Weber Summit S-460 Built-In Gas Grill Review

The Weber Summit S-460 is Weber’s mid-size, built-in model for their top of the line gas grill series, aptly named Summit. S-460 has four stainless steel main burners and a lot of extras. They are a step up from Weber Genesis in construction, performance and price. Summits look good, cook beautifully and have great features that are clever, effective and easy to use.

Construction

S-460 is similar to the freestanding S-470. It has four main burners at 12,200 BTU each and a 10,600 BTU sear burner in the center. The primary cooking area is 468 square inches, and the removable warming rack is 112 square inches. Use of the sear burner in conjunction with the four main burners increases the Heat Flux rating, (BTU/square inches of primary cook surface), from 102.56 to 126.92. The 460 comes with an AC powered rotisserie and 10,600 BTU rear-mounted, infrared back burner. A smoker box with dedicated 6,800 BTU burner occupies the right side of the cook area. Main burner knobs are illuminated with the flick of a control panel switch. Cart doors, hood and control panel are stainless steel. The hood has cast aluminum end caps. Built-ins are only available in stainless: no porcelain enamel finishes.

The Weber Summit S-460 has stainless steel flavorizer bars, serious 3/8 inch (9 mm) diameter stainless steel rod cooking grates and a double layer of steel under the hood for extra insulation. Piezo-electric “Snap-Jet” ignition is activated by each individual control knob. A battery powered Grill Out Handle Light screws onto the lid handle to illuminate the cook surface. Handle lights are nice accessories, but internal hood lights would be more appropriate for this premium priced cooker.

Add-ons

Unlike freestanding Summits, this built-in has no side shelves and therefore no side burner. An optional, dual side burner is available. 460 has a double door cart on two swivel casters and two locking casters to slide in and out of your installation for service or maintenance. It also comes with trim pieces and a concealer strip to hide the wheels.

Other Models

460 is available in LP and NG models, as are all Summits. LPs have Weber’s “Precision Fuel Gauge”. Hang the propane tank on the fuel gauge scale, it measures the weight in 20% increments and shows your approximate fuel level.

Other Summit Features

All gas BBQ grills have air vents that often invite rainwater in. Summits have an extra set of water friendly vents right above the control panel. Although Summit cook boxes are waterproof, the carts are not. If you are constitutionally unable to use a grill cover and your grill is regularly exposed to rain, be aware that Summits are notorious for taking in water which gets funneled to the grease pan inside the cart and can cause quite a mess.

Addressing an increased interest in outdoor kitchens, Weber introduced add on “Island Cabinetry” and “Social Centers” to integrate with the Genesis and Summit lines. These range from matching side tables with enclosed storage to cart mounted side burners, enclosed trash cans and large “Social Areas” that serve as a bar with double door storage underneath. There is also a faux stone island with matching countertops for the S-460 and S-660 built-in models. We generally advise against brick and mortar installations because once the cement dries, it’s hard to change your mind. And if you move, you can’t take it with you. But if you stick with Weber’s modular options, these concerns should not be an issue.

We had the opportunity to test the 2012 four-burner S-470, which is a freestanding version of the S-460. Our high expectations were met with a few minor exceptions. Small complaints perhaps, but one could reasonably expect only the best from Weber’s premier grill line. Read our review of the S-470 to learn more.