Woodfighter said:
When I cook a rib steak or something with a lot of fat on it my weber seems to flare up quite a bit now compared to when it was new. Do I just need to do a better job of keeping the flavor bars under the grill cleaner?
Oh and I don't think you can go wrong with a weber, solidy built and after 5 years the ignitor still works!
It's not just the flavor bars. Be sure to clean the whole inner workings each year at least - possilby each month or more if you really use the thing a lot.
http://www.weber.com/bbq/pub/grillcare/care.aspx#gas
* Clean the cooking grate
* Clean the flavor bars and check for debris around the burner tubes
* Clean the removeable bottom tray
* Clean \ replace the drip pan
This can also help prevent fires. I've had a few close calls. Keep the spray bottle of water and a box of baking soda handy.
Things i've upgraded on mine so far:
http://store.weber.com/parts/
* Hose \ regulator - the first thing to go out within 2yrs. Wasn't getting enough gas to come through and sometimes it would just die. Pounding the regulator would buy me some time, but it would clog again. Bought a new one and it worked good as new again.
* Igniter kit - new puppy at the wires and knobs - don't ask...
After 5+ yreas:
* Stainless steel burner tubes - the old ones eventually started to break down \ rust out and not distribute the heat evenly. Upgraded to stainless.
* Stainless steel cooking grates
* Stainless steel flavor bars