect, especially the longevity and quality of the components compared to "big box store" look-a-like grills. The price for a standalone Weber, like my dad's, was too high in my opinion, and I wanted more for my money. The Q's dual nature fit the bill perfectly. In addition to the Q, I bought about every accessory available at the time: rolling cart, Weber Q specific tools, cover, hose for external LP tank, etc. Every accessory followed right in line with the Q's portable design intent. The tools are my favorite as they snap into the side tables and easily fold up inside enhancing the go-anywhere part of the design. I recently (Summer 2008) upgraded my home setup to include the stationary cart for a more finshed look at home on the back patio.Performance:The grill holds a surprisingly large amount of food. I can grill for the whole family or more with no problems, (This totally depends on what you are grilling). I have grilled everything from the ubiquitous burgers, dogs, and brats to fajita meat and vegetables to corn on the cob and steaks. I can even fit 2-3 whole racks of ribs on the Q. Heating is surprisingly even with the rectangular shaped burner (which is stainless steel and after 4 seasons is showing zero signs of wear, corrosion, etc.). The heavy, thick cast iron grate should get most of the credit for the even heating. I really like the wide bars and tight spacing of the grate; I can grill sliced veggies and meats as if I were cooking on a skillet with no fear of them falling though. Temperature control is ultra easy with the single burner knob. I have taken the Q tailgating at sporting events, to picnics at the park, to friends' parties, etc. and it has performed flawlessly. It offers tons of cooking room for the size and minimal effort to bring along with the clever design of the grill and accessories. People are always amazed when they watch me unpack/pack the Q. Other than an occasional and end of season cleaning, this thing is maintenance free. Just brush off the grate, check the drip pan, and clean out the burned drippings in the bottom from time to time.Final Thoughts:Looking back at my Q experience, I wouldn't have it any other way. In fact, I can't imagine owning any other gas grill - except another Q. If the day comes when I have to replace my beloved Q, I would probably stick with the original size, the 200 series; it is the perfect balance. The 300 series looks nice with the bigger size and extra burner, but I don't necessarily need the size and I feel it loses some of the portable utility that makes the original Q so great. * We got our Q 200 in May 2005 and, as we live in sunny California, use it heavily (between 2 and 6 times a week from May through September). It sure shows the wear, but it grills like the day we got it.Let's be clear: this is not a large, high-powered gas grill like those beautiful models that will cost you thousands of dollars (Viking, etc.). It can't reach the intense temperatures with the cover open (or even with it closed), and it certainly can't do what charcoal can do for meat, shrimp, etc. But we already have a wonderful Weber One-Touch Platinum charcoal grill, and as space is very limited in our tiny yard, we couldn't get a really nice high-end gas grill. The Q 200 takes up incredibly little space for a grill that performs so well and so efficiently, and its cooking surface is surprisingly large for the small overall size of the grill.It does an amazing job on chicken, sausage, hot dogs, fish, and even hamburger and lamb chops. For those big steaks and foods that need intense heat or that charcoal flavor, better stick to the charcoal, but the Q is so convenient, I find myself using it 4 out of 5 times when I come home from work.My wife has one complaint: she wants more cooking area for when we entertain. Solution? The Q 300. Takes up no more space on the rolling cart, and even has more power for those jobs that require it. We're going to order one. The Q series is a total winner for price, size, quality of construction, and performance.Remember: this is not a charcoal grill, and it's not a commercial gas grill. But for the space that it takes up and its very reasonable price, there is nothing that compares.UPDATE 9/1/2010:We got a Q300 for the larger cooking surface and lent the Q200 to some friends. I miss the Q200! It did a much better job at low temperatures (the Q300 can never seem to cook as well on low), and was quite adequate at high (we use charcoal when we need really intense heat, anyway). When our friends eventually get a grill of their own, I'll get the Q200 back and auction off or gift away the Q300.