Weber Q320 With Side Tables Up
Weber Q320
Welcome to the Weber Q320 Review Site.
Over the last few years the Weber Q320 gas grill has become quite popular and one of Weber’s best sellers. There are many reasons why the Q320 appeals to so many. However, one word that sums it up is “quality”. When you go for quality in any product you have to pay a bit more up front, but the pay-back is usually high.
Quality always means long lasting. You won’t have to replace this grill for many years, nor have to spend more money on replacement parts. It is one of the highest rated small gas grills with the most reviews. As you will learn, it is easy to use, fast to start, quick to heat up, simple to cook on, quick to shut down, and easy to clean.
As detailed below, the materials are highly weather resistant so you won’t see much rust as with so many other grills today. You will definitely get long service with the Weber Q320. It has indisputable built-in quality through and through.
Like anything else, it isn’t perfect. There are things about it people don’t like. Learn about them further down the page.
Learn more about the Q320. Here are some details that most people want to know before making a buying decision.
Weber Q320 Details
Assembly – It will take between 40 to 60 minutes to unpack and assemble the Weber Q320. The fire-box is already assembled. Most effort is with the stand assembly that consists of the frame, legs and wheels. Once the stand is complete, then simply attach the fire-box to the stand, plus the side tables and its done. You will find that everything lines up perfectly and the bolt holes align for quick insertion for bolts and nuts. There will be no struggling plus the visual instructions will ensure the assembly is done quickly. Only tools you will need are a Philips screwdriver for cart parts and a hammer or rubber mallet for the wheel end caps.
Design / Materials – The Weber Q320 is a nicely designed, sturdy grill. It is built with corrosive resistant high quality materials. The lid and the fire-box are case aluminum, the grates are cast iron with porcelain-enameled coating, the burners and screws are stainless steel, and the frame and legs are constructed of heavy duty plastic. Each of these materials are highly weather resistant. The Q320 will stand up to the worst weather conditions – it is virtually “rust-proof”, so no more paint flaking off and rusting issues.
Burners / Burner Arrangement – There are two stainless steel tube burners that can deliver up to 22,000 BTU’s of heat. One burner goes down the middle of the fire-box and the other goes around the outer edge. The middle burner is for direct heat the outer is for indirect heat. Use the middle burner for searing and the outer for slow cooking. The Weber Q320 offers total control of heat temperature. The burners light up easily and smoothly. Weber even includes screening in the burners to prevent spiders and spider webs. These can restrict gas flow and adversely affect temperature control. The burners are ignition-tested before they leave the factory to as part of the quality control process.
Cooking Area – The entire cooking area has consistent heat with no “cold-spots”. With the design and layout of the two burners, this grill heats up evenly across the entire 462 square inches of cooking area. You can easily remove the warming rack for full use of the cooking area. Some find it a bit difficult managing food under the warming rack. Depending on what is on the grill, the amount of food varies, but some report easily cooking enough for a family of five. Others report they can cook for up to 8 to 10 people. During the manufacturing process, Weber grills are extensively cook-tested to ensure even temperatures across the cooking area with no hot or cold spots.
Grill vs Oven – You can grill and bake with the Weber Q320. This thing works great as a grill and an oven. Adjusting the temp on the outer burner and turning off the center burning enables it to function as an oven. You can bake bread, corn bread, casseroles, meat loaf, frozen pizza, fish and seafood. Of course you can grill steaks, chops, ribs, roasts, hamburgers and hot dogs, brats, chicken, brisket, pork shoulder, shrimp, and seafood like tuna and salmon filets. Get the optional griddle and just about cook anything.
Pre-Heating – It heats quickly, up to 500 degrees and can maintain an even and consistent temperature. Temperatures are accurately controllable using the built-in front mounted thermometer to monitor temperature inside the grill. Some people have reported that it can reach 500 degrees in just 5 or 6 minutes; reach 600 degrees in 10 or 11 minutes. There is not much waiting with this grill.
Cooking Grates – There are two cast iron porcelain-enameled cooking grates. These are heavy and thick which helps to distribute the heat So the combination of the burner arrangement and the cast iron grates you will guarantee even heat across the entire cooking area of the grill. You get (great) searing marks on steaks, chicken, veggies, and most anything else. The grates have narrow slots so that vegetables and hot dogs don’t fall through.
Cleaning – Every grill requires cleaning. Some say the Weber Q320 is difficult to clean; some say it is easy; others are in between Everyone has their own standard for cleanliness. You need to clean the grates, the fire-box and the drip pan. The grates are in two pieces so they can be handled easier. They can be scrubbed with cleaning pads or you can use a brass wire brush. The brass wire brush will not harm the porcelain coating; don’t use a steel brush. Some just close the lid and put the temp way up to “self-clean” the grates. Most people brush them and wipe them down. Overall, the Q320 is easy to clean. The fire-box stays fairly clean since most of the grease collects into a removal aluminum drip pan. These drip pans are inexpensive and can be clean or replaced with new ones.
Smoker – True smoker fans probably won’t appreciate the Q320, but the average griller can get some smoked flavor on their meats and ribs. Simply place a metal smoker box (available at Lowe’s) on the grates when cooking meats, chicken, etc. Use wood chips like Cherry, Mesquite, Apple, and Hickory for some interesting smoked flavors. Try getting the griddle, put wood chips right on it and start smoking.
Night Time Grilling – The grill comes with a triple LED lighting system that is mounted within the handle. It automatically comes on when you raise the lid and shuts off again when the lid is closed. Works great and provides highly functional light for nighttime grilling.
Quick Summary of Primary Features
Here are the primary features of the Weber Q320
· Cooks up to 18 burgers, 36 hot dogs, or 2 whole chickens at a time
· Has two stainless-steel burners putting out 21,700 BTU-per-hour
· Has 462 square inches of total cooking space, plus a 69-square-inch warming rack
· Electronic ignition at the push of a button
· Provides infinitely adjustable burner valve with a high-quality regulator to accurately control the heat
· Offers two porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates
· Has a removable grease catch pan for easy cleaning
· Rust-free cast-aluminum lid and body attached to a sturdy glass-reinforced nylon frame
· Has a taller lid profile with a center-mounted thermometer for cooking large roasts
· Has an LED light that turns on automatically when you lift the lid; essential for seeing at night
· Has two removable folding worktables with tool hooks
· Comes with an adapter hose connecting the grill to a standard 20-pound LP tank
· Has wheels for mobility and a screen to hide the propane tank.
· Nice recipe booklet expressly written for the Q series grills.
· Comes with a manufacture’s five-year limited warranty
Here Are Some Of The Problems People Have With the Weber Q320
The Weber Q320 has lots of nice features as mentioned above; it has a very high rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.0. Lots of people are buying the Q320 and giving lots of positive feedback on how great it cooks. But, like any product, it isn’t perfect. Here are things you should be aware of before deciding to purchase it.
Some negatives about this product to think about.
1. The name says it is a “Portable Gas Grill”. This is not a “go anywhere” grill. Although it is “portable” it is at the upper range of portability. It does have wheels, but it weights in at 86 pounds. You can move it around the deck or the patio easy enough. Moving it over uneven ground or a lawn is a bit more difficult. Most people won’t be taking it to tail gate parties unless they have a pickup truck.
2. The two side tables need to be “dropped down” before putting on the cover. The Weber cover will not fit with the tables in the “up” position.
3. Any grilling tools, like brushes, spatulas, tongs, etc will fall off the hooks when you put the side tables down. You need to remove all of the tools before lowering the tables.
4. Some people feel that there isn’t enough space under the lid (lid profile) for cooking large poultry or for doing beer-can chicken.
5. Some people find it a bit difficult managing and cooking food under the warming rack. However, you can remove the warming rack for full use of the back cooking area.
Weber Q320 Gas Grill – Assembly Accomplished
