Barbecuing with system

Extras and accessories have gained enormously in signi­ficance for barbecue suppliers. The trappings are important, not least because they bring in sales. Once more Weber-­Stephens is proving its capacity to gene­rate momentum here. At Spo­ga­+­Gafa the mar­ket leader showed that accessories have long been more than just spin-off business and, above all, why that is the case. The magic word here is “system”. The American supplier is expanding its “Gourmet BBQ System”. This now includes three more griddles in addition to the one launched in 2011, which means there are seven altogether at present. One of the new inserts is the Ebelskiver griddle made of porcelain-enamelled cast iron, which allows for cooking Danish mini-pancakes on the barbecue, another is a stainless steel poultry holder which can also grill vegetables at the same time, and there is also a “Korean BBQ” grate insert featuring an aroma ring that collects the marinade during the cooking process so that it can be used for the sauce. At the same time Weber is extending its system to other models: the cooking grate that serves as the base for the present total of seven different inserts is now also available for the “Spirit”, “Summit” and “Genesis” gas barbecue series. There are changes within the gas barbecue range itself as well, for Weber is reissuing the classic “Spirit” line, replacing the old model by the “Classic”, “Original” and “Premium” models. The new generation is modern in design, featuring both remodelled control elements and enlarged work surfaces. A space-saving model is also available among the different sizes of barbecue. This has two burners instead of the standard three and fold-down side tables. Here Weber picks up one trend that was frequently in evidence at Spoga+ Gafa: products suitable for balconies are increasingly to be found in manufacturers’ ranges. Another topic that is to be brought more into the limelight is the barbecue seen as a gift item. There are already two models for Christmas this year: the “Q 120” with a light integrated into the handle and the “Spirit E-320 Original”. Naturally Weber is also further developing the idea of a comprehensive system in the company’s core range of charcoal barbecues. This segment is being expanded by the addition of the “Master Touch GBS” and “Performer GBS” models, both of which are supplied complete with the “Gourmet BBQ System”. Download: