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10/31/2012

The Zen of Grill Assembly

"How hard can it be?" may seem at first like a Buddhist koan, and I know from experience that the gods who like to smack down the dreams of prideful mortals  often have a way of answering that query with a resounding "very."


Still, you think to yourself, they sell millions of gas grills online and other people seem to be able put them together, it must be easy enough that  a guy of average intelligence and pluck can be successful.
Well, I was right about that.   But first lets recap.

I had decided on the Weber 3 burner Spirit E-310
I bought it online at Home Depot for $499 plus tax, free shipping.

I figured it would be a challenge; but, what the hell, I have plenty of time.  It might even be fun.

When it arrived via UPS, I apologized to the driver as she wrangled the large (135 lb)  box off the truck onto a two wheeler.  I unpacked the parts and instructions and set everything out on the screen porch.  





Because I always read the manual first, the next thing I did was to read the manual.






The tool list was simple, but I added an essential item that the engineers had omitted: a beer bottle opener.

I was impressed with the clarity of instructions and the organized and labelled packets of screws and washers.  All the parts needed to assemble the "A" process were in a bag labelled "A"


Letsee now, 



The instructions were mostly graphic illustrations, probably designed for verbally challenged individuals.  What about those of us that are graphically challenged?



Starting to look like a grill
After a while, things start to take shape.  I am impressed with the solid engineering. I still need to get it outside, so I save the cover and grills for last so it will be easier to take down the step to the patio.



Ready to take outside to add heavy parts
Ta Da!



Honey, get the steaks out!
So it took a few hours, but I am very pleased with the results.  If I can do it, so can you!


Simple Rules
1. Read the manual.
2. Get the right tools.
3. Have at least 2 beers in fridge, preferably a six-pack.
4. Put the mother together
5 Grill something.


5 comments:

George W. Potts said...

I bought the same one at the Home Depot ... assaembled and delivered ... on sale (end of season sale) for $299. And they threw in a free tank of propane

DEN said...

Nice try! This is a new model just released October 15. They wont put it on sale for at least a year! And HD never does delivery AND assembly for free! Pants on fire!

Clarke said...

Nice going, Doctor Noonan!
I was always in the practice of buying the cheapest CharBroil grill ($99 to $129), use it until it rusts out (usually 3 years), chuck it and buy another. In a fit of extravagance (and in the mood of spending that IS salary premium I received when I moved out of the Registrar's Office), I bought a GOOD grill, Vermont Castings name on it although probably made by the same Korean company that makes Costco's brand, etc. It cost about $350 and has lasted me long enough that I can't quite remember how long I've had it, but it's at least 10 years and still going strong. So sometimes spending more can be called an investment. Good luck with yours...and don't forget to eat your salad, too.

rhvrico said...

You've lost your IT ways Dennis, you actually read the instructions.

DEN said...

Ramon, I always read the manual. I don't always follow instructions. C'mon over I will grill you a burger.