You're standing in the middle of a showroom or scrolling through endless tabs, and you see it: the Weber Summit 4 burner. It looks like a tank. It shines like a localized sun. But then you notice the price tag and the five different model numbers that all look identical. Honestly, it’s enough to make you want to just stick with your old, rusted-out kettle grill for another season.
Don't.
There is a very specific reason why the Summit remains the "final boss" of the Weber lineup, but there is also a massive trap that buyers fall into every single year. Most people think they're buying a 4-burner grill, but depending on the year of the model you find (the classic S-470 versus the newer FS38 series), you might actually be getting more—or less—than you bargained for.
What Actually Is a Weber Summit 4 Burner Anymore?
Here is the weird part. For years, the Weber Summit 4 burner was synonymous with the S-470 and E-470. These were the gold standard. They had four main burners, a dedicated sear station, a side burner, a smoker burner, and an infrared rotisserie burner. Basically, a Swiss Army knife that happens to cook steaks.
But Weber recently did a massive overhaul.
The "new" Summit, the FS38 series, technically lists itself in the premium category, and while the naming conventions have shifted, the soul of that 4-burner footprint is still what drives the high-end market. You’ll see the Summit FS38 S and its siblings dominating the conversation now. It’s not just about the number of knobs on the front anymore; it's about the "PureBlu" burner tech and the move toward a top-down infrared broiler.
If you find a "true" 4-burner Summit today, you're likely looking at the Summit S-470. It pumps out 48,800 BTU-per-hour across those four main burners. That’s a lot of juice. You also get a 10,600 BTU sear station. Think of the sear station as a turbo button. It’s an extra burner tucked between two main ones to create a "hot zone" for those restaurant-quality crusts.
The Infrared Broiler Situation
Most people get this wrong. On the older S-470 models, the infrared burner was at the back. It was designed specifically for the rotisserie. You’d pin a couple of chickens on the spit, turn on the rear burner, and let the radiant heat do the work.
The new FS38 models changed the game.
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They moved the infrared tech to the top. It’s now a top-down broiler. This is a massive shift in how you use a Weber Summit 4 burner. Instead of just spinning a bird, you can now slide a tray of Oysters Rockefeller or a thick ribeye under that top-down heat. It’s basically like having a salamander broiler from a professional steakhouse in your backyard.
Is it better? Tim Hagedorn, a Sr. Culinary Product Manager at Weber, has gone on record saying this new setup allows for colors and textures you simply can't get on a traditional gas grill. I’ve seen it in action—it’s legit. But if you’re a die-hard rotisserie fan who loves the "old way," you might actually prefer tracking down the classic S-470.
Breaking Down the Build: Is it Worth $3,000+?
Let’s talk about the 9mm grates. Most grills use thin porcelain-coated wire. They rust. They break. The Weber Summit 4 burner uses 9mm solid stainless steel rods.
These things are heavy.
They hold heat like a cast iron skillet but won't flake or rot away. When you put a cold piece of meat on a 9mm stainless rod, the rod doesn't lose its temperature. It sears. That’s the difference between "grilling" and "barbecuing" for most enthusiasts.
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The Hidden Extras
- The Smoker Box: Most people never use it. They should. It has its own dedicated burner (6,800 BTU). You throw some hickory chips in there, and suddenly your gas grill is a semi-functional smoker. It won't replace a dedicated wood-fire offset, but for a hint of smoke on a weeknight? It’s perfect.
- The Side Burner: This is a 12,000 BTU flush-mounted unit. It’s great for sautéing onions or reducing a balsamic glaze while the meat rests.
- Lighted Knobs: Sounds like a gimmick until you’re grilling at 7:00 PM in November. The LED-backlit knobs and the "NightVision" lid lights (on the newer FS38 models) are actually life-savers.
The "Smart" Trap
In 2026, everything has to be "smart," right? The Summit FS38X is the tech-heavy version of the 4-burner footprint. It has a high-definition touchscreen. You can ignite the grill with a tap. It has SmartControl technology that tells you exactly where to put your food and when to flip it.
Honestly? It’s cool. But it’s not for everyone.
If you like the "analog" feel of turning a knob and hearing the click-click-woosh of a gas ignition, the standard FS38 or the classic S-470 is better. The smart version is amazing for people who get anxious about overcooking a $60 prime rib. The probes and the app integration take the guesswork out of it. But remember: more tech means more things that can eventually glitch.
Pricing and Reality
Buying a Weber Summit 4 burner is an investment. You aren't just buying a box that gets hot. You're buying a 15-year warranty on the cookbox and lid.
Currently, you're looking at prices ranging from $2,600 for older stock S-470 units up to $5,200+ for the top-of-the-line Smart FS38X models. It’s a huge spread.
Why the gap?
- Materials: The "S" in S-470 stands for Stainless Steel. The "E" stands for Porcelain-Enameled (usually black). Stainless looks better but shows fingerprints like crazy.
- Connectivity: The "X" models carry a roughly $1,000 premium for the touchscreen and smart sensors.
- Configuration: Built-in units for outdoor kitchens are often cheaper than the freestanding carts because you aren't paying for the wheels and the cabinet structure.
What Most People Forget: The Fuel
If you’re buying a grill this powerful, you have to decide on fuel before it arrives at your house. You cannot easily switch a Weber Summit 4 burner from Propane to Natural Gas later. The orifices and valves are different.
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If you have a natural gas line at your house, get the NG version. It’s a "set it and forget it" situation. No more mid-cook tank swaps. But if you’re a "renter" or your patio isn't plumbed, the LP (Liquid Propane) version is your only bet. Just be warned: with 48,000+ BTUs, this thing eats propane for breakfast. Keep a spare tank.
Actionable Steps for Your Purchase
If you're ready to pull the trigger, don't just click "buy" on the first link you see.
- Check your space: The Summit is wide. With the side tables, a 4-burner S-470 is about 66 inches wide. The newer FS38 models can be even wider (up to 70+ inches). Measure twice.
- Decide on the "Sear": Do you want the traditional Sear Station (extra burner in the grates) or the new Top-Down Infrared Broiler? If you want the broiler, you must go with the FS38 series.
- Look for "Floor Models": Since Weber refreshed the line, many local hardware stores are trying to clear out the older S-470 and E-470 stock. You can often snag these for under $2,500 if you're willing to take the display unit.
- Register the Warranty: Weber’s 10-to-15-year warranty is legendary, but it’s a pain if you don't have your receipt and serial number registered. Do it the day it arrives.
The Weber Summit 4 burner is a beast of a machine. It bridges the gap between a standard backyard grill and a professional outdoor kitchen. Whether you go for the classic "analog" S-470 or the futuristic FS38X, you're getting a grill that is built to last until the next decade. Just make sure you actually need the smoker box and the rotisserie before paying the premium—because that's where the real cost lives.
Check your patio dimensions and gas line availability today. If everything clears, look for the FS38 S for the best mix of modern features and durability. If you're on a tighter budget but still want "Summit" quality, hunt for a clearance S-470. Either way, your backyard game just changed.