Elevate Your Outdoor Cooking with Weber: The Ultimate Guide to Grilling Excellence

From fishnet dresses to boyfriend blush, the top summer trends are reviving our wardrobes and vanities this season. So why would we neglect our outdoor kitchens? Like the standout runway fashion that is now touching down on the streets, the 2024 summer grilling trends will imbue your backyard gatherings and weekend cookouts with a fresh reset.

From New York to Paris, grilling has played a key role in themes of countless recent collections. Case in point: In February in Manhattan, Weber’s Summit GC38 E Grill Center was a “nod to the concept of making the everyday sublime—even a simple backyard barbecue,” the show notes said. The momentum of statement grills remained strong through Paris Fashion Week. With their Fall/Winter 2024 collections, both young designer brands such as Weber and heritage houses like Broil King gave us archetypes of outdoor chefs who embraced grilling with abandon, asking: Why not? Why not sear a steak to perfection with a top-down infrared broiler, à la Weber? Or smoke a brisket with a stainless-steel smoker box, as displayed at Broil King?

The teeming supply of grills, griddles, and smokers has magnified the transformative power of outdoor cooking in a backyard and made the case for enjoying it every day. From rust-resistant carbon-steel griddles primed for summer cookouts to high-tech pellet grills that embrace a modern grilling spirit, here are the three top grilling trends to enjoy this summer.

1. Rust-Resistant Griddles

If the runways are any indication, rust-resistant griddles will take on new meaning come winter. After all, why search for a new grill when you can have all the cooking space you need on a durable griddle? Until then, this summer’s outdoor cooking staples leave plenty of real estate to sear, sauté, and grill as you please. Take a cue from Weber and complement a spacious backyard with a rust-resistant griddle, or embrace the rustic flavor of outdoor cooking with a mix of pre-seasoned carbon-steel cooktops and extendable side tables.

Weber Slate 30" Rust-Resistant Griddle with Extendable Side Table

Pros:

• Rust-resistant carbon-steel cooktop
• Pre-seasoned and ready to cook on
• Precise heat control
• Even heat distribution
• High heat capabilities
• Extendable side table for added workspace

Who: This product is perfect for grillers who need extra workspace and convenience while cooking. It is suitable for those who often prepare large meals and require additional space for prep and serving.

Why: The Weber Slate 30" Rust-Resistant Griddle with extendable side table offers the same features as the standard model but includes an extendable side table for added convenience and workspace.

Summary: The Weber Slate 30" Rust-Resistant Griddle with extendable side table is a versatile and convenient griddle designed for grilling enthusiasts who need extra workspace. It features a rust-resistant, pre-seasoned carbon-steel cooktop with precise heat control, even heat distribution, and high heat capabilities. The extendable side table provides additional space for prep and serving, making it ideal for large meals.

2. Pellet Grill Perfection

[Insert an image here] Weber wasn’t the only brand to bring innovation to the grill this season. At Weber, the Searwood XL 600 Pellet Grill featured a full temperature range from 180°F to 600°F, allowing for versatile cooking options such as smoking, searing, and roasting. From intuitive digital controls to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, these high-tech grills prove that the future of grilling is not just about the flame but also about the tech. Whether you’re looking to add a slice of something new to your grilling repertoire or want to infuse your cookouts with a modern twist, these grills demonstrate that some treats are meant to be grilled, not just served.

Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Grill

• Full temperature range from 180°F to 600°F
• DirectFlame™ cooking for searing and browning
• Rapid heating in 15 minutes or less
• Intuitive digital controls with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Full grate sear zone for more cooking space
• SmokeBoost™ setting for intensified smoky flavor
• Easy cleanup with pull and clean grease and ash management system

Who: This grill is ideal for grilling enthusiasts who want a versatile and high-performance grill that can handle a variety of cooking techniques. It's perfect for those who enjoy both quick weeknight meals and low-and-slow weekend cooking, and who appreciate the convenience of remote monitoring and control.

Why: The Searwood XL 600 Pellet Grill offers a full temperature range from 180°F to 600°F, allowing for versatile cooking options such as smoking, searing, and roasting. It features DirectFlame™ cooking for bold sear marks and golden browning, heats up quickly in 15 minutes or less, and includes intuitive digital controls with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring and control.

Summary: The Weber Searwood XL 600 Pellet Grill is a versatile and high-performance grill that offers a wide temperature range for various cooking techniques, including smoking, searing, and roasting. It features DirectFlame™ cooking, rapid heating, and intuitive digital controls with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring and control. The grill also includes a full grate sear zone, SmokeBoost™ setting, and an easy cleanup system. However, it comes at a high price point and requires an electrical outlet for operation.

3. Versatile Cooking Centers

While drop earrings reached new lengths this season, in another camp, a standout class of versatile cooking centers reflected a lexicon of 20th-century artistic movements, ranging from art deco to midcentury modern. At Weber, the Summit GC38 E Grill Center’s sleek design bore resemblance to those admired by the likes of culinary icons. In homage to another icon, the integrated rotisserie and stainless-steel smoker box seemed to have been rekindled in the latest collections. These features felt like a revival of bold, irreverent application of technology to grilling. Olivier Rousteing likewise adopted advanced grilling features, and we love to see it—anything that allows you to feel more like a gourmet chef this time of year is surely a good idea, even if you can’t hear the sizzle when you grill! From classic designs to options with a modern twist, our favorite cooking centers are here.

Weber Summit GC38 E Grill Center

Pros:

• Top-down infrared broiler caramelizes steaks edge-to-edge
• Heavy-duty, integrated rotisserie fits multiple chickens
• WEBER CRAFTED cooking grates and frame kit expand cooking techniques
• Large, stainless-steel smoker box adds wood-smoked flavor
• Side burner provides extra cooking space for sauces and sides

Who: This product is ideal for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who are looking for a high-quality, versatile grill that can handle a variety of cooking techniques. It is also suitable for those who frequently entertain guests and need a reliable and spacious cooking area.

Why: The Weber 1500079 Summit GC38 E is a top-of-the-line gas grill that offers a variety of premium features such as an infrared broiler, integrated rotisserie, and Weber Crafted Cooking Grates. It is designed to provide a comprehensive outdoor cooking experience, allowing users to grill, smoke, and even bake with custom-fit grillware.

Summary: The Weber 1500079 Summit GC38 E is a premium liquid propane grill center that offers a variety of advanced features for a comprehensive outdoor cooking experience. It includes an infrared broiler, integrated rotisserie, and Weber Crafted Cooking Grates, making it ideal for grilling, smoking, and baking. However, it comes at a high price point and lacks some modern conveniences like WiFi and electronic ignition.

Conclusion

As we embrace the summer season, it's clear that the world of outdoor cooking is evolving with innovative designs and advanced technologies. From rust-resistant griddles to high-tech pellet grills, the options are endless for those looking to elevate their grilling game. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice looking to explore new techniques, Weber offers a range of products that cater to every need and preference. So why not take your outdoor cooking to the next level and make this summer one to remember with the perfect grill? Happy grilling!