Weber unveils new innovative outdoor grilling concept that redefines outdoor room category

Author's note: I originally posted this on my OP Home and Garden blog, but because I know so many of us RVers enjoy cooking outdoors I've included it here.

Weber-Stephen Products LLC, the world's leading manufacturer of outdoor gas and charcoal grills and grilling accessories, has unveiled innovative and unique "Grill Centers" as part of its 2011 new products line-up. Company spokespersons say the Grill Centers will positively redefine the outdoor kitchen category and make the concept within reach for a larger North American consumer base.

Weber Summit Grill Center with Social Area 
Weber's most impressive new offering is the Weber Summit Grill Center with Social Area. This stainless steel "L" shaped outdoor grill is a high-end, yet affordable alternative to an outdoor kitchen that typically ranges in price from $20,000 to $50,000. In contrast, the Weber Summit Grill Center with Social Area sells for $4,499 (MSRP). Measuring a total of 57.1"H x 112.375"W x 75.5"D with the lid open, this grill is a less-than-one-day assembly without the need of a building permit, masonry contractor, plumber or electrician. The Weber Summit Grill Center with Social Area is built upon the company's top-of-the-line, luxury Summit 670 grill platform—with the addition of matching, enclosed left and right cabinetry (with adjustable stainless steel shelves inside) plus a right-return Social Area. The entire unit has adjustable legs for leveling on uneven ground, and it can be disassembled to move elsewhere.

The left-hand cabinets enclose Weber's Tuck-Away rotisserie system plus a paper towel holder. The right-hand enclosure has a new, Weber dual-ring side burner that better controls heat and enables a wider variety of outdoor cooking methods in one product: Grillers can use the small ring for small sauce pans or both rings in tandem for large pots or the new Weber Wok. Also, the right-hand enclosure's corner features both trash and ice bins, so guests don't have to leave the party to go inside the house.

The Social Area portion has even more enclosed cabinetry with the added feature of an extra large stainless steel serving area. A condiment rail along the area's back helps minimize clutter.

The Weber Summit Grill Center with Social Area is available at specialty retailers and comes in either Stainless Steel or Black, liquid propane (LP) or natural gas.

New: Weber Summit LP Gas Grill Integrated LED Tank Scale 
Almost all 2011 Weber Summit LP gas grills—including the Weber Summit Grill Center with Social Area—now have a new integrated LED push button tank scale. With one touch, it shows the griller precisely how much gas is left in the tank. Only Weber's two Summit Built-In grills do not have this LED feature.

Weber Summit Grill Center 
The new Weber Summit Grill Center also offers outdoor grilling enthusiasts more prep and storage space than a standard grill alone—now top-desired features revealed by the latest Weber consumer research. The Weber Summit Grill Center (57.1"H x 91.125"W x 30"D with the lid open) includes the Weber Summit S-670 gas grill with new dual ring side burner, plus right and left cabinetry with adjustable stainless steel shelves. The MSRP for both the Stainless Steel and Black Weber Summit Grill Centers is $3,499 for LP or natural gas versions.

Restyled Weber Summit Built-In Series 
Restyled for 2011, the Weber Summit S-460 and Weber Summit S-660 Built-In stainless steel gas grills have Weber's new SlideFrame technology, which allows the grill to be slid in or out for easy service and maintenance. These grills are also loaded with high-end features to successfully grill a wide variety of delicious foods. Both Summit Built-Ins have Weber's Sear Station. The Sear Station is a dedicated area which reaches temperatures of up to 800 degrees: The extra burner, when fired up in tandem with flanking burners on "high," gives food restaurant-quality sear marks. However, unlike other grills that sear, the sear burner can be turned off, transforming the Sear Station to a standard zone for normal direct or indirect grilling—without losing an inch of precious grilling space.

A stainless steel smoker box with dedicated smoker burner adds smokey flavor to foods when used. Both grills also have a heavy-duty rotisserie with a rear-mounted infrared burner which radiates even heat directly towards the spit. With four primary burners and 580 square inches of total cooking space, the Weber Summit S-460 Built-In gas grill has an MSRP of $2,299. With six primary burners and 769 square inches of total cooking area, the Weber Summit S-660 has an MSRP of $2,799. Both models are available in LP or natural gas.

Weber's New Genesis 330 Gas Grill Models 
For 2011, Weber has added new Genesis 330 grill versions to its already extensive Genesis model line-up. The Genesis 330 models feature Weber's Sear Station, which before was exclusive to the company's Summit line.

These new Genesis 330 models come in a 1) Genesis E-330 model (porcelain-enameled versions) in Black, Copper, and Green; 2) a Genesis EP-330 model with stainless steel cooking grates and Flavorizer bars available in Black, Copper, Green—plus Brick Red and Steel Gray (at specialty retailers only); and 3) a Genesis® S-330 version in Stainless Steel.

New Genesis Island Cabinetry 
For gas grill consumers who want additional work and storage space beyond what most three primary burner grills offer, Weber is introducing its Weber Genesis Island Cabinetry. Specifically for new 2011 Genesis grills, this pair of accessory cabinets expands a Genesis model to a complete outdoor preparation, storage, and entertaining station. Each cabinet contains two adjustable wire shelves, stainless steel work surfaces, and the right hand cabinet accommodates any 2011 Weber Genesis grill with a side burner—via a quick-connect fuel line extension. The cabinets are sold separately (MSRP of $599), and come in Stainless Steel or Black.

Weber Genesis Gas Grills' Control Knobs 
All 2011 Genesis gas grills now have new soft-grip control knobs—which have been moved to the front to increase work space.

Weber's Spirit Gas Grill Line: "SP" Model Additions 
The Weber Spirit gas grill line—which is the best entry-level stationary cart gas grill on the market—has two additional models for 2011 which add luxury to an affordable package. In Stainless Steel with stainless steel cooking grates—differing from the porcelain enameled, "E" Spirit models—the Weber Spirit SP-310 sells for an MSRP of $649 (LP model only), and the Weber Spirit SP-320 with side burner sells for $699 (LP version) and $719 (natural gas version).

Restyled for 2011: Weber Q 120 Portable Gas Grill 
The Weber Q 120 portable gas grill—part of Weber's seven-model Weber Q portable and stationary cart gas and electric grill line—is getting more cool features for 2011. A higher lid with a new built-in thermometer gives tailgaters or balcony gas grillers a way to better control temperatures while cooking larger pieces of food than before.

Also New: Weber Original Gourmet Barbecue System 

The Weber Original branded accessories line has been expanded to include a new, integrated grilling system for the discerning charcoal griller. The Weber Original Gourmet Barbecue System is comprised of three cast-iron cookware pieces—a Wok, Sear Grate and Griddle—with each piece fitting into a customized hinged cooking grate to easily grill a wide variety of foods. For example, the Wok can be used for stir-fry, stews, risottos, and chili; the Sear Grate delivers professional sear marks on steaks, chops and paninis; the Griddle helps the griller create flaky fish and seared scallops without food falling through the grates. These three cookware pieces have a porcelain-enameled coating to help prevent sticking, therefore no seasoning is required. The Weber Original Gourmet Barbecue System is sold in sets (the cooking grate with Sear Grate or the cooking grate with the Griddle) for $64.99. Sold in single pieces are the Sear Grate ($37.99), Griddle ($37.99), Wok ($59.99) and the System's cooking grate ($39.99). All prices are Manufacturer Suggested Retail.

About Weber Grills 
Weber-Stephen Products LLC, headquartered in Palatine, Ill., is the world's premier manufacturer of charcoal and gas grills, grilling accessories and other outdoor room products. In 1952, founder George Stephen sparked a backyard revolution with his invention of the Weber® kettle. Almost 60 later, the family-owned company remains the industry leader with its Weber, Weber Q, and Ducane brands. As a leading exporter of grills, Weber brand products are sold worldwide at select home centers, hardware stores, department stores, patio stores, and other retail outlets. Weber has the strongest consumer outreach program in the industry with its Weber Grill-Line (1-800-GRILL-OUT); Weber's On The Grill™ mobile application; and a content-rich website with grilling tips, techniques, and original Weber recipes at www.weber.com. (The Weber Grill-Line and Weber Customer Service are closed on Christmas). Weber can also be followed on Facebook (www.facebook.com/weberbbq) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/webergrills).