At first glance, the Weber Compact, Original and Master-Touch barbecues may look very similar but there are a number of key differences between each of the models which can really make a difference to your grilling experience.
Similarities
First, let’s look at the similarities. All of these barbecues have:
- A 10 year limited warranty
- A fire and rust-resistant lid and bowl made from stainless steel with a porcelain-enamel coating inside and out. This makes them weather-proof and extremely durable
- A weather-proof handle with protective heat shield
- Rust-proof aluminium vents to provide the proper airflow for perfect barbecuing
- A triple plated rust resistant cooking grate
- Crack proof, all weather wheels
The Differences
Gourmet BBQ System (GBS)
One of the biggest differences between the three is that the Master-Touch comes with Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System. Simple and so clever, the Weber GBS and accessories work by utilising a cooking grate with a removable centre section into which various accessories fit, expanding your barbecue cooking options to an almost endless degree.
GBS accessories include:
- Sear grate
- Pizza stone
- Dutch oven
- Waffle/sandwich iron
- Poultry Roaster
- Wok
- Griddle
One-Touch Cleaning System
The Weber Compact and Original barbecues come complete with a rust-proof removable aluminium ash catcher, but with the Master-Touch you get the benefit of the One-Touch cleaning system. All you need to do is push a lever to release the ash in the bottom of the barbecue. This ash is then collected into an enclosed ash catcher which you can simply remove and empty with no mess at all.
Charcoal Rails & Baskets
Charcoal rails and baskets are used to separate the coals when you want to use an indirect heat for roasting, slow-cooking or baking. With charcoal rails once you’ve set the barbecue up for direct or in-direct heat you have to keep it that way for the entire time you’re grilling. However, with charcoal baskets you can simply push them together or pull them apart using tongs to create the different heat types you’re after.
The Compact doesn’t have rails or baskets, the Original has 2 charcoal rails and the Master-Touch comes complete with 2 charcoal baskets.
Colours
The Compact and Original are only available in Black. However, the Master-Touch is available in Black, Slate Blue, Spring Green, Crimson Red and Smoke Grey.
Built-In Thermometer
The Master-Touch also has a built-in thermometer in the lid as an additional extra, to let you know when the barbecue has reached the desired temperature.
Tuck-Away Lid Holder
The Master-Touch is also the only barbecue with a Tuck-Away lid holder, so you’ve got your hands free when you’re checking on your food.
Size
The Weber Original and Master-Touch are only available in 57cm whilst the Compact is available in both 47cm and 57cm. To give you an idea of how these numbers translate, a 47cm barbecue will cook for approx 6 people whilst a 57cm will cook for approx. 8 people.
Tool Holder
The Master-Touch is also the only barbecue out of the three which comes complete with a tool holder.
So those are key differences in similarities between the Weber Compact, Original and Master-Touch barbecues. Which one will you choose?
