Weber Summit E-420 and S-420 Gas Grills Review

The E-420 and S-420 are the entry point for Weber’s top of the line gas grills, aptly named Summit. 420 is the most basic Summit model with four stainless main burners and one 12,000 BTU side burner, but no upgrades like sear burners and control knob lights.  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.

E has black porcelain double cart doors and hood. S has 430 grade stainless steel doors and hood. Carts are painted metal with cast aluminum end caps. Shelves and control panel are stainless steel. Otherwise both have the same features and the same price.

420 is available in LP and NG models, as are all Summits. LPs have a handy LED fuel level indicator right on the control panel that shows your propane level at the push of a button. They have 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 an internal hood light would be more appropriate for this premium priced cooker.

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 BBQ 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 Summit 460 and 660 built-in models.