To start with I owned a competitors griddle, until first spring use, and something failed and caught fire, the replacement parts was more than it was worth. First off Weber is twice +or- the price of the big box store griddles but most are made in the USA 🇺🇸 and I will say the quality is also twice that is a box store griddle. The temperature variation is at least twice better than box stores. Heat control is twice better than box stores. (As low as 350 for perfect breakfast) everything is just plain flawless. Yeah the trays don’t fold up there fixed in place, but I’ve found I actually like that. The cook top is exceptional, the only non Weber thing I done is the attachment you see on the left side, the right side table lifts out for a carryall but I use of the table in more convenient for me. In short you’ll pay more for a Weber but I know I will never look back.
Have cooked a number of meals on the Slate and very pleased with its performance. Heats up quickly, temp across the cooktop is very even, front corner grease trap is great. Clean up was easy compared to my last flattop - with one J gave it a good scraping, add a little water to steam off any hard spots and dried it off. Took 2-3 minutes to complete. I got the 30 inch model, was use to a 36 flattop but I do not miss the extra space. It’s expensive but I’m finding worth the money