U.S. premium grill brand Weber unveiled its new gas grill, the "Q2000 series," on the 9th. It can be used in a range of settings, including urban balconies and terraces, as well as camping.
Weber held a media event to unveil the "new Q2000 series" on the same day at Rakgojae in Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Weber, a grill-specialty brand that began in 1952 in Chicago, developed a lidded, dome-shaped charcoal grill and pioneered the barbecue grill market. It now offers a wide range of products, including charcoal, gas, pellet, and electric grills, and has established itself as a global premium grill brand.
At the event, Michael McDonald, Weber's Asia-Pacific head, said, "In Australia, family and friends gather for a barbecue on special days like birthdays and Christmas," and added, "We hope the Weber Q series will create enjoyable experiences that bring family and friends together in Korea as well."
Kiheung International, Weber's Korean distributor, said, "Weber is not just a cooking tool; it is a product that creates a culture of people gathering and spending time together," adding, "With the new product, people will be able to enjoy barbecue in more diverse ways."
The newly unveiled "new Q2000 series" is a complete redesign of Weber's flagship gas grill lineup for the first time in about 20 years. A Weber representative explained that the height of the dome-shaped lid was raised about 37% over the previous model and the cooking area expanded by 14%, enabling a variety of dishes such as roasting and baking. Usability was improved by changing the placement of parts such as the drip tray and heat-control dial, and operation was also made easier, so the grills can be used in various environments—balconies, camping, and car camping—to help establish the relatively unfamiliar barbecue culture in Korea.
Weber is focusing on the growing trends of camping, home parties, and terrace culture in the Korean market. It also plans to expand grills into "outdoor lifestyle gear" by simultaneously targeting the B2B2C (partner customer transaction) market, including lodging and leisure facilities such as pensions, pool villas, resorts, and glamping.
A Weber representative said, "We will propose a variety of products and experiences so people can enjoy grilling even in urban spaces like balconies and terraces, and we will expand a barbecue-centered lifestyle culture in Korea."
At the event, well-known chef Raymon Kim also attended and demonstrated barbecue using the Q2000 series. Chef Raymon Kim said, "I have often used Weber grills," adding, "This new product has stronger heat output than previous models."