Originally Posted by javabytes

If you think you'll be grilling a bit, I'd consider making the jump to the Genesis. Having the sear station is great, plus the build quality is a bit higher, with the Spirit having quite a bit of plastic. (Go into Lowes and you'll see what I mean.) They're both great grills though.

Brush is necessary. Some people have strong feelings about not using a wire brush because the bristles can supposedly fall out and get in your food. Never had it happen, but up to you to decide. You may want to opt for a nylon brush.

Tongs are a must. So is a good spatula if you want to grill things like burgers. Really for everything but the thermometer I'd just get a kit like this Cuisinart one for $20, as it will include all the basics (brush, tongs, spatula) plus a few other things like a basting brush, corn holders, etc: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002XQ...E-L&ref=plSrch

I've seen people lean both ways on a grill cover. Reason being a grill cover can actually trap moisture, which causes rust, whereas a grill will dry out quicker if exposed to air. With all the other factors (sun, rain, debris, etc.) I still chose to buy a cover. Look on Amazon, a lot of people feel there are aftermarket covers that work better than the Weber ones.

A thermometer takes out a lot of the guesswork and I'd highly recommend one; get yourself an instant read. Weber makes a great one for ten bucks: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009IH...kyL&ref=plSrch

Aside from the tools, I highly suggest spending some time reading up on grilling techniques. If terms like multi-zone cooking, direct vs. indirect heat, and reverse sear are not familiar, start reading. Figuring out your favorite grilling techniques will be far more important than choosing one brush over another.

Originally Posted by annieway

I have a Weber Genesis with a rotisserie and a burner in the lid for use with the rotisserie. I love it. I have found that I need a cover because on the rare occasion that it rains in Los Angeles, the rain somehow finds its way inside and overflows the pan that catches dripping fat. Makes a big mess if the pan isn't cleaned out. I cook on it about twice a week. It is much hotter than the old, cheap grills I've had in the past and I have to be careful not to overcook steaks and hamburgers.

Originally Posted by piper28

I used to have a cover on mine, but the cover eventually deteriorated and I've never bothered replacing it. As a result, it's been years since it's had the cover on, and pretty much I've found it doesn't make any real difference, and we get the whole spectrum of weather here. I do sometimes get water in the drip tray when it rains, but I've never really had problems with it making a huge mess (quite frankly, the birds that perch on the deck railing make more of a mess). We did seem to have more problems with wasps making nests in the grill when the cover was on than we do with it off.

Originally Posted by dchristiva

I'll second the recommendation to upgrade to the Genesis. I've been using a Weber Silver B for over 15 years. I've replaced a few internal parts over the years, but, by and large, the components have held up really, really well. And the firebox is is awesome shape. I know it's more money, but you will never, ever regret the purchase. You're gonna have this grill for a very, very long time if you look after it.

I would add a decent grill brush, an instant read thermometer, and a grill cover (assuming it will be exposed to the elements when not in use) to your list of "must haves". I would not spend crazy money on the brush, as you're likely to replace that annually or so. Put the extra dollars towards a good instant read thermometer. Last but not least, get a decent grill tool set - tongs and spatula in particular. Spring-loaded tongs are best, and long handles are almost a must. You don't have to buy a "matched set", but I have some Williams Sonoma tools that have held up perfectly over 10 years of use. For starters, I would go to a decent restaurant/chef's supply store and pick up the basics. They will have instant read thermometers, too. You might want to look at a decent cutting board/carving board there, too.