Weber Summit S-470 Review

In the world of high-end grills, it can be difficult to search and opt for an ideal grill. There are too many different brands and models out there, and each one of them performs different goals. In other words, one has to be smart before making the ultimate purchase.

However, there is one brand that you can’t really go wrong with. You guessed it – it’s Weber. Founded more than a century ago, it is now America’s leading manufacturer of grilling equipment. Their charcoal and gas grills are held in high regard by grilling enthusiasts all over the country.

Their Summit S-470 Stainless Steel model deserves special attention. It’s a one-of-a-kind gas grill that successfully takes care of every parameter – design, power, multiple cooking options, cooking space, and many other things. It is loaded with virtually every feature that a meat lover can think of.

All of this turns the S-470 into a highly interesting product. If you’ve already owned a Weber grill before, you know what kind of quality you can expect. And if you’re, by chance, looking for a high-end gas grill right now, we advise you to keep reading. The S-470 might be your best choice!

Why Get It?

It’s a well-known fact that the Summit range represents the best products that Weber has on offer. The name “Summit” is, therefore, highly appropriate. The model that we’re about to analyze is truly the pinnacle of outdoor gas grills. But is it the right appliance for your grilling needs?

The first thing to notice about S-470 is undoubtedly its immaculate design. As the name suggests, the primary construction material is stainless steel. It’s something that successfully uplifts the look of the model’s exterior. There’s a robust, smooth-opening shroud that’s located on the stainless-steel enclosed cart. As you can already guess, good heat circulation is ensured.

Besides this, the model comes with individual knobs, each of which controls a different burner. The knobs have red markings, whose job is to enhance both the usage and the looks. Along with some storage shelves, the Summit S-470 includes six tool-storage spots. These can come in very handy during each of your grilling sessions.

The company’s colossal experience is very apparent once you take a look at this model’s design. The sturdy but beautiful stainless-steel exterior of S-470 outperforms many pricier models when it comes to the looks. The professional, accented design of this grill is something that every potential buyer is bound to appreciate.

A couple of years ago, the company switched from grade .304 steel to grade .420. This makes their products pricier than before, but the higher-grade steel also brings better durability and reliability. However, it should also be mentioned that this kind of steel tends to suffer from moisture. It takes years to notice the wear and tear, though. Covering the S-470 with an appropriate cover removes this issue altogether.

The grilling grates found on this model are also made from stainless steel. They are quite thick – 3/8″ (9.5mm) stainless steel rods. This leads to grates that are significantly thicker than most of the other ones on the market. And, as you know, the thickness of the grate rods is critical when it comes to cooking. To put it simply, the thicker the rods are, the better the heat transfer from rods to steaks will be.

The first thing to notice about this model’s cooking surface is that there’s quite a lot of it. The unit comes with four primary burners, but also with the smoker, infrared, and sear burners.

With 580 square inches of cooking area, you won’t have any problems with fitting all of your favorite foods.

This number goes even higher if we include the warming rack, to a total of 638 square inches. Don’t forget that the IR feature allows one to prepare foods in rotisserie style. The rotisserie comes built in and can be conveniently hidden away when it’s not in use. It’s yet another proof of how versatile the Summit S-470 Stainless Steel is.

The company’s engineers are especially proud of the so-called “Sear Station”. They have even obtained a patent for it! It’s a feature that allows one to easily achieve the scald or char on any cut of meat.

Ease of Cleaning

All grills need maintenance and cleaning. When they’re not cleaned well, they stop being safe and healthy for cooking. The heavy-gauge build of this gas grill withstands an energetic cleaning with ease.

Even when you’re using the recommended brass brush, the stainless steel won’t end up covered with scratches. Cleaning this grill is a matter of common sense – one should scrub everything that requires scrubbing. You can even use a putty knife to remove the hardened items out of the drip pan.

Make sure to keep this unit covered whenever it is not in use. Rain can easily get collected in the grease-collection area, which can lead to challenging clean-up issues. However, with S-470 being a pricey investment, you probably won’t have problems with purchasing an appropriate cover for it.

Extra Features

Another advantage of this model is that it comes with a couple of convenient extras as a standard. One of them is the “Snap-Jet” ignition system. Running on a small battery, it’s something that makes firing the grill up as simple as pushing the button.

Another interesting feature is the presence of a fuel gauge. It is situated on the exterior of S-470 and makes it quite easy to monitor the gas consumption. Due to its crisp LED display, the indicator is very easy to read in areas with poor illumination.

The temperature gauge should also be mentioned. It is located on the front of the appliance and allows an extra level of control needed for fine cooking. Other additional features include swivel casters, handle lights, and enclosed storage carts with steel doors.

Testimonials

When it comes to construction quality, the S-470 is one of the best choices in its price category. Although the smallest in the Summit line, it is still a well-built and durable gas grill. Keeping it covered when not in use is guaranteed to result in a long lifespan.

What to Watch Out For

Very expensive

With a price tag just shy of $2,000, the Summit S-470 Stainless Steel is very expensive. For that matter, it’s a highly unsuitable choice for all those looking to save money while buying a gas grill. The model is a pinnacle of outdoor cooking systems, though, and undoubtedly worthy of every cent of its price. We’re quite confident that everyone who is fortunate enough to own S-470 will agree with us.

A Piece of Advice

When using a gas grill such as this one, it is highly important to stay safe. This means checking the gas tank hose for possible leaks. The easiest way to do this is by applying a water & soap solution to the tubing and then merely watching for bubbles.

Another important thing is staying away from any structures while cooking with it.

Many home fires started by gas grills took place because of the grill’s proximity to flammable materials. Pay particular attention to tree branches hanging over the grill when you’re setting it up.

Verdict

If your primary concerns are longevity, quality, and performance, this gas grill is worth every penny.  It’s difficult to think of S-470 as anything else but an absolute win. For grilling enthusiasts, this model will easily accommodate even the most creative culinary demands. It is also one of the most well-built gas grills out there. Its stainless steel construction is guaranteed to provide a long lifespan – you won’t have to worry about wear and tear.

Because of these and other qualities, S-470 proves that Weber is still the top name in the grilling industry.