Weber UK Building to Last with Q Black Line Lpg Gas Barbecues

John Cooper, managing director of Weber UK, explains why it’s not all bad news for lpg gas barbecues

The last few years have certainly not provided the best conditions for sales of lpg barbecues – poor weather followed by global economic difficulties has meant that getting customers to pay out for a premium lp gas barbecue is perhaps not as easy as it used to be.

While it certainly has been tough these last few years, at Weber we continue to grow every year and, once again, we’ve seen exceptionally strong sales throughout the 2009 summer season. In fact, by the end of July, we were actually facing a shortage in our warehouse and, whilst waiting on new stock from Chicago, we had to ship some models over from Europe to cope with demand.

Interestingly, some of the strongest growth this year has tended to be the top of the range lpg barbecues, for example our Summit range, which sells for £1,500-2,200, saw sales increase over 20 per cent on last year, following a 45 per cent increase the year before. It may seem surprising in a recession, but we found that people are willing to spend a little more on a quality lp gas barbecue that they’ll still be using 20 years from now, rather than opting for a lower quality product, saving a little on the price tag but having to replace it after a year or so of use.

People’s spending habits have changed as the economy suffered, and true value for money is even more important so, while our Summits may seem expensive, you get a lot in return and the 25-year warranty means that you’re guaranteed a product that will last. Next year sees the expansion of Weber’s hugely successful Q range of portable, affordable lpg gas barbecues. Weber is introducing three new models as part of the brand new Q Black Line, all available from 2010.

The launch of the Q range just a few years ago was a complete change of direction for Weber – famous for its sturdy charcoal kettle barbecues and high performance lp gas models, the challenge was to create a range of lighter models with exciting styling that appealed to those looking for more flexibility and versatility from their lp gas barbecue, whilst still living up to Weber’s high standards of design and durability. The Black Line builds on this success, following the same principles of high quality materials and design, but with a seductive black finish.

The Black Line comprises the all new Q120, Q220 and Q320. The Black Line Q120 features a cast-aluminium lid and body, enamelled cast iron cooking grate, one stainless steel burner and electronic ignition. The Q120’s durable frame is made of glass-reinforced nylon, and the lpg barbecue has two worktables with built in tool holders. Truly portable, the Q120 is fuelled by a disposable butane/propane cylinder, but has an optional adapter for a refillable tank.

The Black Line Q220 builds on the popularity of the earlier model – larger than the Q120, the Q220 has a 280 sq in total cooking area and a tall lid profile with built in thermometer, which gives barbecuers the option of cooking larger cuts of meat, and means that the internal temperature can be monitored without opening the lid. The lid and body are cast aluminium with drip ducts and the lpg gas barbecue has both a removable catch pan and infinite control burner valve.

The largest model in the new range is the Q320, which features two porcelain enamelled cooking grates with a total cooking area of 464 sq in. The Q320 uses an innovative P-shaped burner with a straight centre burner, giving excellent and efficient heat output. It also features electronic ignition, a tall profile lid with thermometer and an infinite control burner valve. The Q320 is large enough to be used as the main family barbecue and comes complete with a stationary cart to bolt the lpg barbecue into.

The Q Black Line lpg gas barbecues all boast five-year warranties for customer peace of mind and are designed to be used all year round, whatever the weather. Like all Weber lp gas barbecues, the Q Black Line is built to last.

Contact Weber UK on 01756 692600 www.weberbbq.co.uk

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